Best Plant Grants in Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to human services and social issues in Virginia may be eligible for funding to develop or expand their programs. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations that are finding new ways to address societal problems, which may include projects connected to botanical conservation or related community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for grants up to US $15,000 from the Dan Paul Foundation, including those in Virginia. Programs may include environmental education, clean air and water initiatives, or related botanical and conservation activities that engage and enrich children and young people.

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.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program

The Hardwood Initiative Cost-Share Program provides Virginia forest landowners with financial assistance to conduct hardwood management practices recommended by a forestry professional. Carrying out the practices will improve the forest resource for the landowner and the Commonwealth.

What Qualifies

Cost share is available starting at 5 acres of forestland up to a maximum of 100 acres per tract, per year, and up to 100 acres per landowner, per year. Cost-share is 90% of the total project cost, not to exceed the per acre rate for each practice (see table). Invasive plant control may be cost-shared on as little as 1 acre, although the tract must contain at least 5 acres of forest. This cost share cannot be combined with another cost share to complete the same practice on the same acre. Practices must be completed by May 31 so they can be verified and payments processed before the end of Virginia’s fiscal year June 30.

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.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

DOF has a number of program areas, each focused on a specific aspect of forestry. The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is led by the state forester as established in the Code of Virginia §10.1-1100. The state forester is appointed by the Governor of Virginia and serves under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. The state forester is responsible for ensuring that the agency accomplishes its mission to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources. 

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment Cost-Share Program

Treating hemlock trees for this destructive non-native insect increases the chance of preserving genetic material of hemlock trees throughout the state. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment Cost-Share Program can help landowners and organizations offset project costs of the treatment of approved eastern or Carolina hemlock trees. Cost-share payment is a reimbursement up to 100% of direct project costs up to $500. If the sum of project costs is over $500, then cost-share payment will be $500 OR 50% of direct project costs, whichever is higher. Cost-share payment may not exceed $1,500 per organization or landowner. Treatment of hemlock trees must be one of the approved methods listed below and all trees must be assessed by a DOF forester prior to enrollment.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Logger Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program

The Importance of Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The implementation of forestry best management practices (BMPs) during timber harvests is essential to protect water quality in Virginia. BMPs keep sediment movement on site to a minimum with the ultimate goal of keeping sediment associated with the timber harvest from moving to a watercourse. 

Cost-Share Program

This program focuses cost-share funding provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF)to assist in those areas of a timber harvest that can potentially deliver sediment to a stream. The Logger BMP Cost-Share Program helps cover the cost of implementing best management practices on stream crossings, including labor, equipment, and material costs on timber harvests in Virginia.

Program funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.

The cost-share will provide up to 75% of the actual cost, not to exceed $8,000, for BMP implementation at the stream crossing and, if the crossing requires the purchase of a portable bridge, the maximum increases to $16,000. A logger can have two projects per program year, only one of which can be a bridge purchase; total cost-share not to exceed $24,000 per program year per tax identification entity.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Programs

The southern pine beetle is a destructive native insect that threatens pine forests. Good forest management practices like thinning can help reduce losses from this insect. There are currently three cost-share programs available through the Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program (including the Longleaf Pine Restoration Program). All programs exist to offer incentives to landowners and loggers for specific forest management projects aimed at improving the health of managed pine stands in Virginia.

Longleaf Pine Restoration Program

Longleaf pine is an outstanding species in Virginia and is somewhat resistant to attack from southern pine beetle. This program is open to Virginia landowners who have a site appropriate for successful longleaf pine establishment, growth and survival with proper management.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Projects involving botanical or plant-related conservation work in community settings may be especially relevant.

Organizations planning tree-planting projects in Virginia to expand long-term canopy cover and improve water quality can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $55,000. Grants from Virginia Department of Forestry support planting efforts that also raise public awareness of the benefits of trees and their impact on clean water and community greening.

U.S. research institutions and organizations working in engineering, environmental science, geospatial science, hydrology, and related fields can apply for broad research and development support, including work relevant to plant and ecosystem studies, through the Engineer Research and Development Center. Virginia botanical conservation projects with strong engineering or environmental research components may be eligible under this DOD opportunity.

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.

Virginia Tree Stewards

Tree Stewards are trained community volunteers committed to promoting healthy urban and rural forests in Virginia. Tree Stewards provide training classes, educational programs, and projects in their communities intended to increase public awareness of the value of trees while teaching about trees and tree care. With classroom training and hands-on practice, Tree Stewards are equipped to identify trees, counsel on tree selection, demonstrate proper tree planting and follow-up care, and guide removal of invasive plants that threaten trees.

Each person taking the Tree Steward training makes a commitment to return a specific number of volunteer hours contributing to local Tree Steward projects. Each community determines the number of hours, sets the standards for volunteer work, and decides the Tree Steward projects its volunteers will undertake. Tree Steward volunteers are a positive force for change in their communities. All Tree Steward projects are tailored to meet the needs of their communities.

Mini Grants

Trees Virginia Mini-Grants are intended to assist the work of Tree Stewards in their communities. These funds may be used to support the training of Tree Stewards, purchase tools and equipment, acquire trees to plant, or develop educational materials or events. The purpose of the Mini-Grants is to provide equitable appropriation to Tree Steward Groups rather than awarding funds to groups on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Virginia can seek up to US $100,000 to acquire conservation land or easements and support related project costs. Focused on land protection and climate resilience, The Nature Conservancy invites projects within the Appalachians that enhance connectivity, community benefits, and long-term stewardship, including plant and habitat conservation.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive challenge grants, which emphasize building, renovation, and infrastructure needs. Organizations working on conservation, environment, community development, or related plant and green-space projects, especially in the Richmond metro area, may be particularly competitive.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Eligible U.S.-based charities may request project, general operating, or capital support for programs serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

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.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and qualified housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can compete for US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven solutions nationwide, including Virginia. Grants from Enterprise Community Partners help organizations advance equitable and affordable housing through design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs for low- to moderate-income residents.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Virginia can use these USDA Rural Development grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, including those in plant-related or botanical sectors. USDA: Rural Development offers up to US $99,000 for projects such as community and technology-based economic development, business planning, incubators, and strategic planning.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program

Treating ash trees for this destructive non-native insect increases the chance of preserving genetic material of ash trees throughout the state. The Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program can help landowners and organizations offset up to 70% of costs for treatment of ash trees through stem injections with emamectin benzoate insecticide. Payment may not exceed $10.50 per inch diameter at breast height or $2,000 in cost-share payments to landowners or $10,000 in cost-share payments per organization.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in Virginia can apply for Gupta Family Foundation support. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, this funder provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants to smaller, non-sectarian organizations operating in the U.S. and select countries.

Virginia agricultural and forest producers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Focused on environmental stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia supports whole-operation conservation planning that can benefit plant-related conservation and habitat on eligible lands.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Virginia can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program offers technical and financial assistance to improve soil and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, support forestry and livestock operations, and promote sustainable, plant-focused land management.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports community initiatives that help vulnerable children and families build better futures, which may include botanical or garden-based youth projects.