Best Wildlife Grants in Missouri

Department of Conservation

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

Department of Conservation Funding Opportunities

The Department of Conservation offers communities and partners a number of grant and cost-share options to assist with everything from green development to wildlife habitat to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Community Conservation Cost-Share

MDC’s Community Conservation Cost-Share Program promotes sustainable development practices and the establishment of natural resource conservation practices in municipal and developing areas.

Eligible Practices

Cost-share is authorized for activities such as native grass and pollinator plantings, forest and woodland management, invasive species control, and aquatic resource management. In addition, other practices eligible for cost-share include urban green space planning, engineered drawings, and training of staff on conservation-related programs.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

Community Forestry Cost Share Program

Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to assist Missouri communities with improving their community forest. This cost-share program encourages communities to have a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive community forestry program based on a current tree inventory and managed with the guidance of a community forestry professional. Lastly, Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to promote community forest benefits through the proper management and care of trees.

Cost-share opportunities are available beginning in July. Due to limited funding, applications are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the cost-share opportunities, please contact your regional office. 

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help Missouri conservation and wildlife organizations that primarily serve economically underserved communities and integrate tech-enabled solutions into their programs.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Missouri can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, and community revitalization, which may benefit organizations whose wildlife or habitat work overlaps community safety or resilience.

Missouri cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, including program, capital, and limited general support. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs, which may benefit organizations whose work intersects environmental or wildlife education themes.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Missouri can access funding to support food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, which may benefit Missouri groups whose wildlife or conservation work intersects with community health and education.

Organizations working on education, child health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Missouri and across the U.S., India, or South Africa can seek project or scale-up support; awards are typically more than US $50,000. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports eligible nonprofits and social enterprises meeting these criteria.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit charities running environmental, community, education, or arts projects in Missouri may be eligible for philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and engages corporate partners. With a mission to strengthen communities, Roche provides accredited charities with donations for humanitarian aid, environmental initiatives, science and youth education, and contemporary arts, managed through its local affiliate offices.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri and across the U.S. can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion programs. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help initiatives that preserve neighborhoods and address housing, jobs, or hunger, which may benefit groups integrating wildlife or habitat work into broader community projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities in Missouri and other eligible areas can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental initiatives. Focused on long-term community well-being, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites projects that strengthen local communities and may include wildlife or habitat-related components.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri 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. Grants from TJX Foundation help Missouri community-focused nonprofits that meet its mission and nondiscrimination requirements and have not received TJX funding in the past year.

Missouri environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries can receive unrestricted support for programs or operations through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. U.S.-headquartered organizations doing wildlife and broader environmental conservation work may be especially competitive within the foundation’s stated interests.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Missouri, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and other community programs. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also funds museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, especially where modest grants have big impact.

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust governed by a volunteer board of directors. MPF was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state of Missouri. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation, energy security and carbon storage. 

The mission of MPF is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. 

Prairie Garden Grants Program 

Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2026, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of public prairie gardens or plantings using Midwest native plants. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural initiatives, or environmental work can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Wildlife and conservation organizations whose projects fit these categories may be competitive applicants.

Missouri conservation nonprofits, public agencies, and educational institutions working on wildlife conservation can access funding through Truman Heartland Community Foundation for projects serving Eastern Jackson and Cass Counties or statewide wildlife efforts. Grants up to US $10,000 support programs that enhance community vitality, including Missouri wildlife conservation initiatives alongside broader community and human services work.

With a mission to support community-serving programs, Truman Heartland Community Foundation provides Missouri wildlife organizations and other eligible 501(c)(3)s, local governments, and public education institutions with US $5,000 - US $10,000 for conservation projects. Applicants must serve Eastern or suburban Jackson County or Cass County, with statewide eligibility for Missouri wildlife conservation proposals.

Missouri nonprofits and education institutions with bird conservation or bird-focused education projects can receive up to US $7,000 for supplies, materials, and equipment. Missouri wildlife organizations can access funding through St. Louis Audubon Society to support habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, nest box installations, and programs on how human behavior affects bird populations, including work tied to Missouri-related wintering habitats.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations working on conservation, wildlife, forests, parks, or outdoor recreation can apply for the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust’s Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program, with awards of US $250 - US $5,000. Projects with statewide significance, including natural resource protection and water pollution control, may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects that primarily serve Union Pacific communities. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help groups advancing environmental conservation and wildlife-related education or stewardship, especially those emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Missouri wildlife and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year project support that benefits nature and wildlife, animal welfare, or related environmental work. Focused on wildlife and habitat conservation, Robinson Foundation invites Southern-region charities, including those in Missouri, to apply for funding that delivers tangible, meaningful impact and clear results.