Best Wildlife Health Grants in Minnesota

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is granting funding to enhance wildlife disease diagnostics at the National Wildlife Health Center. This initiative aims to strengthen parasitology services, which are crucial for monitoring and managing wildlife health. By improving early detection and surveillance of parasitic diseases, the project supports wildlife conservation, public safety, and ecological balance. This aligns with federal efforts to enhance resource stewardship and reduce regulatory burdens related to endangered species protections.

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, territory, and D.C. fish and wildlife agencies can obtain funding to design and implement conservation programs benefiting wildlife and habitats, including wildlife health work in Minnesota. The US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service offers US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 cost-sharing awards for projects tied to State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans.

State agencies in Great Lakes states, including Minnesota, can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 to implement approved Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans and protect wildlife health. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds to competitively support these fish and wildlife conservation efforts.

Minnesota wildlife health and habitat conservation organizations can access funding through the US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and protect habitats on private lands. This national Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program offers up to US $750,000 plus technical assistance for projects in all 50 states and territories that benefit federal trust species.

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 home-schooled and career center attendees, who meet GPA requirements and seek training that may benefit future wildlife health work, including in Minnesota.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar groups working on 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 Minnesota and other regions develop and implement treatments, management tools, and habitat strategies for WNS-affected bat species.

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

Wildlife health researchers and institutions in Minnesota studying reptile and amphibian health can access funding through Morris Animal Foundation for pilot, proof-of-concept studies. Awards up to US $20,000 support hypothesis-driven projects with clear animal health or conservation needs, strong collaborations, and direct translational value for free-ranging wildlife populations, excluding work in sanctioned countries.

Early-career researchers with permanent roles at universities, accredited zoos, conservation organizations, or similar institutions in Minnesota and worldwide can apply for Morris Animal Foundation’s Wildlife Health (Reptile and Amphibian) First Award, offering up to US $120,000 for hypothesis-driven studies on amphibian and reptile health and welfare, including chytrid-focused projects with clear benefits to free-ranging wildlife.

Veterinary researchers and wildlife health scientists in Minnesota studying reptile and amphibian health can apply for Morris Animal Foundation’s Wildlife Health (Reptile and Amphibian) Established Investigator funding. Awards of approximately US $100,000 over up to 36 months back hypothesis-driven, humane studies with clear translational value for free-ranging wildlife populations worldwide.

Early-career and established researchers at universities, NGOs, or government agencies in Minnesota can apply for Wild Animal Initiative’s Seed Grants, offering up to US $10,000 for wild animal welfare research. Projects on wild fish welfare or near-term welfare interventions that incorporate clear welfare assessments and methods may be competitive.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) charities working on wildlife health, animal welfare, or nature and wildlife conservation can seek single-year program support from the Robinson Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line, be operating for more than three years, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact beyond capital or facilities projects.

Minnesota wildlife health and environmental nonprofits can access funding through Cell Signaling Technology for clearly defined conservation, biodiversity, wildlife research, pollution reduction, and environmental education projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, with preference for Massachusetts and North Shore of Boston groups; awards range from US $500 - US $10,000, with applications due annually by May 1.

Minnesota wildlife health and animal welfare nonprofits with annual income under $200,000 can seek project funding to improve humane treatment, provide veterinary care, support non-lethal alternatives to euthanasia, and offer humane education. Focused on domestic pets, wildlife, and farm animals, Cold Noses Foundation accepts applications worldwide during designated regional grant cycles.

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 researching wild felid biology, management, or conservation can receive US $1,000 - US $2,000 to support wildlife health-related field or lab work, including projects relevant to Minnesota. Wild Felid Research & Management Association awards one to three scholarships annually for work on wild felids in the Western Hemisphere.

Nonprofit 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 on public lands in Minnesota. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help groups offering outdoor recreation, education, and related services that may also intersect with wildlife health and conservation.

Nonprofit and public sector organizations in the U.S. can apply for Richard King Mellon Foundation’s flexible General Application to support conservation, economic development, health, and youth opportunity initiatives. Minnesota wildlife health and conservation projects may be eligible, with options for general operating, project, planning, implementation, or scaling support, depending on alignment with the Foundation’s 2021–2030 Strategic Plan.

Minnesota wildlife conservation and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Grants of more than US $50,000 support storytelling projects for organizations advancing preservation, education, or wellness, including wildlife conservation and related environmental initiatives.

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.