Best Wildlife Grants in Hawaii

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides Hawaii wildlife and habitat organizations with US $50,000 - US $200,000 for conservation projects. Funding supports restoring native watersheds and biodiversity, reducing extinction risk for endemic bird species, and strengthening coral reef resilience in Maui Nui by addressing invasive species, habitat degradation, and other local threats.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 that run animal welfare or wildlife preservation projects, including work benefiting Hawaii wildlife, can apply for the Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, administered by The Denver Foundation. Awards of US $500 - US $5,000 support specific projects or programs rather than general operating costs.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for wildlife, animal protection, land conservation, or related agricultural projects may be eligible, with priority to California-based groups. With a mission to support animal welfare, habitat preservation, and select civic organizations, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation offers up to US $50,000 per grant that may benefit Hawaii wildlife initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 in flexible support, including for operating or project costs. McGraw Foundation provides funding for herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation efforts, which may benefit programs connected to Hawaii wildlife priorities.

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

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and habitat conservation, policy advocacy, and endangered species protection can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports national efforts such as indigenous wildlife management, legal advocacy, and protection of pollinators, wolves, whales, and birds, which may benefit programs that include work in Hawaii.

Eligible not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation or habitat areas for the Mississippi Flyway, including projects that may benefit wildlife in Hawaii, can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Duck Stamp Funding; awards up to US $500,000 for habitat development and North American Waterfowl Management Plan projects in Canada or the U.S.

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

Wildlife and bird conservation researchers and educators in Hawaii can access funding for ornithological and related natural resource projects through the Arkansas Audubon Society. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help Hawaii wildlife organizations and individuals support research, conservation, and education, with awards of US $500 - US $1,200 for projects focused on birds and other taxa within the U.S.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar groups working on mammalian conservation and wildlife health in Hawaii and across the U.S. can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Bats for the Future Fund, offering US $50,000 - US $250,000. Grants support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and research to combat white-nose syndrome in bats.

Hawaii ornithologists and bird researchers can access recognition and support through the William Brewster Memorial Award, honoring a major body of work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. This American Ornithological Society award provides a medal and honorarium for outstanding books, monographs, or related paper series in ornithology and bird conservation.

Hawaii ornithological conservation professionals and small research teams working on bird conservation may be eligible for the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, which honors extraordinary conservation-related scientific contributions worldwide. This American Ornithological Society award recognizes applied research, restoration, education, and recovery or habitat programs that advance ornithological conservation across the full annual life cycle of birds.

Individual ornithologists with long, distinguished service to the American Ornithological Society can be honored for their volunteer leadership, mentoring, and committee work. With a mission to advance ornithology, American Ornithological Society provides a framed certificate and honorarium recognizing exceptional contributions, which may interest Hawaii wildlife and ornithological conservation professionals active in AOS service.

Early- and mid-career ornithologists providing extensive volunteer service to the American Ornithological Society can be honored for their contributions through this service award, which includes a framed certificate. Grants from American Ornithological Society help Hawaii ornithological conservation professionals engaged in Society leadership and committee work gain recognition for their dedication to bird science and conservation.

Early-career ornithology researchers working on bird science or conservation, including those based in Hawaii, can apply for the Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 plus annual meeting registration. This American Ornithological Society award honors outstanding research and leadership potential in any field of ornithology for recent or soon-to-be PhDs.

Hawaii ornithological conservation researchers early in their careers can access funding through the American Ornithological Society’s James G. Cooper Early Professional Award. This US $1,500 honorarium recognizes outstanding early-career work in any field of ornithology and supports AOS members whose terminal degree was or will be completed between 2023 and 2026.

With a mission to support bird science, the American Ornithological Society provides senior ornithologists with the Loye and Alden Miller Research Award recognizing lifetime achievement in ornithological research. Hawaii-based and other U.S. bird researchers active in ornithological conservation, who are current AOS members and meet ethical standards, may be nominated for this prestigious wildlife-focused honor.

Hawaii ornithological conservation researchers and other bird scientists can access recognition and support through the Elliott Coues Award, which honors outstanding, innovative ornithological research worldwide. Administered by the American Ornithological Society, this senior professional award includes a medal and honorarium and welcomes nominations, including self-nominations, for eligible ornithologists working on bird conservation and 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.

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 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.

The Dr. Bruce D. J. Batt Fellowship in Waterfowl Conservation honors the legacy of Dr. Bruce Batt, a leading figure in waterfowl research. This fellowship offers up to $5,000 annually to graduate students at North American universities conducting vital research on waterfowl and wetlands. Renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, the fellowship promotes the integration of sound science in conservation efforts, supporting the next generation of waterfowl professionals.