Wildlife was the object of the very first state checkoff, begun in 1977 by Colorado. Typically, wildlife funds focus on non-game species, often with a special focus on endangered animals. Bald eagles, flying squirrels and paddlefish are mentioned in the explanatory text on the forms and instructions, and a small image of a loon appears near the checkoff boxes for the Minnesota and Wisconsin funds. Other states feature less exotic species in promoting their funds. Also popular are political checkoffs.
Many states follow the pattern of the federal election campaign fund.
All checkoff contributions flow into a single fund that is then parceled out to candidates. But seven states allow taxpayers to contribute directly to the party of their choice. Minnesota allows a checkoff either for a general fund or to a party, but not both. Still other checkoffs have a distinctly local appeal. Taxpayers in New Jersey can contribute to the Battleship New Jersey Memorial fund and the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial, while Californians can help fund a monument to California Firefighters or the California Military Museum.