Make a lasting impact...

Sponsor Your Wildlife Refuge

REFUGE SUPPORT

With the Refuge's limited budget, Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge steps in to help. Each year, the Refuge asks us to set aside $50,000+ to use for the Visitor Services Program, Biology Program, Law Enforcement, Maintenance, and Environmental Education.

Each year, we raise funds for:
  • Intern stipends to help refuge staff accomplish long-term projects while providing on-the-job experience to high school and college students
  • Transportation grants to bring local K-12 children on field trips to experience the Refuge
  • Public use projects to provide safe and accessible recreational opportunities
  • Restoration projects to ensure that the Refuge's critical wetland habitats continue to improve water quality in our region
  • Promotional items to extend the visitor experience and generate awareness
Corporate sponsors help to ensure that the Refuge's needs are met.


EVENT SPONSORSHIP

The Friends support Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge through a variety of outreach events and fundraising benefits. Some events hosted in the past include:
  • Fishing with the Warden Day
  • Youth Waterfowl Hunt
  • Spring Migration - Biggest Week in American Birding
  • Summer Day Camps
  • Youth Fishing Days
  • Discover Ottawa Day
  • 5K
  • Holiday Open House
  • Chili Cook-off
  • Howl-o-ween
  • Wine for Wildlife
  • West Sister Island Rookery Cruise
  • Cars for Critters
Event Sponsors will help to cover the costs of supplies, food, advertising, and promotional items for events like these.

LAND ACQUISITION AND RESTORATION

One of the Friends goals is to create a $500,000 Land Acquisition and Restoration account which will help to purchase and restore critical habitats identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Sponsors for Land Acquisition and Restoration can feel particularly proud because their funds will be used in the revolving account, replenished by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with each sale. Funds will be used in perpetuity for acquisition and restoration projects, helping to expand Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and support these critical habitats for wildlife and people.

Why sponsor your refuge?

BRAND VISIBILITY 

Sponsors will be included in the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Annual Report, quarterly newsletters and e-blasts, at special events, and on our website and social media accounts.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge members from NW Ohio and those from across the country will recognize your contribution to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The critical wetland habitats of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex are imperative to our ecosystem and water quality. Wetlands act as a filter, removing pollutants before they infiltrate our drinking water. The wetlands also provide nesting and stopover habitat for migratory birds. Sponsoring the Refuge means that you are making an impact on the environment.

Your company can make a difference.​
Ways to Support
There are many ways to support Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge with its education and conservation initiatives:
​
  • Project Sponsorship
  • Event Sponsorship
  • In-Kind Gifts (Raffle/Silent Auction Items)
  • Grants
  • Pro-Bono Services
  • Matching Gifts 
  • Employee Giving and Company Match
  • Volunteering, including company-wide Day of Service events