The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites those filing a 2025 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), including listed species in North Carolina,” said Dr. Sara Schweitzer, assistant chief of NCWRC’s Wildlife Management Division. “A $100 donation is matched by $186 of grant funding—truly boosting wildlife conservation in North Carolina. Our dedicated and passionate biologists, agency partners and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure wildlife and their habitats will persist into the future for North Carolinians to enjoy. In western North Carolina especially, donations will help us address the immense impacts of Hurricane Helene on species such as the Eastern hellbender, bog turtle, gray bat, Carolina Northern flying squirrel and several high-elevation migratory birds.”
These funds support survey and monitoring efforts for rare species such as the bog turtle, Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, Eastern hellbender, river frog, diamondback terrapin and Northern gray treefrog. These data are used to target habitat restoration projects, especially needed in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in the west and areas impacted by drought in the Sandhills. More information on these and other projects supported by the tax check-off program is found in quarterly reports from NCWRC’s Wildlife Diversity Program.
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.