WISCONSIN DIVISION ENDOWMENT GRANTS

The following is a partial list of grant projects funded by the Wisconsin Division:

• Learn to Hunt Programs for youth and first time hunters (Watertown Chapter; Beloit Chapter)

• Fish stocking, creel surveys and stream restoration work (Rock River Rescue Foundation)

• Tree planting and invasive species control project (Scout Project for Hornaday Award)

• Birdhouse / Birdfeeder Builds (Beloit Chapter; County Chapter)

• Youth Trapshooting Team (Beloit Chapter)

• Birdwatching kits (Brown County Chapter)

• Conservation Leadership Corps (Wisconsin Wildlife Federation)

• Archery Equipment (Brown County Chapter)

• Prairie Plant Restoration Projects (Beloit Chapter)

• Save Our Streams and Stream Improvement (Bill Cook Chapter)

• National Archery in the School Program for local schools and/or chapters (Bill Cook Chapter)

• Family Nature Club (Marsh Haven Nature Center)

HISTORY OF WISCONSIN ENDOWMENT TRUST GRANT

Funding for the Division Trust began in 1968 when Richard W. Hallstrom, a dedicated Ike donated 598 acres of wooded land in Washburn County to the Wisconsin Division. Control of the property was initially given to the Milwaukee Chapter.  In 1978 the Division assigned control of the property to the Bill Cook Chapter (at that time known as the Stevens Point Chapter) because it was located closer to Washburn County and it had members with forest management experience and skills. 

In 1976, the Division enrolled the land under the Wisconsin Forest Crop Law. The management plan recommended that the mature aspen be clear cut in 40-50 acre parcels each year until completed. Timber sales began in 1980 and were completed in 1990 under the direction of the Bill Cook Chapter. Funding from pulp sales ($50,000), along with interest, were and are still used by the Division to fund conservation projects. 

By 2000 it became apparent that it was difficult for the Division to manage the Hallstrom Woods property because there were no chapters close to the property. In addition, people were using the property as a dumping ground and motorized vehicles were tearing up the logging roads. On March 11, 2000, the Division voted to sell the Hallstrom Woods property to Washburn County. The County had an excellent county forest system and, therefore, the land would be managed properly and be kept open to the public. The Division previously had the land appraised for $705,000; it decided to donate about 20% of the appraised value as a reduction against the purchase price if the County decided to purchase the property. With the assistance of funding from the State of Wisconsin and the federal government, along with the Division's contribution, the County was able to purchase the property.  On March 19, 2001, Washburn County approved a resolution to purchase Hallstrom Woods. On October 20, 2001, the Wisconsin Division Endowment Trust was established.  The Wisconsin Division manages and distributes the funds in the trust. 

Every year the Division receives numerous grant requests from Chapters and outside organizations. The Division has set up rules that must be followed in order to be eligible for grant funding. These rules mirror the League's Mission Statement and the strategic goals set by the League's members. 

YOUNG WISCONSIN CONSERVATIONIST (YWC) GRANT PROGRAM

The Wisconsin Division of the Izaak Walton League of American has a Young Wisconsin Conservationist (YWC) program that promotes and assists schools and organizations to carry out conservation projects in their communities. The Division provides funding, up to $300 per a worthwhile project. The projects must be hands-on projects where youth work directly on conservation projects. 

The funds may be used for a variety of purposes as long as they are legitimate expenses in getting the project completed and the youth outdoors. Some of the projects the Division has funded in the past include habitat restoration, wildflower and prairie plantings, tree planting, bird houses, duck houses, fishing and water studies, and learn to hunt programs, just to name a few. Funds may be used to purchase supplies or equipment needed, travel expenses or even lunch for projects lasting more than four hours. The project simply needs to be a hands-on project wherein the youth will be involved in doing the majority of the work. 

The YWC grant program will not fund the cost of field trips (unless there is a hands-on conservation project to be performed), CDs and DVDs. 

Funding is limited and requests are reviewed by the YWC Committee for approval. Funds (if available) will be distributed in the following manner: Requests approved in January, February or March will be disbursed in April; requests approved in April or May will be disbursed in June; requested approved in July, July or August will be disbursed in September; and requests approved in September, October, November or December will be disbursed in January. 

Please download the application below if you are interested in applying for a grant.  They are issued on a first come, first served basis so we encourage you to apply early.