Best Wildlife Grants in Louisiana

501(c)(3) organizations caring for abandoned or abused pets or improving wildlife welfare in Louisiana can apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for specific projects. Funding may support programs for dogs, other companion animals, or wildlife habitat and welfare, including herpetological, ornithological, or mammalian conservation efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, can seek support for programs in the greater Chicago area. McGraw Foundation provides US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating, project, or occasional capital needs; Louisiana-focused groups may benefit if they meet these geographic requirements.

Louisiana 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for wildlife, land, or habitat conservation projects can apply for support, with priority given to California-based groups. With a mission rooted in animal protection and land preservation, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation also considers agriculture and select civic organizations; awards are up to US $50,000.

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. Louisiana wildlife and habitat organizations meeting these criteria may be especially competitive.

Louisiana wildlife organizations and private landowners can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect habitats for fish and wildlife. This national Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program offers technical and financial assistance, with awards up to US $750,000, for voluntary habitat conservation projects benefiting federal trust species.

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

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

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

Wildlife researchers, students, educators, nonprofits, and agencies working on bird conservation or related natural resource issues in Louisiana and across the U.S. can apply for grants of US $500 - US $1,200. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society support research, conservation, and education projects, with priority for work focused on Arkansas bird species.

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. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help Louisiana wildlife organizations support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery of affected bat species.

Louisiana ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access recognition and support through the William Brewster Memorial Award, honoring a decade of outstanding work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this senior professional award includes a medal and honorarium for a meritorious book, monograph, or related papers.

Louisiana ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access funding recognition through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award for outstanding ornithological conservation work. American Ornithological Society honors individuals or small teams worldwide whose applied research, restoration, education, or recovery programs significantly advance bird and habitat conservation, which may benefit wildlife-focused professionals working in Louisiana.

Established ornithologists who have provided extensive service to the American Ornithological Society, including leadership, mentoring, and volunteer committee work, can be nominated for this honorarium and framed certificate. With a mission to advance ornithology, American Ornithological Society recognizes outstanding individual contributions that support bird science and conservation, including work relevant to ornithological conservation in Louisiana.

Early- and mid-career ornithologists who provide extensive volunteer service and committee participation to the American Ornithological Society can be recognized through this service award, which includes a framed certificate. Grants from American Ornithological Society help Louisiana ornithological conservation professionals engaged in AOS leadership and service be honored for their contributions to the Society.

Early-career ornithology researchers working on bird science or conservation, including those based in Louisiana, can apply for the Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 and recognition for outstanding work. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this award includes a certificate, annual meeting registration, and an invited plenary lecture.

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

Louisiana ornithological conservation researchers who are early in their careers can access funding and recognition through the James G. Cooper Early Professional Award, which provides US $1,500 and meeting support. This American Ornithological Society award honors outstanding research in any field of ornithology and is open to current AOS members with recent or pending terminal degrees.

With a mission to support ornithologists and bird conservation, American Ornithological Society provides Louisiana ornithological conservation 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.

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.

Louisiana ornithologists and bird researchers can access funding for outstanding, innovative ornithological research through the Elliott Coues Award, which includes a medal and honorarium. Offered by the American Ornithological Society, this senior professional award honors major contributions to ornithology; nominees need not be AOS members but must meet high ethical standards.

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. 

Gulf Coast college and university students researching gopher tortoise biology or upland habitat conservation in eligible Louisiana parishes can receive support for original, student-led projects. Gopher Tortoise Council provides Louisiana herpetological conservation students with up to US $3,000 for research expenses, requiring a project summary and presentation or poster at the following year’s annual meeting.

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.

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 Cameron Award supports field research on native rodents across the Americas, encouraging studies in ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation. It is available to students in MS or PhD programs and postdoctoral researchers in the U.S. Applicants must be ASM members. Funds cover supplies, equipment, and travel, but not salaries or meeting travel. The award aims to enhance understanding of rodent ecology and their impact on ecosystems.