Project Proposals
PROGRAM INTENT
The California Deer Association (CDA) is a nonprofit conservation organization focused on improving California’s deer herds and habitat and promoting responsible use of natural resources. We fund projects that deliver immediate impact and long-term benefits for deer or their habitat, specifically in areas open to public access for hunting or general recreation.
CDA does not cover salaries, administrative costs, or post-completion maintenance. These are the responsibility of the managing agency or individual. However, CDA reserves the right to monitor funded projects to ensure proper upkeep.
Projects are evaluated against others in their category using CDA’s ranking criteria. Approved projects must remain within budget unless the CDA project committee grants prior written approval.
Allocated funds will be issued to the local district representative who submitted the proposal and disbursed by the originating agency under a signed Collection Agreement. Payments may be made directly to material suppliers.
Upon completion, the agency must submit a Project Completion Report with outreach information, photos, and an article for CDA’s newsletter.
We look forward to collaborating on projects that enhance California’s deer populations, their habitat, and public awareness of conservation efforts.
FUNDING TIMELINE
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 15 | Call for Proposals |
| January 16 - March 15 | Submission of Proposals |
| May 1 | Approvals/Rejections are communicated. Upon approval, CDA requests a completed Collection Agreement |
| As appropriate | Collection Agreement Due. Funding awarded. Project Completion report due |
PROPOSAL RANKING CRITERIA
Habitat Projects
- Project produces recognizable results with a high probability of success
- Project addresses the limiting factors for the herd(s)
- Cost share dollars available from other sources (In-kind; currently funded; applied for)
- Project has high visibility and recognition for CDA
- Project benefits a herd that is publicly accessible
- Project mentioned, either specifically or generally, in the appropriate deer herd management plan
Land Acquisition & Conservation Easements
- Subject Property contingent to Public Land or used by deer herds migrating to public domain
- Acreage affected and deer population estimates
- Encroachment threat
- Long term plan for management and costs of up-keep
Research Projects
- Project has reasonable potential to provide information that will affect land use or management programs
- Information gathered has statewide implications
- Cost share dollars available from other sources (In-kind; currently funded; applied for)
- High probability of success
- Project addresses the limiting factors for the herd(s)
- Project has general appeal/application with high visibility and recognition for CDA
Equipment Requests
- Purchase and use of this equipment significantly increases research or habitat potential in given area
- Equipment has potential for statewide use
- Cost share dollars available from other sources (currently funded; applied for; in-kind)
- Addresses expected useful life of the equipment
- Use of this equipment addresses the limiting factors for the herd(s)
Public Education/Outreach
- Project has general appeal/application
- Cost share dollars available from other sources (currently funded; in-kind; applied for)
- Project has high visibility and recognition for CDA
- Project/information encourages and promotes public awareness of California Deer issues
