Heritage Partnership Program Grant

The Heritage Partnership Program, managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, aims to foster collaboration on projects that deliver conservation and recreational benefits. Eligible entities include governmental agencies, Indian tribes, and 501c3 organizations. With specific funding categories for habitat management, public access enhancement, and urban wildlife conservation, projects must be completed within one year, following the state fiscal year. Note that no funding is available for FY26 as all funds are obligated.

The Heritage Partnership Program is designed to provide opportunities to collaborate with eligible entities to fund projects that provide conservation and recreational benefits. Eligible entities include governmental agencies, Indian tribes, and non-governmental organizations (must meet the IRS definition of a 501c3). Concept proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the year and all funds are awarded externally. All projects must provide a conservation benefit and be eligible for Heritage funding, 17-296 – Definitions.
Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Commission approves a set amount of funding per category. Funding amounts provided may not exceed the amount approved by the Commission.
Identification, Inventory, Acquisition, Protection and Management of Sensitive Habitat (IIAPM) – IIAPM is for projects that preserve and enhance Arizona’s natural biological diversity is budgeted $200,000 per fiscal year.
Public Access – Public Access is for projects that increase or maintain public access for recreational use and is budgeted $50,000 per fiscal year.
Urban Wildlife and Urban Wildlife Habitat (URBAN) – Urban is for projects that conserve, enhance and establish wildlife habitats and populations in harmony with urban environments and is budgeted $130,000 per fiscal year.

Eligibility

Projects must be completed within one year, following the state fiscal year July 1 – June 30 of the following year. Projects spanning up to two years may be considered based on biological windows and the scope of work. Project funding is provided on a reimbursement basis.