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A gray wolf walking in snow.

A gray wolf walking in snow.

About the Grant

Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program

Colorado House Bill 23-1265 created a new special license plate, raising funding for nonlethal ways of mitigating conflict with gray wolves. The Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program's goal is to raise awareness and promote the Born to Be Wild specialty license plate to engage and educate the public about the importance of the license plate, ultimately increasing sales to further support these vital conflict mitigation efforts. 

The Born to Be Wild Plate grant program, administered through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will award selected non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Projects focusing on innovative and creative marketing strategies and solutions will be prioritized to increase support for and sales of the license plate.

Currently Open: This grant application opens November 1 and has a deadline of December 15.

Born to Be Wild Specialty Plate

Born to Be Wild Specialty Plate

Grant Funding

The recommended annual grant program funding is $50,000, with a minimum award amount of $5,000 and a maximum of $50,000. The amount awarded will be determined based on the project's alignment with program priorities and the availability of funds. Partial funding may be provided. Annual award amounts will vary yearly depending on revenue generated from license plate sales.

GRANT CYCLE 2024-2025

How to Apply

    Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Check Eligibility

    Grant awards will be available annually to Colorado based non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies. Other entities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    • Must be a registered non-profit organization, educational institution, or government agency.  Other entities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
    • Must be based in Colorado, or, if not based in Colorado, must do significant work in Colorado.
    • Must demonstrate a clear plan for using the grant funds that aligns with Gray Wolf conservation and education objectives.
    • All public outreach materials and media must meet marketing standards set forth by CPW. 
    Step 2: Choose a Project

    Choose a Project

    Eligible grant projects include social media campaigns, printed educational materials, television and radio broadcasts, and other innovative outreach initiatives.

    Priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate a focus on outreach and education to promote the intentions of the
    Born to Be Wild specialty plate, using innovative ways to garner public attention, and provide measurable outcomes. Evaluation and priority of funding will be based on projects that:

    • Promote and market the Born to Be Wild Specialty License Plate;
    • Focus on outreach and enhanced public education to promote the intention of the Born to Be Wild specialty license plate and raise public awareness regarding non-lethal mitigation efforts for Gray Wolf conflicts;
    • Use innovative ways to garner public attention to the Born to Be Wild Specialty License Plate (i.e., social media, television ads, print ads, outreach material);
    • Include measurable outcomes and sustainability plans;
    • Are relevant to potential community impact;
    • Provide clear budget justification;
    • Match (cash or in-kind) is not required for this grant program but is encouraged.
    Step 3: Compile Your Full Application

    Compile Your Full Application

    The grant application can be downloaded below.  Applications can be submitted to the Grant Program Manager, Amy Brandenburg at [email protected] by December 15, 2024.

    Download Application
    Step 4: Application Review

    Application Review  

    Applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of wildlife conservation constituents and CPW  personnel, including, but not limited to, marketing, education, and outreach professionals, biologists, and Wolf Unit staff members.

    Award Notification

    Successful applicants will be notified via email and public announcement. Grant agreements will be drafted and signed before fund disbursement. Grant awards are on a reimbursement basis. Grant funds are available for 12 months following award notification. Paid-up-front grants may be available on a case-by-case basis.

    Step 5: Grant Requirements

    Reporting Requirements

    Grant recipients must submit a final report within six months of project completion, including a comprehensive summary of outcomes, lessons learned, and metrics achieved.

    Grant Deadlines

    Application Deadline

    December 15, 2024

    Review Period

    Mid-January through Mid-February

    Award Announcements

    Early March 2025
     

    Project Completion

    Within 12 months of the award date
     

    Contact

    Please email any questions about Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program to: 

    Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program