Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

What Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies does

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) is a private, Washington, DC-based non-profit association founded in 1902 that serves as the collective voice and coordination body for North America's fish and wildlife agencies. Its membership spans 56 U.S. states and territories, the relevant U.S. federal agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, BLM, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA-APHIS/Wildlife Services, USGS, EPA), the Canadian Wildlife Directors Committee covering 13 provinces and territories, and Mexican counterparts, with governance executed through an Executive Committee that includes ex officio voting seats for the four regional associations (WAFWA, MAFWA, NEAFWA, SEAFWA). The organization sustains more than 60 national committees and working groups involving over a thousand conservation experts, and it formally endorsed the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation at its centennial meeting in September 2002.

AFWA's "products" are programmatic services rather than a unified software or technology platform: conservation education curricula (Project WILD, with K-12, Aquatic, Growing Up WILD, Flying WILD, and WILD About Bats/Insects/Remote Learning modules), the BearWise human-bear coexistence program, the Clean Drain Dry invasive species initiative (for which AFWA holds the registered trademark), the Management Assistance Team leadership and training practice, the National Fish Habitat Partnership, Fall Flights, Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, the Southern Wings program, the Climate Adaptation Network, and the National Survey on outdoor recreation participation. The technology stack is explicitly described as "Not applicable — AFWA is an association/advocacy organization, not a technology product company"; delivery occurs through the website (fishwildlife.org), the Knowledge Hub, social media, annual/regional conferences, the 115th/116th Annual Meetings, and committee work.

AFWA is funded through member-agency dues (no initiation fees; category-level; invoiced annually in October), grants, and program administration — notably the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (over $102 million dedicated since 2000) and the State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program (over $1.7 billion invested since 2000) — the latter two being federal pass-through programs rather than AFWA's own revenue. The Association's go-to-market is membership-driven and advocacy-driven: it coordinates cross-jurisdictional conservation policy, runs Capitol Hill and federal Executive Branch advocacy (including for the proposed Recovering America's Wildlife Act at $1.4 billion annually), and operates AWARE, its own 501(c)(3) educational foundation. No acquisition targets, IPO, or external funding rounds exist; the organization is governed by its member agencies and is actively operating, with the 116th Annual Meeting scheduled for September 2026 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Name

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Legal name

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Website

https://fishwildlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1902

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is a 1902-founded Washington, DC-based non-profit association that represents all 56 U.S. state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies, relevant U.S. federal agencies, and Canadian provincial/territorial agencies, delivering conservation education programs (Project WILD, BearWise, Clean Drain Dry), federal policy advocacy, grant administration, and leadership training across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Association Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administration of Conservation Programs (924120)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ), Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration (BPAIAMAG), State/Provincial Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration (BPAIABAL), Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation advocacy
• Fisheries management
• Conservation education
• Habitat restoration
• Government agency coordination

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) is a non-profit association that represents North America's state, provincial, territorial, and federal fish and wildlife agencies. It provides collective advocacy on federal policy and funding, coordinates cross-cutting conservation issues (migratory birds, invasive species, fish habitat, climate change), delivers conservation education programs such as Project WILD and BearWise, administers grant programs including the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants and Multistate Conservation Grants, and offers leadership development and training to member agencies.

Product overview

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies operates as a non-profit association serving North America's state, provincial, and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. Its product portfolio consists primarily of conservation education programs and initiatives rather than a unified software platform. The core offerings include Project WILD (K-12 conservation education curriculum with modules like Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD, and Flying WILD), the Management Assistance Team (providing leadership development and training to member agencies), the AWARE foundation for conservation education, the BearWise human-wildlife coexistence program, Clean Drain Dry invasive species initiative, and the Fall Flights waterfowl conservation program. Additional programs include the National Fish Habitat Partnership, State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, Blue Ribbon Panel & Relevancy Roadmap for agency strategic planning, the Alliance for America's Fish & Wildlife coalition for legislative advocacy, and the Knowledge Hub resource portal. The Conservation Education Strategy framework provides educational standards, core concepts, and professional development resources for educators.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Project WILD A conservation education program providing supplementary curriculum materials for K-12 educators focusing on wildlife and habitat education, including Project WILD K-12 Guide, Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD, and Flying WILD modules.
• BearWise Program A public education program teaching responsible behaviors to prevent human-bear conflicts and promote coexistence.
• Management Assistance Team (MAT) Provides leadership and organizational development services to state fish and wildlife agencies, offering leadership launchpad programs, online courses, webinars, workshops, coaching, and consulting services.
• AWARE (America's Wildlife Association for Resource Education) AFWA's 501(c)(3) foundation focused on educating children and adults about conservation and professional fish and wildlife management.
• Clean Drain Dry Initiative Invasive species education and outreach program in partnership with Wildlife Forever, providing unified messaging and resources to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Fall Flights Program Cross-border waterfowl conservation program supporting habitat conservation and migration tracking across the U.S.-Canada border.
• National Fish Habitat Partnership Program supporting habitat conservation projects through partnership coordination to improve fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
• State & Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Grant program providing funding to state, territorial, and tribal fish and wildlife agencies for proactive conservation of rare and declining species before they require Endangered Species Act protection.
• Alliance for America's Fish & Wildlife Coalition advocating for Recovering America's Wildlife Act legislation to secure dedicated funding for proactive wildlife conservation across states, territories, and tribal nations.
• Knowledge Hub Online resource portal providing access to AFWA publications, reports, and conservation resources.
• National Survey Annual survey tracking public participation in outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related activities.
• Conservation Education Strategy Framework providing conservation education core concepts, K-12 scope and sequence, field investigation guides, outdoor skills education, and professional development tutorials for educators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1.7 billion invested through State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program since 2000
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Federal agency partner providing coordination on national wildlife conservation policy. Collaborates with AFWA on State Wildlife Grants program administration and conservation funding initiatives.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Fisheries ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Federal partner for marine and fisheries conservation coordination. Collaborates on fish habitat and aquatic resource management policy.
• Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish & Wildlife ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Co-chaired by John Morris (Bass Pro Shops founder) and David Freudenthal (former Wyoming Governor). 26 members from conservation, business, outdoor recreation and academia. Produced recommendations for 21st century funding model for wildlife conservation. Led to Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife and Recovering America's Wildlife Act proposal.
• Wildlife ForevercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015AFWA officially took ownership of the registered trademark for Clean Drain Dry from Wildlife Forever in 2015. Maintains trademark on behalf of all interested partners (Federal, State, NGO, Educational) to further invasive species education and outreach. Partners lead the Clean Drain Dry Initiative.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Conservation InvestmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Administers the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program for the Department of Interior. Has invested over $1.7 billion since 2000 to support proactive conservation of rare and declining fish and wildlife.
• Bureau of Land ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife management on public lands. Coordinates on habitat conservation and land management issues affecting fish and wildlife.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife management within national park system. Collaborates on conservation and species management programs.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - APHIS/Wildlife ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife damage management and health coordination. Works with AFWA on wildlife health issues and disease management.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife management on national forest lands. Coordinates on habitat conservation and species management.
• U.S. Geological SurveycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal science partner providing research support and technical expertise for fish and wildlife conservation programs.
• Canadian Wildlife Directors Committee (CWDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComposed of wildlife directors from 13 Canadian Provinces and Territories plus Environment and Climate Change Canada, Parks Canada Agency, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Provides organizing frame for national collaboration on wildlife conservation in Canada.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada / Canadian Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife conservation in Canada. Responsible for migratory birds, species at risk, and wildlife on federal lands. Manages 55 National Wildlife Areas and 92 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.
• Parks Canada AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner managing 46 national parks, 168 national historic sites, four national marine conservation areas. Provides stewardship and protection of Canada's natural heritage.
• Fisheries and Oceans CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner managing Canada's fisheries and safeguarding waters. Leads on marine species protection and maintains network of protected marine areas covering 275,000 square kilometers.
• Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association representing agencies in 24 states and Canadian provinces (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta, BC, NWT, Saskatchewan, Yukon). Has ex officio voting member on AFWA Executive Committee.
• Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association representing agencies in 16 states and Canadian provinces (Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Manitoba, Ontario). Has ex officio voting member on AFWA Executive Committee.
• Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association representing agencies in 20 states, Canadian provinces and DC (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, DC, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI, Quebec). Has ex officio voting member on AFWA Executive Committee.
• Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association representing agencies in 15 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands). Has ex officio voting member on AFWA Executive Committee.
• Bass Pro Shops / Johnny MorriscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlue Ribbon Panel co-chair. John Morris, Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, co-chaired the panel examining funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. Active supporter of conservation funding initiatives.
• Alliance for America's Fish and WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition supporting Recovering America's Wildlife Act ($1.4 billion proposed for Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program). Members include outdoor recreation, retail, manufacturing, energy, automotive, private landowners, educational institutions, conservation organizations, sportsmen's groups, and state/federal agencies. Led to Recovering America's Wildlife Act introduction in Congress.
• Wildlife Management InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing comprehensive summary of the American System of Conservation Funding. Collaborated with fishing and hunting industries to explain related laws, excise tax collections, and fund allocation to state agencies.
• Conservation organizations and sportsmen's industriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partners supporting the American System of Conservation Funding through Pittman-Robertson Act (wildlife) and Dingell-Johnson Act (fisheries). Funding cycle: hunters/anglers pay excise taxes on equipment, funds support state agencies, improved opportunities drive increased participation.
• National Marine Manufacturers AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContributing member and partner in Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux funding system. Supports sport fish restoration and boating safety through excise tax contributions and advocacy.
• Recreational Boating & Fishing FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in promoting angling and boating participation. Collaborates on conservation funding initiatives and outdoor recreation outreach programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation: Sportsmen's policy advocacy organization; comparable to AFWA as a stakeholder group working directly with state fish and wildlife agencies and lobbying Congress on hunting, fishing, and conservation funding policy.
• Trout Unlimited: Coldwater fisheries conservation organization; directly comparable as a nonprofit running habitat restoration projects, federal advocacy on conservation funding, and a strong grassroots state-council structure.
• Defenders of Wildlife: Wildlife conservation advocacy organization; comparable to AFWA as a federally focused nonprofit conducting Capitol Hill advocacy on Endangered Species Act policy, species protection, and habitat conservation funding.
• Wildlife Management Institute: Private nonprofit focused on wildlife policy and management; directly comparable to AFWA as a partner organization working on the American System of Conservation Funding, state agency capacity, and federal policy coordination.
• American Fisheries Society: Professional society for fisheries scientists and managers; closely parallel to AFWA as a membership organization advancing science-based fisheries management, education, and policy advocacy in North America.
• The Wildlife Society: Professional association for wildlife biologists and managers; directly comparable to AFWA as a membership organization serving wildlife professionals and providing policy advocacy, publications, and continuing education across North America.
• Ducks Unlimited: Largest waterfowl conservation organization in North America; comparable as a nonprofit that funds habitat conservation, engages in federal policy advocacy, and partners with state agencies on cooperative programs.
• National Wildlife Federation: America's largest wildlife conservation nonprofit; comparable as a federally focused advocacy and education organization that engages in Capitol Hill lobbying, runs K-12 education programs (e.g., Ranger Rick), and mobilizes state affiliate networks.
• Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: Coalition-based conservation advocacy organization; highly comparable to AFWA as a policy-focused group that convenes sportsmen, conservationists, and industry to lobby Congress on wildlife and habitat funding.
• Izaak Walton League of America: Long-standing conservation organization with state chapter structure; comparable to AFWA as a membership-based conservation group with grassroots chapters, policy advocacy, and habitat conservation programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fishwildlife
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYb33cQZqM4AxbUEy0EtLLg
• Facebookfacebook.com/FishWildlifeAgencies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/association-of-fish-wildlife-agencies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies