Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Volunteer Cooperative Grant Program

Over the years, The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) ALEA Grant Program has supported hundreds of individuals and organizations who have undertaken a variety of projects that engage volunteers and benefit fish and wildlife resources.

ALEA grants are in high demand; therefore, we follow a competitive process to select recipients.

What projects are eligible for funding?

Many project types are eligible, including:

• Habitat - activities that restore and/or preserve fish and wildlife habitat.
• Research - activities that increase our knowledge of fish and wildlife species.
• Education - efforts to share information or provide hands-on experiences to enhance public knowledge of fish, wildlife and their habitats.
• Facility development - efforts to provide or enhance access to fish and wildlife related recreational opportunities.
• Artificial production - efforts to rear and release fish or wildlife to restore populations or for public recreation. Applicants must obtain pre-approval from WDFW to be eligible for funding.

Eligible applicants include individual citizens, non-profit organizations, schools and universities, conservation districts, and tribal governments. For-profit businesses, state, and federal agencies are not eligible.

• Learn more about the ALEA Grant Program (PDF)

Grant guidelines

The ALEA Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF) describes grant guidelines, which include:

• Grant funds are available on a cost reimbursement basis.
• Funds may not be used for direct wages, benefits, or stipends.
• Grantees must register volunteers and report volunteer hours.
• Grant recipients must follow state purchasing rules. Equipment purchased with grant funds must be returned to the department at project completion.
• Project outcomes must be available to the public per Chapter 77.100 RCW.

Apply

To receive an application, complete and submit the eligibility questionnaire.  After review and, if eligible, you will be sent the grant application. 

• ALEA Grant Eligibility Questionnaire (PDF)

Grant forms and reports

Managing your grant

• ALEA Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF)
• Quick Start Guide (PDF)

Reimbursement

• ALEA A-19 Contract Payment Voucher  (DOC)(Microsoft Word)
• ALEA A-20 Travel Expense Voucher (XLSX) (Microsoft Excel)
• Statewide Payee Registration – New or Modified Registration (PDF)
• Statewide Payee Registration – Direct Deposit Form (PDF)

Project reporting

• Project report forms will be emailed to grantees.