Best Wildlife Grants in Georgia

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and habitat conservation, environmental stewardship, or related community initiatives can seek support to improve quality of life for state residents. Grants from Georgia Power Foundation help fund projects in areas like herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, with awards up to US $25,000 and strong preference for Georgia-based programs.

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Georgia implementing on-the-ground bird conservation projects can apply for more than US $15,000 to support habitat and species management work. With a mission to encourage the scientific study and conservation of birds, Georgia Ornithological Society funds activities like prescribed burns, invasive species control, nest box installation, and other wildlife habitat improvements.

Nonprofits, researchers, and other eligible applicants working on giant aquatic salamander conservation in Georgia and other listed regions can receive up to US $2,000 for field conservation, applied research, or education projects. The Cryptobranchid Interest Group favors broad-impact projects benefiting Cryptobranchids, including hellbenders and Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides Georgia ornithological conservation groups with funding to protect Atlantic Flyway shorebirds through research, habitat management, and threat reduction. Eligible projects may address human disturbance and predation along the U.S. Atlantic coast, improve monitoring of key species, or support planning for critical staging areas, with awards ranging from US $75,000 - US $250,000.

Georgia private landowners restoring or protecting wildlife habitat can access funding and technical assistance via the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with awards up to US $750,000. Eligible projects support habitat conservation for federal trust species, including fish, birds, mammals, and other wildlife across U.S. states and territories.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 that focus on animal welfare or wildlife preservation can apply for The Denver Foundation’s Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for specific projects or programs. Georgia wildlife organizations meeting these criteria may be especially interested in this support for conservation initiatives.

501(c)(3) organizations in Georgia caring for abandoned or abused pets or working on wildlife conservation can apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for specific projects. Funding may support programs improving the welfare of dogs or conserving wildlife habitats, including canid, mammalian, bird, or herpetological species.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, can seek support in Georgia and beyond through McGraw Foundation; awards US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital needs within its conservation and related focus areas.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for wildlife, land conservation, animal protection, agriculture, or civic arts projects can apply for support; awards are up to US $50,000. With a mission to benefit animal protection, land and wildlife conservancy, agriculture, natural land preservation, and opera or symphony, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation prioritizes California groups but considers applicants across the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife conservation and animal welfare can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants supporting nationally significant efforts. Funding prioritizes policy and advocacy for threatened and endangered species, Indigenous wildlife management, great ape sanctuaries, and protection of pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related habitats, which may benefit Georgia-focused wildlife programs.

Early- and mid-career ornithologists providing extensive volunteer service and committee participation may be eligible for recognition that supports ornithological conservation work in Georgia and beyond. Grants from American Ornithological Society help wildlife professionals by honoring exceptional service to the Society through the Marion Jenkinson Service Award, which includes a framed certificate and professional acknowledgment.

Individuals well established in their ornithology careers who have provided extensive service to the American Ornithological Society can be honored for their contributions to bird science and conservation. With a mission to connect ornithologists, science, and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society provides a framed certificate and honorarium recognizing exceptional volunteerism, mentoring, and committee work, including members in Georgia.

Georgia ornithologists and bird conservation scientists can access recognition and support for outstanding avian conservation work through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award. This American Ornithological Society honor celebrates applied research, restoration, education, and recovery programs that conserve birds or critical bird habitats, with nominations accepted for impactful contributions from around the world.

Georgia 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 American Ornithological Society senior professional award includes a medal and honorarium and is open to nominees worldwide who meet AOS ethical and professional standards.

Wildlife conservation organizations and research groups in Georgia and across the U.S. territories can seek funding for projects addressing white-nose syndrome in bats. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help advance treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and research to improve survival and recovery of WNS-susceptible bat species, including northern long-eared and Indiana bats, with awards from US $50,000 - US $250,000.

Nonprofits, educators, students, and agencies conducting bird conservation or research projects can access funding through Arkansas Audubon Society Trust grants, including work benefiting Georgia wildlife. Awards of US $500 - US $1,200 support ornithological research, conservation, and education, with priority for Arkansas birds but eligibility for a variety of U.S.-based natural resource projects.

Nonprofit organizations, Indiana Bird Towns, and individuals conducting bird-related conservation, research, or education can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for natural resource and avian studies, including ornithological conservation in Georgia. With a mission to advance bird conservation, Indiana Audubon Society provides support for projects and scholarships focused on Indiana’s birdlife and connected regions.

Not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation areas for the Mississippi Flyway in Canada or the U.S. can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Duck Stamp Funding, with awards up to US $500,000. Georgia wildlife and ornithological conservation groups working on Mississippi Flyway habitat projects may be eligible.

The Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exceptional early-career researchers in ornithology. Awardees receive a certificate, a $1,500 honorarium, and complimentary registration for the annual meeting, where they can present a plenary. Candidates must have received their doctorate between 2019 and 2022, and demonstrate ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. This award fosters leadership and innovation in bird conservation and research.

The James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, celebrates the achievements of early-career ornithologists. Awardees receive a certificate, a $1,500 honorarium, and free registration to the annual meeting, where they can present their research. Candidates are evaluated based on their CV and a mini-paper. This award aims to promote ethical research practices and leadership in ornithology, fostering a diverse and dynamic community of scientists dedicated to bird conservation.

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