Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants

Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)
Last Updated: July 04, 2025

Summary

The Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants support conservation projects that enhance wildlife and their habitats in Alberta. Funded by Alberta hunters and anglers, these grants have raised millions since 1995. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations committed to wildlife health and habitat enhancement, with no maximum funding limit. Notably, projects must occur within Alberta, ensuring local impact. This initiative promotes responsible hunting education and fosters community involvement in conservation efforts.

Overview

Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants These grants fund worthy conservation projects that benefit wildlife and their habitats, not to mention all Albertans. The grants are fully funded by the MSL Resident Draw and supported by Alberta hunters and anglers. Since 1995, MSL has raised millions of dollars for conservation. The Government of Alberta donates special licences application draws to raise money for conservation activities. Purpose The MSL Resident Draw Grants funds support activities by individuals (with appropriate insurance coverage), organizations, and communities that contribute to healthy wildlife populations, and to conservation or enhancement of the habitat that wildlife populations depend on. In addition, a portion of the funds may be granted to hunter training projects and/or to projects that promote awareness and understanding of the role hunters and hunting plays in wildlife conservation. MSLRDG only funds projects that occur in, and relate to, Alberta. Organizations external to Alberta may apply for funding for projects that meet this Alberta-based criteria. Grants are available for: Projects that conserve, protect, and enhance wildlife populations and their habitats. Projects that contribute to the Funding Priorities outlined in Section 4. Projects that demonstrate a “self-help” attitude (i.e., partner contributions, matched funding dollars, and public involvement).Small and large projects. How much can be applied for? There is no maximum specified for an individual project and the total funds available for 2025 has yet to be determined. As an indicator, in 2024, the range of grants awarded was $5,100 to $49,850.Scientific research projects are allowed, but the application should be written at a layperson level.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Any legally-recognized organization (charity/society/corporation) or individual, with appropriate liability insurance and WCB coverage, can apply if they have a suitable project, with the exception of federal or provincial government staff.  Federal or provincial government employees may be part of the project but must not be responsible for the majority of the project.

Ineligibility

MSLRDG does not fund applications where the federal or provincial government employee is the principal applicant (principal applicant is considered the lead on a project) or the principal applicant is a federal or provincial ministry.The following are criteria that will be assessed by ACA as reasons to disqualify a group or individual from receiving grant funds:Any group or individual that has made a public statement calling for the discontinuance of hunting, angling or trapping. The severity or level of this opposition will be considered through the disqualification process.Any group or individual that has made a public statement calling for the discontinuance of ACA or any of our Member groups.Any group or individual that has made public statements disparaging, or threatening ACA, ACA staff, ACA Member groups; or hunting, angling or trapping overall. This does not mean that a group or individual cannot make public statements pointing out issues or concern that they have with ACA, our Member groups, or hunting, angling or trapping. However false statements questioning the professionalism or integrity of ACA, staff members, Board members or Member groups, would be considered grounds for disqualification. Public statements broadly disparaging hunting, angling or trapping would also be considered grounds for disqualification. Public statements questioning particular hunting, angling or trapping activities/techniques would not be considered grounds for disqualification.Any group or individual that has harassed ACA staff, whether publicly or privately, through written word or verbally.Any group or individual that has, through previous grant interaction, treated ACA staff disrespectfully and/or has not met reporting requirements as stated in the grant agreements.Any group or individual whose public image is such that ACA’s association through funding a grant, may negatively impact ACA’s public image. This may include groups or individuals that have committed or been accused of serious crimes or betrayed the public trust, or groups or individuals that are involved in controversial public advocacy as determined by ACA’s board and administration at that timeMSLRDG does not provide funding for: Projects outside of Alberta. Profit-making activities. Overhead costs. Emergency funds or deficit financing. Travel to conferences and seminars, unless part of a larger project supported by the grant. General fundraising. Land acquisition.