Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Virginia

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

MGM National Harbor Charitable Grant

We believe that corporations have the responsibility and the resources to affect the world’s most pressing economic, social and environmental issues. The growth and success of our company depends on the business decisions that we make, and the ways in which we harness our influence for good. Through our monetary, in-kind and volunteerism support, we invest in charitable organizations that focus on five critical issues.

• Education: K-12 public education, public colleges and universities, community colleges
• Fighting Hunger: Programs that provide access and nutritious meals for food-insecure individuals and families within the community.
• Health and Wellness: Programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle and improve one’s well-being while reducing social and health challenges.
• Workforce Development: Educational and training programs that align with our business and prepare individuals for sustainable career opportunities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Programs that improve the quality of our environment and promote sustainability through education, stewardship of community ecosystems, conservation and beautification.

*Before submitting a request for support, please see our eligibility requirements below. Incomplete forms and those with missing documentation will not be considered. Each request must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to your sponsorship deadline. Please, no phone calls or emails.

We fund work that:

• Has a clear strategy
• Can be effectively measuredto evaluate success
• Approaches challenges witha commitment to long-term change
• Builds an inclusive anddiverse community
• Uses innovation to addressa social issue

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Virginia Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides support for landowners looking to enhance conservation practices on their agricultural operations. With no minimum acreage requirement, CSP offers tailored plans to improve grazing, crop resilience, and wildlife habitats. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices, ensuring better soil health and resource management. This program empowers producers to achieve long-term sustainability and environmental benefits while maintaining operational efficiency.

The VA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers vital support to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, helping them integrate conservation practices into their operations. This program provides both technical and financial assistance to tackle natural resource concerns like water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat improvement. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding available for various initiatives including cropland, livestock, and forestry practices, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Virginia.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Virginia Program Grant by the Virginia Environmental Endowment focuses on enhancing water quality, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, and promoting land conservation. It encourages projects that improve local watersheds and foster environmental literacy. The program prioritizes innovative strategies, matching funds, and collaborative approaches to address climate adaptation and emerging environmental issues. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, while ineligible costs include litigation and land purchases.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.

The Cameron Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-Cities area by funding initiatives that address health care access, human services, economic development, education, and cultural preservation. Grants support organizations serving low-income populations and emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. By focusing on innovative approaches and inclusivity, the Foundation seeks to create lasting impacts that empower residents and foster vibrant communities.

The Community Conservation Program, funded by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, supports conservation initiatives in specific Virginia counties and cities. Focused on water quality protection, land conservation, and environmental literacy, the program encourages proposals that demonstrate measurable results, with funding starting at $50,000. Organizations are advised to seek informal reviews of their proposals before submission. VEE favors projects that leverage matching funds, thereby enhancing community engagement and environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding initiative by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation aims to foster conservation practices among youth in South Hampton Roads. It emphasizes education about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, encouraging hands-on experiences and action plans for watershed preservation. By equipping students with knowledge and skills, the program seeks to enhance environmental stewardship and ensure a healthier future for the region's natural resources.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The Virginia Natural Gas Charitable Giving: Environmental Stewardship Grant supports projects that enhance conservation and sustainability within the region. As one of Virginia's oldest corporations, Virginia Natural Gas emphasizes its commitment to community engagement through this grant, which is available to 501(c)(3) organizations operating within its service area. This initiative seeks to amplify the impact of collective corporate and employee contributions, ensuring a positive environmental legacy.

Virginia Department of Historic Resources

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program- Appalachian Southwest Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia has been awarded an additional $750,000 for another round of funding through the National Park Service (NPS)-funded Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program (PBHRGP) to support the rehabilitation of historic buildings and sites in the state’s southwestern region. In alignment with its overarching mission to ensure that Virginia’s historic places are valued and used as assets for education, tourism, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality, DHR will administer the award by establishing a subgrant program to fund approximately three preservation projects in Appalachian Virginia. Public entities and nonprofit organizations based in Southwest Virginia that steward historic places in this 25-county region for the public good will be eligible to apply for funds from the subgrant program.

The PBHRGP is funded though the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). all programs funded though the HPF must adhere to the HPF Grants Manual. All grant-funded projects must enter into a preservation agreement (short-term covenant that places restrictions on the property and runs with property deed) based on terms defined by the NPS. Please review the information linked here outlining preservation agreements before submitting an application.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grant supports developing frameworks for AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. With awards ranging from $75,000 to $240,000, these grants provide essential resources and technical assistance to organizations looking to enhance their service delivery. AmeriCorps programs focus on various areas, including disaster services, education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, and support for veterans. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits and government bodies to strengthen community impact.

The James River Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, managed by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, aims to enhance water quality through targeted investments. The program focuses on riparian buffer installations, agricultural pollution reduction, living shoreline construction, and stream restoration. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments, with funding prioritized for implementation costs. Proposals must align with established priorities to demonstrate effectiveness in improving the James River's water quality.

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, will distribute $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties. The fund focuses on areas such as STEM education, sustainability, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage preservation, and health and wellbeing. Eligible projects must serve local communities and adhere to specific requirements, promoting innovation and collaboration.