Best Wildlife Grants in Colorado

Researchers, educators, and conservation project leaders in Colorado can seek up to US $6,500 for bird-focused foothills and prairie ecology work through the Foothills and Prairie Grant Program. Focused on ornithological conservation, Aiken Audubon Society invites Colorado wildlife and environmental education initiatives to propose research, education programs, or habitat conservation projects in the Front Range region.

Individuals and community organizations in Colorado working on bird study, enjoyment, or habitat conservation can apply for Aiken Audubon Society mini-grants of US $100 - US $500. With a mission to promote local bird conservation and education, Aiken Audubon Society provides flexible funding for small projects that directly advance its ornithological goals.

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. Colorado wildlife and habitat conservation groups may be especially interested in this support for targeted initiatives.

Colorado private landowners and conservation partners restoring or protecting wildlife habitat can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with awards up to US $750,000. Eligible projects focus on habitat and ecosystem restoration for federal trust species, including fish, birds, mammals, and other wildlife across U.S. states and territories.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations seeking up to US $50,000 for capital purchases in wildlife conservation, land preservation, animal protection, agriculture, or civic arts may be eligible, with priority to California-based groups. With a mission to support these purposes, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation provides funding that can benefit Colorado wildlife-focused nonprofits acquiring specific equipment or facilities.

Colorado 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on wildlife and broader environmental conservation can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. This Northbrook, Illinois-based funder supports conservation, environmental education, and related cultural efforts, which may benefit herpetological, ornithological, or mammalian conservation initiatives in Colorado.

Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations caring for abandoned or abused pets or improving wildlife welfare can apply for the Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals; awards up to US $5,000 for specific projects. Programs supporting dogs or conserving wildlife, including canid species and broader mammalian, ornithological, or herpetological conservation, may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife protection and conservation, including those serving Colorado, can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and Indigenous wildlife management initiatives. Funding may also assist sanctuaries for great apes and efforts focused on pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related habitats within the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations, Indiana Bird Towns, and individuals conducting bird conservation, research, or education projects can seek US $500 - US $5,000 in support, including work connected to Colorado birdlife. With a mission to advance avian conservation, Indiana Audubon Society provides wildlife-focused applicants with grants and scholarships for studies, field projects, and bird-related training opportunities.

Grants supporting bird-focused research, conservation, and education projects in Colorado and beyond are available to individuals, students, educators, nonprofits, and government agencies. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help ornithological conservation efforts with an emphasis on Arkansas bird species. Awards range from US $500 - US $1,200 and may also support related natural resource issues within the U.S.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar 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, including Colorado. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery research for WNS-affected bat species.

Colorado ornithologists and bird researchers can access recognition and an honorarium for outstanding published work through the William Brewster Memorial Award. This American Ornithological Society honor celebrates a meritorious body of ornithological research on birds of the Western Hemisphere from the past decade, supporting senior professionals contributing to bird conservation and science.

Colorado ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access recognition and support through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, honoring extraordinary scientific contributions to avian conservation worldwide. Wildlife and ornithological conservation professionals may be eligible if they are American Ornithological Society members and have advanced bird conservation through research, restoration, education, or habitat protection.

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 and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society provides a framed certificate and honorarium recognizing exceptional volunteerism, mentoring, and committee service, including Colorado-affiliated members.

Grants from American Ornithological Society help Colorado ornithological conservation professionals who are early- or mid-career ornithologists receive recognition for extensive volunteer service to the Society. This award honors significant committee work and elected service roles, offering a framed certificate to individuals advancing bird science and conservation within the AOS community.

Early-career ornithology researchers working in Colorado and beyond can apply for the Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 plus annual meeting registration for outstanding work in any field of ornithology. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this award recognizes promising leadership in bird research and conservation.

Colorado early-career ornithology researchers can access funding and recognition through the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, supporting outstanding work in bird science and conservation. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this US $1,500 award honors promising leaders in ornithological conservation and includes a certificate, honorarium, and annual meeting opportunities.

With a mission to support ornithologists and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society provides Colorado wildlife researchers and professionals with the Loye and Alden Miller Research Award honoring lifetime achievement in ornithological research. Senior ornithologists who are current AOS members and meet ethical standards may be nominated, though current Executive Committee officers are ineligible.

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

The NAWCA U.S. Standard grants provide competitive matching funds to support partnerships aimed at the long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated upland habitats in the U.S. These projects benefit migratory birds and promote ecological sustainability. A 1:1 match is required. The program seeks to improve wetland ecosystems, ensuring the conservation of waterfowl and other wildlife, while fulfilling international conservation obligations.

The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship, established in 1994 by the Garden Club of America, supports college seniors and graduate students studying seasonal habitats for endangered native birds in the U.S. With an annual award of $4500, this scholarship aims to promote effective land-management practices. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. institution. Note that international applicants are not eligible for funding due to IRS restrictions.

The DFO Research, Education, and Conservation Grant supports projects focused on birds and their habitats, prioritizing initiatives in the Denver area and Colorado's Front Range. Established in 1994, the fund encourages research, education, and conservation efforts with grants typically under $2,000. Recent funded projects include studies on owl habitats and educational programs for young birders. The fund aims to advance knowledge and appreciation of avian species through targeted financial support.