Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)

Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) is a delegated administrative organization in Alberta that works to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. Created in 1997, ACA manages funds collected from levies on hunting and angling licences, as well as partner contributions and other revenues, and directs these resources to on‑the‑ground conservation work, research, education, and community initiatives across the province.

ACA plays a hybrid role as both a conservation implementer and a funder. Through its dedicated Grants Program, it offers several streams of financial support, including ACA Conservation, Community & Education Grants, the ACA Research Grant, Grants in Biodiversity, and grants supported by Minister’s Special Licence (MSL) revenues. The organization also administers external funds, such as federal Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada grants for initiatives like living labs, ensuring that public and partner dollars are invested directly into conservation outcomes.

The association funds and collaborates with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including universities and researchers, conservation organizations, community groups, landowners and local partners. Its portfolio spans fisheries, wildlife and habitat projects, as well as communications and education activities that build public awareness and engagement. ACA emphasizes science‑based decision making, using multi‑year studies, surveys and monitoring to guide both its own work and the projects it funds.

ACA reports that it applies the vast majority of levy revenue directly to conservation activities in Alberta, keeping administrative costs comparatively low. Since inception, it has awarded many millions of dollars in grants, enabling Albertans to research new ways to conserve and enhance fish, wildlife and natural habitats. Grant outcomes are documented through annual reports, project reports and grant reports, providing transparency on funded initiatives and their ecological benefits.

The association operates under bylaws and formal agreements with the Government of Alberta, including a Memorandum of Understanding and program‑specific agreements for fisheries, habitat, wildlife, information and education programs. As a delegated administrative organization under the Wildlife Act, its science and monitoring results feed directly into provincial management plans and regulation changes, linking its grant‑supported work with broader policy and management decisions.