Best Wildlife Grants in New York

Wildlife and conservation organizations in New York and along the Atlantic Flyway can seek funding to protect migratory shorebirds and their habitats. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides New York ornithological conservation groups with US $75,000 - US $250,000 to address human disturbance, predation, hunting threats, and critical staging-area planning and monitoring for species like red knot and whimbrel.

Researchers, students, and other individuals working on herpetological conservation projects involving giant aquatic salamanders can apply for up to US $2,000 from the Cryptobranchid Interest Group. This funding supports conservation, research, or education projects on Cryptobranchids, and New York wildlife applicants focused on giant salamanders may be competitive if their work has broad conservation impact.

Focused on environmental conservation, Restore America’s Estuaries invites New York organizations to apply for US $5,000 - US $100,000 in Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund support. Eligible projects in the Long Island Sound watershed include wildlife habitat restoration, fish and bird conservation, pollution reduction, community-based science, and resilience efforts that advance Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan actions.

501(c)(3) organizations in New York caring for abandoned or abused pets, especially dogs, or working to protect wildlife and habitats can apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants of up to US $5,000. Funding supports specific animal welfare or wildlife conservation programs, including herpetological, ornithological, or mammalian conservation projects.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, primarily in Madison County, New York, can apply for Gorman Foundation grants, with awards from US $100 - US $100,000 for social welfare, community education, and environmental programs. Wildlife and habitat organizations in New York working on conservation, rehabilitation, or local farming may be especially well-suited.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, can apply for support that may include New York-based programs. McGraw Foundation provides single-year grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operations, projects, or occasional capital needs in its focus areas.

Established 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., including New York, can seek funding for specific capital items supporting animal protection, wildlife and land conservation, agriculture, or civic arts projects. With a mission to advance these priorities, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation provides up to US $50,000, prioritizing California-based groups but open to others nationwide.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 that focus on animal welfare or wildlife preservation can apply for the Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for specific projects or programs. New York wildlife organizations may benefit from this The Denver Foundation opportunity, especially smaller groups working on conservation initiatives.

New York private landowners and conservation partners can access funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect wildlife habitat. Grants up to US $750,000 support habitat and ecosystem restoration, land conservation, and fish and wildlife management on private lands, offering both technical assistance and financial support across all states and territories.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife protection and conservation, including those in New York, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and systemic-change efforts. Funding may assist projects focused on endangered species, indigenous wildlife management, great ape sanctuaries, and habitat protection for pollinators, wolves, whales, and birds.

Nonprofits and conservation partners restoring forest and freshwater wildlife habitat in Central Appalachia, including Allegany and Steuben counties in New York, can apply for US $75,000 - US $500,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Funding supports projects that improve forest management and stream health for priority bird, fish, and aquatic species.

Nonprofit organizations, Indiana Bird Towns, and individuals conducting bird-related conservation, research, or education can seek funding for ornithological projects and studies, including scholarships, in New York and beyond. With a mission to support natural resource and birdlife studies, Indiana Audubon Society provides wildlife-focused applicants with US $500 - US $5,000 for priority avian initiatives.

Wildlife researchers and conservation-focused organizations in New York can seek funding for bird-related research, conservation, and education projects through the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust, with awards of US $500 - US $1,200. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help support ornithological conservation and related natural resource work conducted within the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in New York running programs that benefit the Adirondack environment can apply for the 1928 AGC Founders Fund to support gardening and conservation initiatives. Grants from Adirondack Garden Club help groups advance horticulture education, protect native plants and birds, encourage civic planting, and conserve natural resources across eligible Adirondack counties.

Research institutions, conservation nonprofits, and agencies 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 New York wildlife organizations advance treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery actions for WNS-susceptible bat species.

New York ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access recognition and support through the William Brewster Memorial Award, honoring outstanding work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this senior professional award includes a medal and honorarium for a meritorious body of ornithological research.

New York ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access recognition and support through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, honoring extraordinary scientific contributions to ornithological conservation worldwide. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this award recognizes applied research, restoration, education, and avian recovery or habitat programs; nominees must meet AOS membership requirements.

Established ornithologists who have provided extensive volunteer and leadership service to the American Ornithological Society can be honored for their contributions to ornithology and bird conservation. With a mission to connect ornithologists, science, and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society provides this career-recognition award, which includes a framed certificate and honorarium, to eligible individuals, including those in New York.

The Joseph and Joan Cullman Conservation Grants, supported by the Northern New York Audubon, focus on funding projects that promote the conservation and enjoyment of birds in Northern New York. This program encourages graduate students, researchers, and environmental organizations to apply, although it is currently on hiatus for 2025. The grants aim to enhance public awareness of bird species and their habitats through research and outreach activities.

The Marion Jenkinson Service Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early- and mid-career ornithologists for their extensive volunteer contributions and service to the society. This award includes a framed certificate and recognizes individuals who exemplify high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. The award aims to foster a diverse and supportive ornithological community while promoting bird conservation and scientific study.

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.