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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
Upon completion, the agency must submit a Project Completion Report with outreach information, photos, and an article for CDA’s newsletter.
Â
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 31 | Submission of Proposals |
| April 30 | Proposals reviewed |
| June 1 – June 30 | CDA Project Proposal Committee recommend projects and prioritize for the Board of Directors Approval |
| July 15 | Projects submitted to CDA Board of Directors. |
| August 1 | Approvals/Rejections are communicated. Upon approval, CDA requests a completed Collection Agreement |
| September 1 | Collection Agreement Due |
| September 15 | Funding is awarded. If the project is delayed, CDA needs notification in writing for the potential to reserve funds. |
| As appropriate | 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
