Nevada Division of Wildlife may take donations for specific programs
By Guy Clifton, Reno Gazette-Journal
The Nevada Department of Wildlife, looking for ways to help fund programs and match federal grants, is proposing the establishment of a “gift account” that would let people and organizations donate directly to the department rather than have the money funnel through the state’s general fund.
The program would also allow conservation organizations or individuals to donate money for a specific project, said NDOW Director Ken Mayer.
“The neat part of it is if a person donates and says they want their funds donated to project X, we can earmark it for that purpose,” Mayer said.
The state Department of Cultural Affairs has a similar program that allows for donations directly to museums.
State funding for NDOW has declined annually from $1.74 million in 2006 to $721,000 in 2011 and will drop to about $495,000 in 2012 and 2013 if Gov. Brian Sandoval’s proposed budget is approved.
The department’s budget is largely funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, trout stamps, boat registrations and with federal dollars that often require a match.
