ABOUT
US
The American Wildlife Conservation Foundation (AWCF) is a private not-for-profit foundation that provides grants to support research and educational projects that will enhance the knowledge, understanding, and management of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Additionally, special projects are undertaken that produce benefits that are important to the conservation of global ecosystems.
The AWCF was formed originally by the consolidation of the New York State Conservation Council Foundation, Inc. and the American Game Protective and Propagation Association on January 5, 1970 as the New York Conservation Council and American Game Association Foundation, Inc. pursuant to Section 50 of the Membership Corporations Law of the State of New York; it was subsequently named the American Wildlife Research Foundation in 1978 and is now (2003) renamed the American Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Inc.
The purposes and objectives of the Foundation, as set forth in its Certificate of Incorporation, are:
a. to aid in the formulation and establishment of sound policies and practices designed to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forests, wildlife, scenic and recreational areas in North America, with special regard to the State of New York, to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy and use these great natural resources.
b. to coordinate, stimulate, and enhance the conservation efforts of individuals and organizations in the State of New York, and to interest and foster the education of the people of the state with respect to conservation through research, lectures, workshops, films, scholarships, and other methods.
Since its establishment in 1911, the Foundation has supported hundreds of projects related to land and water uses, fish and wildlife research and environmental education. Over 2700 acres of wetlands in 8 states have been purchased and donated for public administration to the natural resource management agencies that have land jurisdiction.
Funding for grants comes from professionally managed investment earnings, 95% of which go directly to support qualifying projects. All projects are approved by the Foundation members after selection by a Grants Committee. Although competition for available funds is keen, students and research associates as well as other qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply for support.
The membership of the Foundation is composed of individuals who donate their time and energies to the cause of fish and wildlife conservation and stewardship. Many are fish and wildlife professionals working within resource agencies or academic institutions. Others have committed lifetimes to advocacy for scientific management of these resources and bring expertise to the Foundation from backgrounds in education, business, law, public service and other related fields. All are committed to fostering the mission and purposes of the Foundation.
