Best Wildlife Grants in South Carolina

Researchers and conservation practitioners working on giant aquatic salamander conservation in South Carolina and other eligible regions can receive up to US $2,000 for field conservation, applied research, or education projects. Cryptobranchid Interest Group favors broad-impact herpetological conservation efforts, including habitat protection, threat mitigation, and initiatives directly benefiting Cryptobranchid health and recovery.

Wildlife and conservation organizations in South Carolina working on ornithological conservation can seek funding for Atlantic Flyway shorebird research, habitat protection, and threat mitigation. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides US $75,000 - US $250,000 to address issues like disturbance, predation, hunting pressures, and information gaps for species such as American oystercatcher, red knot, and whimbrel.

South Carolina conservation organizations working on bird research, education, or habitat protection can access funding through the Carolina Bird Club’s Conservation Grants. Projects must focus on birds of the Carolinas and their habitats, with clear conservation needs, actions, timelines, and budgets; checks are issued to institutions or departments, not individuals.

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. South Carolina wildlife and habitat conservation groups may be especially interested in this opportunity.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations caring for abandoned or abused pets or improving wildlife welfare, including work in South Carolina, can apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants of up to US $5,000. Funding supports specific programs for dogs and wildlife, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, rather than general operating expenses.

Wildlife and land conservation nonprofits in South Carolina and across the U.S. can seek capital funding for specific equipment or property purchases. With a mission rooted in animal protection and open space preservation, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing California-based groups, with awards up to US $50,000.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working on wildlife and broader conservation efforts, primarily in the greater Chicago area, can seek US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating, project, or occasional capital support. McGraw Foundation also funds environmental education and human services, which may benefit South Carolina wildlife-focused programs with relevant partnerships.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife protection, policy advocacy, or habitat conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Nationally focused projects such as endangered species advocacy, Indigenous wildlife management, great ape sanctuaries, and efforts for pollinators, wolves, whales, and birds may be eligible, including work benefiting South Carolina ecosystems.

South Carolina students conducting herpetological conservation research in gopher tortoise upland habitats can receive up to US $3,000 for original, student-led projects. Gopher Tortoise Council provides undergraduate and graduate researchers at accredited colleges worldwide with support for studies on gopher tortoise biology, ecology, or related upland habitat conservation within the species’ southeastern U.S. range.

Not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation or habitat areas in Canada or the U.S. that support the Mississippi Flyway can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund, with awards up to US $500,000. South Carolina wildlife and ornithological conservation groups working within this flyway may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and individuals conducting bird-related conservation, research, or education can seek $500 - US $5,000 in support, including projects connected to South Carolina birdlife. With a mission to advance natural resource and avian studies, Indiana Audubon Society provides grants and scholarships that may benefit wildlife-focused work tied to Indiana’s avifauna and related habitats.

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

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar groups working on mammalian conservation and wildlife health in South Carolina and across the U.S. can apply for US $50,000 - US $250,000 to combat white-nose syndrome in bats. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery actions for WNS-affected bat species.

South Carolina ornithological conservation researchers can access funding through the American Ornithological Society’s William Brewster Memorial Award, which honors an outstanding body of work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. Individual ornithologists, including non-members, may be nominated for this senior professional award, which includes a medal and honorarium for meritorious publications.

South Carolina ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access funding recognition through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, honoring extraordinary scientific contributions to avian conservation worldwide. This American Ornithological Society award recognizes applied research, restoration, education, and leadership in bird and habitat conservation, and is open to individual or small-team nominees with required AOS membership.

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 support ornithologists, American Ornithological Society provides a framed certificate and honorarium recognizing exceptional volunteer, mentoring, and committee service, including work benefiting wildlife in South Carolina.

Early- and mid-career ornithologists providing extensive volunteer service to the American Ornithological Society, including committee work and elected roles, may be eligible for this recognition. Grants from American Ornithological Society help South Carolina ornithological conservation professionals gain national acknowledgment through the Marion Jenkinson Service Award, which honors exceptional service to ornithology and the Society.

Early-career ornithology researchers, including those working in South Carolina, can apply for the American Ornithological Society’s Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award; awards US $1,500 plus annual meeting registration for outstanding ornithological research. Eligible candidates must be current AOS members with doctorates received or anticipated between 2019–2022, with limited 2018 exceptions.

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

The Donna J. Heinrich Environmental Education Grant, established by the Gopher Tortoise Council, aims to support educators and organizations in creating projects focused on the gopher tortoise and its habitat. This grant honors Donna June Heinrich, a dedicated environmental educator committed to wildlife conservation. By fostering educational initiatives, the grant seeks to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the gopher tortoise and promote its conservation across the southeastern United States.