CPW Announces 2026 Grants to Boost Born to Be Wild License Plate Awareness and Support Ranchers

Description: Nonprofits, schools, and agencies can apply by March 2 for up to $50,000 in funding to promote Colorado’s Born to Be Wild license plate and help fund non-lethal gray wolf conflict prevention efforts. Read the Full Press Release...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Opens Applications for 2026 Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program

DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now accepting applications for the Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program’s 2026 cycle. The program–in its second year–provides up to $50,000 in funding for initiatives that raise awareness and promote the Born to Be Wild special license plate, educating the public about its importance and ultimately increasing sales to further support gray wolf conflict mitigation efforts. The application deadline is March 2, and awardees will be announced in early May.

Administered through CPW, the Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program awards funding to selected nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies for projects focused on innovative and creative marketing strategies and solutions that increase participation in this license plate program.

Additional information including applicable projects, eligibility requirements and application details are available online. 

The Born To Be Wild special license plate was established by HB23-1265 to raise funds for non-lethal means of mitigating conflict with gray wolves. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Reps. Meghan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco, along with Sen. Janice Marchman and then-Sen. Perry Will. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law in May 2023.

“This special license plate allows Colorado residents to support ranchers impacted by wolf depredation by providing funding for non-lethal conflict minimization tools such as turbo fladry and scare devices,” said CPW Acting Director Laura Clellan. “The hope is that the license plate  will continue to engage the public and increase overall sales, in turn reducing impacts with livestock so that both ranchers and wolves can thrive and coexist together in Colorado.”

For the 2026 grant cycle, the minimum award amount will be $5,000 with a maximum of $50,000. The amount awarded will be determined based on each project's alignment with program priorities and the availability of funds–partial funding may be provided. Annual award amounts will vary each cycle depending on revenue generated from license plate sales.

Applications must be submitted by March 2. Applicants should email any questions about the Born to Be Wild License Plate Grant Program to Amy Brandenburg at amy.brandenburg@state.co.us

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