Best Wildlife Health Grants in Maine

Maine organizations working on wildlife health, habitat conservation, fisheries, outdoor recreation, or related natural resources projects can access funding through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. Grants support projects statewide, including endangered species conservation and natural resources law enforcement, and must be submitted through an authorized Natural Resource Agency Representative.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Resource Management Program aims to enhance wildlife resource management on public lands across the nation. With a focus on habitat protection, species reintroduction, and collaborative conservation efforts, the program addresses critical ecological needs while supporting the social and economic well-being of communities. Key initiatives include habitat treatments, monitoring efforts, and partnerships with state agencies to ensure effective management and recovery of priority wildlife species.

The NAWCA U.S. Standard grants provide competitive matching funds to support partnerships aimed at the long-term protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and associated upland habitats in the U.S. These projects benefit migratory birds and promote ecological sustainability. A 1:1 match is required. The program seeks to improve wetland ecosystems, ensuring the conservation of waterfowl and other wildlife, while fulfilling international conservation obligations.

State, territorial, and D.C. fish and wildlife agencies can seek US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 to design and implement proactive wildlife conservation and habitat programs, including wildlife health efforts, across the U.S. and territories. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports projects tied to Wildlife Action Plans, which may benefit Maine-related conservation priorities.

Maine private landowners and conservation partners restoring or protecting wildlife habitat can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. This national program offers technical assistance and cooperative agreement funding up to US $750,000 to improve habitats for fish, wildlife, and other federal trust species, which can include wildlife health projects.

Research institutions and organizations studying offshore wildlife health, fisheries, and marine ecosystems in Maine and Massachusetts can apply for funding to advance offshore wind science and monitoring. With a mission to support clean energy development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center provides US $50,000 - US $500,000 for projects on fisheries, wildlife, habitat, transmission, and regional monitoring.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study wildlife-related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges, trade or tech schools, or vocational programs. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation help students, including homeschoolers, with strong academic records pursue wildlife health, management, or conservation studies, which may benefit future wildlife health work in Maine and beyond.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar groups working on wildlife health and mammalian conservation, including projects affecting Maine, can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Bats for the Future Fund, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000 for white-nose syndrome response. Grants support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery actions for WNS-susceptible bat species.

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

Maine wildlife health researchers and institutions working on reptile and amphibian health can apply for Pilot Study Awards supporting proof-of-concept animal health research. Morris Animal Foundation provides up to US $20,000 for 12-month projects with clear translational value to free-ranging wildlife and strong collaboration with natural resource managers, communities, and policymakers; international projects are eligible except in sanctioned countries.

Early-career wildlife health researchers worldwide, including those working in Maine, can apply for Morris Animal Foundation’s First Award grants, offering up to US $120,000 for reptile and amphibian health and welfare studies. Eligible investigators with a permanent institutional position may propose hypothesis-driven projects with clear translational benefits for free-ranging wildlife.

Wildlife health researchers and institutions in Maine studying reptile and amphibian health and welfare can apply for Morris Animal Foundation’s Established Investigator awards, averaging approximately US $100,000. Projects must be hypothesis-driven, humane, and clearly advance free-ranging wildlife health, with strong scientific merit, ethical compliance, and collaboration with resource managers and communities.

Early-career and established researchers at universities, research institutions, or eligible NGOs in Maine can apply for Wild Animal Initiative’s Seed Grants, offering up to US $10,000 for wild animal welfare research. Projects on wildlife health, especially wild fish welfare or near-term welfare interventions, may be funded if they directly assess and improve wild animals’ welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on wildlife health, animal welfare, or nature conservation in the Southern U.S. can apply for single-year project funding from the Robinson Foundation. Although not limited to Maine, Southern-based groups working on wildlife health and related conservation efforts may benefit if they demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear, tangible impact.

Maine wildlife health and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Cell Signaling Technology for clearly defined environmental projects, events, or specific purchases. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife health, ecosystem protection, pollution and waste reduction, or environmental education may be eligible for US $500 - US $10,000 in annual support.

Wildlife and animal welfare nonprofits in Maine can seek project funding for humane treatment, non-lethal alternatives to euthanasia, veterinary care, and humane education. Focused on animal welfare, Cold Noses Foundation invites small 501(c)(3) organizations and global equivalents with annual income under $200,000 to apply during region-specific quarterly grant cycles, including North America.

The Ed Hiestand Memorial Veterinary Student Scholarship, awarded by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, invites current veterinary students to submit papers on wildlife rehabilitation topics. The scholarship includes a $1000 award, symposium registration, and a banquet ticket. Winners will present their findings at the NWRA Symposium, with eligibility requiring original, unpublished manuscripts. This initiative supports veterinary education and promotes wildlife conservation efforts.

Graduate students in wildlife biology, wildlife management, or related natural resource fields researching wild felids in Maine or elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere can receive US $1,000 - US $2,000 for field or lab work. Wild Felid Research & Management Association supports projects advancing wild felid biology, management, conservation, and overall wildlife health.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based programs that support veterans’ physical and mental health. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help expand outdoor activities, education, and community connection on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands, which may benefit groups integrating wildlife health or outdoor recreation work.

U.S. nonprofit and public sector organizations working on conservation, economic development, health, or youth opportunity, including those serving Maine’s wildlife and ecosystems, can apply for Richard King Mellon Foundation’s flexible General Application; awards support general operations, projects, planning, innovation, implementation, or scaling aligned with its 2021–2030 strategic plan.

Maine wildlife health and conservation nonprofits, especially those focused on wildlife conservation, can access funding to tell impactful stories about their work. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations across its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, offering more than US $50,000 to elevate mission-driven storytelling.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The WDA Small Grants program supports projects that advance the mission of the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA), which focuses on promoting healthy wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable solutions to One Health challenges. Eligible projects include educational materials, public outreach, and other initiatives that align with WDA's goals. Funding will not cover overhead or accommodation expenses, and proposals must include measurable objectives that can be achieved within one year.