The International Wild Waterfowl Association (IWWA) was founded in 1958 with the goal of preserving wild waterfowl species. It initially focused on saving the whooping crane and trumpeter swan but now aims to protect all 234 taxa of wild waterfowl. The IWWA combats the decline of waterfowl populations due to habitat loss and human population growth. Its members include aviculturists, students, researchers, conservationists, educators, zoo professionals, and waterfowl enthusiasts from around the globe.
The IWWA uses funds from its annual conference auction and raffle to support waterfowl conservation projects. This grant program targets initiatives aimed at preserving endangered or threatened waterfowl species by addressing the primary causes of their population declines. Successful applicants are expected to submit an annual report on their project outcomes, which will be published in the IWWA/Sylvan Heights newsletter. The program encourages a collaborative effort among its diverse membership base to contribute significantly towards wild waterfowl conservation efforts.