SCHOLARSHIP 2026 will OPEN on 5/1/2026

The California Wildlife Officers Foundation seeks applications for grants to assist with the educational needs of California Wildlife Officers and their families. Applicants must be active-duty California Wildlife Officers or spouse, or the dependent children of active-duty California Wildlife Officers. Open from the beginning of May to June 30, 2026.

NOTE: Applicants must be active-duty California Wildlife Officers or spouses, or the dependent children of active-duty California Wildlife Officers.

Last year, we awarded close to $100,000 in scholarships!

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How to Apply

Applicants must be active-duty California Wildlife Officers or spouse, or the dependent children of active-duty California Wildlife Officers.

As in year’s pased, we will be using an online submission process. Please review the Program Instructions for each process. Please identify any special circumstances or special needs that should be considered by the Grants Committee.

Applicants are required to provide recommendation letters from third parties who are familiar with you and can vouch for your good character. Recognize that we will evaluate this part of the application process based on references from teachers, community leaders and interested third parties higher than affirmations from family members or persons described merely as “friends.” California Wildlife Officers applying please submit a letter of recommendation from a person in your Chain of Command.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER JUNE 30, 2026 AT 5:00PM PACIFIC TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. No Exceptions.
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17 years and running

CALWOF is very proud of our 17 years of providing scholarships and the impact it has on California Wildlife Officers and their families. From funding a portion of medical school to funding trade school enrollments, CALWOF has been able to contribute in a meaningful way. Through 2025 Calwof has awarded 392 scholarships with payments just under $950,000! Your donations and support are critical to broadening that impact now into the future.

Meet Past Recipients

”One of the more meaningful tasks we have at CALWOF is providing scholarships. The impact is incredible and reading essays by applicants is one of the more rewarding experiences for me at CALWOF.

Ken MoonieCALWOF Treasurer

How You Can Help

Your tax-free donation can go directly to our Scholarship Program. Simply follow the link below and contribute. Make your intentions known during the donation process and rest assured your funds will go directly to impact the educational future of California’s Wildlife Officers and their families.

Donate

Meet Past Scholarship Recipients and More Opportunities

April 28, 2021

Meet Megan — 2020 Scholarship Recipient

April 20, 2021

Meet Bridget — 2020 Scholarship Recipient

The Pat and Charles Fullerton Foundation is reaching out to employees of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to promote a special scholarship opportunity for family members. 

 Named in honor of former Department of Fish and Game Director Charles “Charlie” Fullerton and his wife, Pat, the Foundation will award college scholarships to the children of current employees in 2022. 

Our hope is to support the educational goals of students who exemplify former Director Fullerton’s generous spirit, work ethic and appreciation for California’s precious natural resources. 

Application packets for the 2024-2025 school year must be mailed and postmarked by April 25, 2025. Recipients notified by May 15th, awards by June 15th.

Proud to have awarded 25 scholarships for a total of $525,000.00 in 4 years

Note: This is open to all CDFW employees and is not directly affiliated with CALWOF.

Get Involved

Help enable the brave men and women who put themselves at risk on a daily basis to protect our great state's natural resources.

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