Frequently Asked Questions

1.	What is the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative?
	The Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative is dedicated to maintaining healthy salmon ecosystems at the scale of the North Pacific.
2.	What size and duration are typical for Salmon Initiative grants?
	The time frames for individual grants are generally from one to three years; however, the Foundation considers grantees on a case-by-case basis to determine a realistic assessment of the time and resources it will take to achieve the desired results.
3.	Is the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative working on salmon habitat in the lower 48 states of the U.S.?
	The preservation of salmon systems that are still healthy today is our top priority. As a result, we do not expect to focus significant resources on salmon restoration in southern British Columbia or the lower 48 states of the U.S.
4.	How does the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative fit within the Foundation's overall mission?
	The Foundation is dedicated to advancing environmental conservation and effecting change that will have positive impact on the world for future generations. Preserving the salmon ecosystems of the North Pacific sustains not only wild Pacific salmon, but also a large and diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic life.
5.	How does the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative decide which grants to fund?
	The Wild Salmon Ecosystems team conducts research to identify projects that fit within the Initiative’s board-approved goals and strategies. Once potential grantees are identified, the Initiative team works with the grantees to develop formal grant proposals. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.
6.	How will you measure the success of the Wild Salmon Ecosystems Initiative?
	The key metrics for assessing the long-term impact of this initiative will be the abundance and diversity of wild salmon, and habitat disturbance measures (such as road-building, logging, etc.). In addition to these quantitative metrics, impact will also be assessed through periodic qualitative evaluation by a diverse panel of experts.
7.	What portfolio effect is the Foundation trying to achieve?
	Within each of our program areas are several initiatives that drive the grantmaking. When we create a series of grants that are linked to increase the effectiveness of an overall initiative, we call that a "portfolio effect." We believe the sum of several grants can positively effect an overall outcome and help to reach our goals while reducing the risk of failure of any one grant.

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