The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites those filing a 2024 North Carolina state tax return to donate all or a portion of their refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. Contributions will support research and conservation management projects for the state’s most vulnerable wildlife populations.
“Funds donated using the tax-checkoff program amplify those provided by a federal grant for species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) in North Carolina,” said Sara Schweitzer, assistant chief of NCWRC’s Wildlife Management Division. “A $100 donation is matched by $186 in grants—truly boosting SGCN conservation in North Carolina. Our biologists and agency partners are working around the clock to enhance habitat and populations, especially those greatly affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The Eastern hellbender, bog turtle, gray bat, Carolina Northern flying squirrel, several high-elevation migratory birds, to name a few, have been greatly affected by the hurricane’s impacts. The matched funding from the tax check-off program will help conservation efforts immensely.”
Funds have supported projects to increase habitat restoration for the bog turtle, surveys for the endemic Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, translocations of hellbenders to avoid direct impacts from in-stream dam removal projects, and use of audio-recording devices to detect vocalizing frogs in remote areas of North Carolina’s Sandhills region. Funds have also supported development of diamondback terrapin surveys within North Carolina’s Coastal estuaries, enjoyed by many kayaking volunteers. Other successful projects supported by the tax check-off program can be found in the NCWRC’s Wildlife Diversity Program’s quarterly reports.
Taxpayers can easily participate by checking Line 30 on their North Carolina state income tax form; or, if filing through an online tax preparation software, enter the contribution amount when prompted to “N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.”
For those wishing to donate and do not expect a state tax refund, direct donations may be made online to support nongame wildlife through the N.C. Wildlife Diversity Endowment Fund.