Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Nonprofits that support nature and wildlife education have until March 2 to apply for grants to support environmentally friendly project proposals through the Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Recently added is a scholarship for up to $3,500 designated for a student recipient aiming for a career in fish and wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, or natural resource management. The scholarship, intended to be annual, is in honor of the late Ed Schulze, a longtime Novato resident and former Chair of the Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Scholarship applications are sought from those with diverse backgrounds who may need assistance overcoming potential barriers to education and training in the fish and wildlife sciences. More information about eligibility and an application form are found on the UCCE Marin website.
Nonprofits registered as a 501©3 may apply for grants worth up to $5,000, earmarked for educational and habitat restoration projects in Marin. About a dozen nonprofits are awarded grants annually through the program. In 2025, 12 grants were awarded, worth a cumulative $25,100. Awardees included Chileno Valley Newt Brigade, International Bird Rescue, Shark Stewards, and others.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission advises the Marin County Board of Supervisors on expenditures of funds obtained through fines levied for fish and wildlife violations in Marin. The funds are designated by Section 13100 of the Fish and Game Code to be used to enhance fish and wildlife resources in the county and for public education. The Commission is staffed by the Marin County office of the University of California Cooperative Extension, better known as UCCE Marin.
Based in Novato, UCCE Marin’s mission is to sustain the county’s vital agriculture, environment, and communities by providing University of California research-based information in agriculture, natural resource management, healthy living, and youth development. UCCE programs operate through a partnership of the County of Marin government, the University of California, the federal government, and private funds.
Grant proposals are submitted to the Commission chair during the first quarter of the calendar year and are recommended on a competitive basis based on availability of funds. Commission members review applications at their regular April meeting, set funding levels, and vote to recommend projects for approval by the Board of Supervisors.
For more details about grant application process, visit the commission website or call (415) 473-4204.