Best Wildlife Grants in Montana

Montana private landowners and conservation partners restoring wildlife habitat can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Awards up to US $750,000 support voluntary projects in habitat and ecosystem restoration, land and fish conservation, and wildlife health that benefit federal trust species and broader wildlife conservation 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 Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for specific projects or programs. Montana wildlife organizations meeting these criteria may benefit from this support administered by The Denver Foundation.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for animal protection, wildlife conservation, or land and habitat preservation can apply for grants up to US $50,000. With a mission to support animal welfare, conservation, agriculture, and civic organizations, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation prioritizes California groups but also considers applicants from across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area, Montana wildlife and conservation groups may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s location and program priorities.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits caring for abandoned or abused pets, especially dogs, or working in wildlife conservation may apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants of up to US $5,000. Funding supports specific projects improving animal welfare or protecting wildlife habitat, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation efforts.

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

Wildlife and habitat conservation organizations in Montana and the broader Northern Great Plains can seek funding to conserve and restore grasslands and grassland-dependent species. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports projects with clear conservation metrics and strong community partnerships, including tribal communities, with awards ranging from US $200,000 - US $1,500,000.

Not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation or habitat areas that support the Mississippi Flyway, including work benefiting Montana’s migratory birds, can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Duck Stamp Funding; awards up to US $500,000 for projects in Canada or the U.S. implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

With a mission to support natural resource and bird studies, Indiana Audubon Society provides Montana wildlife organizations and individuals with US $500 - US $5,000 for ornithological research, conservation, and education projects. Priority goes to work related to Indiana’s avifauna and key stewardship species, but additional funding can support domestic and international bird-focused efforts.

Wildlife researchers and conservation-focused organizations in Montana can receive US $500 - US $1,200 to support bird-related research, conservation, and education projects. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help fund work on ornithological conservation and related natural resource issues, with an emphasis on Arkansas bird species but eligibility extending to U.S.-based projects, including those benefiting Montana wildlife.

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 Montana wildlife groups advance treatments, habitat strategies, and recovery actions for vulnerable bat species.

Montana ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access funding through the American Ornithological Society’s William Brewster Memorial Award, which honors a meritorious body of work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. Individual scientists whose recent publications advance ornithology or ornithological conservation may be nominated, including nonmembers, provided they meet AOS ethical and eligibility standards.

Montana 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 or habitat programs that advance ornithological conservation, and may benefit wildlife-focused professionals working on bird conservation in the region.

Individuals well established in their ornithology careers who have provided extensive service to the American Ornithological Society can receive this honorarium and framed certificate, recognizing contributions to ornithological conservation and community service. With a mission to connect ornithologists and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society highlights volunteerism, mentoring, and committee work that may involve wildlife efforts in Montana.

Grants from American Ornithological Society help Montana ornithological conservation professionals by honoring early- or mid-career ornithologists who provide extensive volunteer service and committee participation within the Society. Individual ornithologists engaged in bird research or conservation who have significantly served AOS may be nominated for the Marion Jenkinson Service Award, which includes a framed certificate and recognition for exemplary professional conduct.

Early-career ornithology researchers working on bird science or conservation, including those based in Montana, can apply for the Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 and annual meeting registration support. Eligible nominees must be current American Ornithological Society members with doctorates received or anticipated between 2019–2022, with limited exceptions.

Montana ornithology researchers early in their careers can access funding and recognition through the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, supporting ornithological conservation work. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this US $1,500 award honors outstanding research, includes annual meeting registration, and invites awardees to present a plenary.

Senior ornithologists with a lifetime record of impactful bird research can be nominated for this recognition, which honors outstanding ornithological research achievements and may benefit wildlife researchers in Montana. With a mission to advance bird science and conservation, American Ornithological Society provides this award to current AOS members who meet its ethical and professional standards.

Montana ornithologists and bird researchers can access funding recognition through the Elliott Coues Award, which honors outstanding and innovative ornithological research worldwide. This American Ornithological Society award consists of a medal and honorarium, accepts member and non-member nominations, and may benefit those contributing to ornithological conservation and wildlife science.

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.

Early-career avian conservation professionals working in applied, non-research roles that benefit birds and their habitats may be eligible for this national recognition, including those in Montana. Grants from Wilson Ornithological Society honor WOS members with five or fewer years’ experience whose work advances bird conservation, community impact, and inclusion across agencies, nonprofits, universities, or independent practice.

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.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.