The Wick Fund makes grants to protect and restore watersheds in the Western United States. In the simplest of terms, we are interested in keeping western rivers flowing with ample volumes of clean water.

The Foundation makes only discretionary grants.

Discretionary grants are given to projects that:

1. Provide a real opportunity to change western water policy on a local, state or national level; or
2. Defend environmental laws critical for the protection of all western rivers; or
3. Focus on a specific strategy for protection of a biologically important western watershed; or
4. Research and analyze issues that affect western water. Research topics might include alternatives for managing water demand, mechanisms for transferring water to environmental and recreational use, commentary on federal and state actions that affect water policy. Grants may be used for arranging meetings. Preference will be given to projects that will be disseminated to reach advocates for the West's rivers.

Groups interested in applying for a discretionary grant may do so by sending an email to jay@kenneybrosfdn.org with Discretionary Grant Inquiry in the subject line.

Please limit your email to one page and explain the importance of the project and its fit with one of four guidelines noted above. Upon receipt, the Foundation may request more information if the project has funding potential.

Please note:

• Paper inquiries and email attachments will not be accepted. In the very unlikely event that you absolutely feel you must send us something tangible, please send it to 910 Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80206. We strongly discourage sending calendars, annual reports, updates, t-shirts, DVDs, bumper stickers, pins, placards, and posters.
• Inquiry emails are accepted at any time, but grants are typically made only twice a year, in June and December.
• The Foundation will try to reply to all inquiries in a timely manner. If you have not heard from us in 2 months, feel free to bug us by email.
• Discretionary grants can only be made to registered 501(c)3 organizations (not to individuals or political organizations).
• Policy applications under section 4, above, should:
  • describe the project (what it addresses and why it is needed);
  • the total budget of the project and the sources of additional funding that are being sought;
  • the experience of the primary analyst;
  • how the research will be disseminated;
  • the tax status of the proposed recipient.

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