Best Wildlife Grants in Arizona

Government agencies, tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arizona can seek reimbursement-based support for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation projects through the Heritage Partnership Program, with awards up to Up to US $200,000. Grants from Arizona Game and Fish Department help Arizona wildlife organizations protect sensitive habitats, improve public access, and enhance urban wildlife and habitat.

Wildlife and conservation organizations in Arizona can seek funding for desert tortoise research, habitat management, and conservation education projects. Grants from Desert Tortoise Council help support work on desert tortoise biology, conservation, and management, as well as efforts benefiting other imperiled tortoises, turtles, and related ecosystems, with awards from US $500 - US $10,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 that run specific animal welfare or wildlife preservation projects, including work in Arizona, can apply for The Denver Foundation’s Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund; awards US $500 - US $5,000 for defined programs. Smaller organizations are especially encouraged to seek project-based support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arizona and across the U.S. can seek capital funding for animal protection, wildlife and land conservation, agriculture, and related civic programs. With a mission to support these priorities, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation provides up to US $50,000, prioritizing California-based groups but open to others for specific capital acquisitions.

501(c)(3) organizations caring for abandoned or abused pets or improving wildlife welfare, including in Arizona, can apply for the Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports specific projects for animal care or habitat protection, rather than general operating or front-office expenses.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working on wildlife and broader environmental conservation, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, can apply for McGraw Foundation grants; awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Based in Illinois but open to U.S. organizations, funding may support projects, general operations, or occasional capital needs, including Arizona initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and habitat conservation, policy, and advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant efforts for endangered species, including wolves, whales, birds, pollinators, indigenous wildlife management, and great ape sanctuaries. Arizona wildlife programs fitting these priorities may be eligible.

Not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation or habitat areas for the Mississippi Flyway in Canada or the U.S. can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund, with awards up to US $500,000. Arizona-based wildlife nonprofits working on relevant flyway or ornithological conservation projects may be eligible.

Graduate students, post-docs, and researchers at recognized institutions studying Gopherus tortoises in Arizona and the broader Southwest can receive US $2,500 for field or lab research. With a mission to advance herpetological conservation, Desert Tortoise Council provides Arizona wildlife researchers with support for original, well-designed projects that improve management and conservation outcomes.

Nonprofit organizations, Indiana Bird Towns, and individuals conducting bird-related conservation, research, or education projects can seek funding for ornithological work, including in Arizona. With a mission to support wildlife conservation, Indiana Audubon Society provides wildlife groups with US $500 - US $5,000 for projects and scholarships focused on avifauna and natural resources.

Grants for researchers, educators, nonprofits, and agencies working on bird conservation and related wildlife projects in Arizona and beyond can support research, conservation, and education efforts. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help Arizona ornithological conservation projects with small awards of US $500 - US $1,200. Priority is given to work focused on birds in Arkansas, but other U.S. projects may be considered.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and other eligible groups working on mammalian conservation and wildlife health can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 to combat white-nose syndrome in bats across the U.S. and territories. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help Arizona wildlife projects that address bat survival, recovery, and disease management participate in this national effort.

Arizona ornithologists and bird researchers can access recognition and support through the William Brewster Memorial Award, honoring outstanding published work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. This senior professional award from the American Ornithological Society includes a medal and honorarium, and nominees need not be AOS members but must meet ethical standards.

Arizona ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access recognition and support for outstanding avian conservation science through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award. This American Ornithological Society honor celebrates individuals or small teams whose applied research, restoration, education, or recovery-program leadership advances ornithological conservation, including work that benefits wildlife in Arizona.

Individuals well established in their ornithology careers who have provided extensive service can receive a recognition award supporting ornithological conservation, including work connected to Arizona. With a mission to advance bird science and conservation, American Ornithological Society honors exceptional volunteer service, mentoring, and leadership through the Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award.

Grants from American Ornithological Society help Arizona ornithological conservation professionals gain recognition for exceptional service to the Society. Early- or mid-career ornithologists who have provided extensive volunteer service, including elected offices and committee work, may be nominated. This award honors sustained contributions to AOS and adherence to its Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Early-career ornithologists conducting bird research and conservation work, including those based in Arizona, can apply for the Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 and recognition for outstanding work. Eligible applicants must be current American Ornithological Society members with doctorates received or anticipated between 2019–2022, with limited 2018 exceptions.

Arizona early-career ornithologists conducting bird research or conservation can access funding through the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, which provides US $1,500 plus annual meeting benefits. Eligible applicants must be current American Ornithological Society members with a terminal degree earned or expected between 2023–2026, with limited 2022 exceptions for parental leave.

The Loye and Alden Miller Research Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes lifetime achievements in ornithological research. It honors the legacy of Loye Holmes Miller and his son Alden Holmes Miller, who significantly contributed to the field and mentored numerous students. This prestigious award aims to uphold high ethical standards in ornithology and is open to current AOS members, promoting a diverse and supportive community in bird conservation.

The Elliott Coues Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors exceptional contributions to ornithological research without geographic or disciplinary restrictions. This prestigious award includes a medal and an honorarium and is named after Elliott Coues, a pioneering ornithologist. The award emphasizes the importance of diverse nominations and aims to recognize individuals who have made significant impacts in the field of ornithology, thus fostering a vibrant ornithological community.

The Conservation Practitioner Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes dedicated professionals at any career stage who address avian conservation issues at local or regional levels. This award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium, acknowledging the critical work of individuals or groups in government or non-government organizations. The AOS aims to promote ethical standards and support a diverse community of ornithologists committed to bird conservation.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Women's Wildlife Management Conservation Scholarship

The Women’s Wildlife Conservation Scholarship, established by the NRA Women’s Policies Committee, is a renewable one-year $5,000 scholarship available to full-time college sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Thank you for your interest in the field of wildlife management, forestry, parks, or fish and wildlife conservation.

Scholarship Value

$2,500 per semester for up to two semesters. Recipients must maintain qualifications listed above to receive second installment.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Grants

Empowering People to Move, Live, Work, and Play

Bridgestone has awarded over $60 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States since 1951, and we are committed to continuing our legacy of giving back by supporting communities around the U.S.

Bridgestone works with grantseekers that offer solutions to keep society moving forward. Strong partners offer a human-centered approach to societal challenges in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

In addition to our three areas of focus, we will consider applications from organizations that have hosted volunteer or community engagement events with Bridgestone volunteers and organizations that have received funding in previous years. 

About

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals.

ASM Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society of Mammalogists is to advance the scientific understanding of mammals globally, to diversify the profession of mammalogy, and to promote science as the basis for the conservation and management of mammals. The Society achieves these goals through publications, grants and fellowships, annual meetings, and other education and outreach activities.

Stephen Jenkins Scholarship in Mammalogy

One of Steve Jenkins’ most meaningful legacies is found in the hundreds of students he taught and mentored over his 37 years in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught a wide range of classes including introductory biology, ecology, mammalogy and research design, and served as graduate advisor to more than 30 students. His research focused on beavers, wolves, wild horses, and ground squirrels. Steve worked to pass on his own belief that critical thinking is not just a fundamental tenet of sound science, but a force for good. He wrote the book How Science Works, an effort to demystify the scientific process for nonspecialists. In his retirement he wrote a second book, Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology. Steve has been a member of American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) since 1974.

Scope and Rationale of the Award

The new Stephen Jenkins Scholarship Award would be available to a graduate student in a North American university whose research is focused on one or more mammalian species. This would include field research (and lab research that supports and augments field research) in such fields as animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. ASM supports research on all aspects of mammalian biology, and the award will provide support for early career mammalogists. 

Use of Funds:

The award may be used only for research expenses, in the field or in the laboratory, research related travel, laboratory supplies, equipment, and attendance at professional meetings.  The current award is for $5000.

Wilson Ornithological Society

The earliest stages of the Wilson Ornithological Society’s development began with the formation of the “Young Ornithologists’ Association,” initiated in 1886 under the leadership of L. O. Pindar and J. B. Richards. They began as a corresponding group of naturalists interested in birds, with notes published in The Oölogist.

Soon after, the Society acquired a constitution and established itself in December 1888 as the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association. The fledgling group was named in honor of Alexander Wilson, considered the Father of American Ornithology. Its original purpose was “the study of birds, their nests, and eggs.”

Over the subsequent decades, the group—eventually becoming known as the Wilson Ornithological Club—published its proceedings and articles under a series of diverse titles, culminating in The Wilson Bulletin after 1894 and, most recently, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Club adopted its Constitution and Bylaws in 1930 and became the Wilson Ornithological Society in 1955.

Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award

The Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award recognizes outstanding contributions by Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) members working in applied, non-research careers that advance the conservation of birds and their habitats. This award also celebrates professionals whose work fosters a stronger and more inclusive conservation community, through management, education, communication, advocacy, or community engagement.

Purpose

This award highlights the diverse pathways through which people contribute to lasting ornithology and avian conservation beyond academic research. It honors those whose efforts build bridges between science, management, and the public; inspire action for birds; provide mentorship or leadership to build capacity; and promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the bird conservation community.

Examples of Qualifying Contributions

• Developing and implementing habitat management or conservation plans.
• Creating tools, educational materials, or outreach programs that promote bird conservation.
• Leading advocacy, communications, or storytelling that inspires conservation action.
• Building partnerships or community engagement initiatives that strengthen conservation impact.
• Advancing conservation policy or planning at local, regional, or national scales.

Award and Presentation

The recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, where they will be invited to share their work with attendees. The award includes:

• A monetary honorarium
• An original piece of artwork from an early-career artist
• Coverage of meeting registration, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses

About

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Tom Cade Conservation Award

The Award:

The Tom Cade Conservation Award is the Raptor Research Foundation’s premiere conservation award. This non-monetary award recognizes an individual who has made significant advances in or exceptional contributions to the conservation of raptors. The award’s scope includes all aspects of conservation science and practice pertaining to raptors, including: implementing population restoration programs; advances in captive propagation and reintroduction techniques; identifying conservation biology problems and solutions; raptor biodiversity studies; and studies of rare, threatened, and endangered species. Nominations will open in the spring. Recipients will be announced at the annual meeting.

About Tom Cade:

Tom Cade was an icon and hero to us all. His passion for falcons knew no bounds. One of the founders of the Raptor Research Foundation, he was the driving force behind the reintroduction of the Peregrine Falcon east of the Mississippi and across much of its North American range. The Peregrine Fund, which he created with the recovery of a single endangered species—the Peregrine Falcon—as its goal, has grown into a conservation organization with a worldwide reach and global impact. 

About

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Early-career Raptor Researcher Travel Grants

The Award:

The selection committee must receive all application materials by the deadline for regular abstracts. That date is included in the announcement of RRF’s annual meeting sent each year to the membership.

• $700.
• The award will also include a free 1-year membership to RRF. 

up to three.