Best Wildlife Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community programs. Organizations working with youth or family services that demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support may be competitive; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Virginia may be eligible for support, including work intersecting community safety and wellbeing. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations developing new approaches to societal issues, which can include programs that indirectly benefit wildlife, habitats, or related community conservation efforts.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Virginia and across the U.S. can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support arts and science programming, with awards typically more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, strong impact, and sustainable arts education or artist development programs may benefit.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit conservation organizations acquiring land or conservation easements for resilient wildlife habitat in Virginia’s Frederick, Rockingham, and Shenandoah counties may be eligible for capital grants and loans. Open Space Institute Land Trust supports land and habitat conservation projects that permanently protect high-resilience landscapes within its designated Northeast Resilient Landscapes focus areas.

Environmental nonprofits and accredited charities in Virginia working on conservation, environmental education, or habitat restoration may be eligible for global philanthropic support; grants from La Roche help fund humanitarian, environmental, educational, and cultural projects. Local Roche affiliates support organizations whose programs operate in the same country, emphasizing sustainable development and opportunities to engage Roche expertise and employees.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations supporting health, education, or disaster relief can apply for Semnani Family Foundation funding, including work reaching Virginia from its global programs. With a mission to uplift marginalized communities, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for health care access, women and children’s services, humanitarian aid, and related social services worldwide.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Virginia wildlife conservation nonprofits and aligned 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Offered by the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation, this opportunity supports organizations within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars, including wildlife conservation efforts.

Virginia agricultural and forest producers seeking to improve wildlife habitat, soil health, and overall environmental stewardship can apply for conservation contracts through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Focused on working lands, this program funds customized conservation practices that enhance habitat for mammals, birds, and other wildlife while strengthening long-term farm and forest operations.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Virginia can apply for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. This program provides technical and financial assistance to improve wildlife habitat, water and air quality, soil health, and overall environmental sustainability on eligible agricultural and forest properties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation or community services in Virginia can apply for flexible project or program support; funding may also benefit wildlife-related efforts. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation emphasizes respect for life, people, and the environment, supporting initiatives that contribute to positive change and a sustainable future.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Virginia seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation provides unrestricted program or operating support to U.S.-headquartered groups, which may include wildlife and habitat-related initiatives within its environmental focus areas.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and related services. Virginia organizations working on community development or stability that meet these focus areas and eligibility requirements may be competitive, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Virginia and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for fee or easement acquisition that protects resilient, connected lands and benefits communities. Focused on land protection, The Nature Conservancy supports projects that enhance wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, which may support conservation and environment facilities or related infrastructure. Organizations working on wildlife, habitat protection, or environmental education, especially in the Richmond metro region, may be eligible for challenge or matching support on 12–18 month timelines.

Nonprofits, public entities, and conservation partners in Virginia can seek funding to acquire or protect open space through easements, rights of way, and other real estate interests that benefit wildlife habitat, farming, forestry, recreation, and water quality. Grants from Virginia Outdoors Foundation offer up to US $200,000 per project from the Preservation Trust Fund.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 from Chick Fil A Foundation; funding is available in the U.S., including Virginia. Grants support education, housing, hunger relief, community services, and related environmental initiatives.

Private landowners and partners protecting forested wildlife habitat in Virginia can seek funding to purchase conservation easements or fee simple interests that keep forests from being converted to other uses. The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Forest Legacy Program, with USDA Forest Service support, backs large, landscape-scale projects that conserve working forests, clean water and air, and sensitive species habitat.