Best Grants for Land Conservation in West Virginia

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding provides technical and financial assistance for land and habitat conservation, improving soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible farms, ranches, and forestlands.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on land and habitat conservation and historic preservation in West Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation grants up to US $7,500 for planning and education projects. Funding supports professional consulting, preservation planning, community forums, and public outreach that protect natural and cultural resources.

Agricultural producers in West Virginia seeking to improve land and water conservation can access funding for practices like water management, erosion control, and sustainable agriculture. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia provide up to US $50,000 and up to 75% cost-share, including higher support for historically underserved producers implementing conservation on eligible working lands.

West Virginia land conservation organizations and eligible government or tribal partners can receive funding to purchase agricultural land easements that keep cropland and grassland in active farming and ranching. West Virginia land and habitat conservation groups can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to limit nonagricultural uses and protect long-term agricultural and conservation values.

West Virginia landowners and agricultural property holders seeking to conserve or restore wetlands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to place land under wetland reserve easements. Support covers permanent or 30-year easements, including most easement purchase, restoration, and recording costs, helping protect farmland, habitat, and environmental stewardship values.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in West Virginia can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support land and habitat conservation and public access projects. Grants from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation help conserve big game habitat, protect migration corridors, and create or improve public access through easements, agreements, and similar efforts.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation, environmental restoration, or related education in West Virginia can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation support. Projects must operate in communities where the company has facilities and may include land and water restoration, creating green spaces, and promoting sustainable, healthy, and vibrant communities.

West Virginia land and habitat conservation organizations seeking capital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community-benefit projects can access funding through Open Space Institute. The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant offers up to US $4,600,000 for projects within the ALP service area that enhance landscape connectivity, retain forest carbon, and protect critical open space.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities working on land and habitat conservation, sustainable land use, or related environmental issues can seek support for programs that drive societal and environmental improvement. The Dunn Foundation supports efforts such as land acquisition and protection, land use planning, sustainable forestry, and climate and sustainability initiatives in West Virginia.

Land trusts, nonprofits, Tribal governments, and municipalities in West Virginia and across the Appalachian region can apply for Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grants, with awards up to US $20,000 for climate-informed conservation planning. Funding supports broad-scale land and habitat conservation, climate resilience planning, mapping, community engagement, and related strategic planning activities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can apply for project-specific funding, including overhead, from The Oak Hill Fund. West Virginia land and habitat conservation groups working on native tree restoration may be especially well positioned for this Diminished Tree Species Program.

Focused on land and habitat conservation, Open Space Institute invites West Virginia conservation organizations to seek capital funding for land acquisition or conservation easements. Projects must advance biodiversity protection, climate resilience, forest carbon retention, landscape connectivity, and meaningful benefits for local communities within the broader Appalachian Mountains region.

The Easement Restoration and Stewardship program, funded by the USDA NRCS, focuses on restoring and managing Wetland and Floodplain Easements. It includes developing restoration plans, conducting assessments, and implementing stewardship activities to enhance ecological health. Awardees will collaborate with NRCS personnel to ensure effective restoration design and maintenance strategies, fostering sustainable landscapes. This initiative addresses critical habitat conditions and promotes long-term environmental benefits for protected lands.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups defending land, water, and natural resources can seek up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and related island territories. With a mission to back urgent Indigenous climate and land defense, NDN Collective provides funding for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel, which may benefit land conservation efforts in West Virginia.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation, freshwater protection, or climate-resilient water management can seek Bell's Brewery Grassroots Small Grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. With a mission to support water stewardship, Bell's Brewery provides funding that may benefit West Virginia groups conserving land and watershed health.

Focused on land and habitat conservation, this program invites West Virginia conservation organizations and partners to seek funding for on-the-ground projects improving fish and wildlife habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Implementation grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation range from US $75,000 - US $500,000 for restoration, stewardship, and related conservation enhancements.

Conservation organizations and partners improving fish and wildlife habitat and connectivity in West Virginia can access planning and technical assistance funding through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. These Chesapeake WILD grants support community-based assessment, planning, design, and related technical activities that restore, conserve, and connect habitats, improve water quality, enhance climate resilience, and expand access to nature for at-risk species.

501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation, community development, or related services in West Virginia can apply for support from the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Funding may be provided as program-related investments or grants for self-sustaining projects that strengthen the economic base of disadvantaged communities, including rural areas.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The REPI Challenge, initiated by the DOD's REPI Program, aims to protect critical testing and training capabilities through funded projects. Since 2012, over $193 million has been allocated to 69 initiatives, leveraging more than $512 million in partner contributions. The upcoming 2026 REPI Challenge will focus on strategic mission safeguarding, with up to $20 million available for preventing land use conflicts and enhancing military resilience, thus ensuring the longevity of vital defense capabilities.

Delaney Family Foundation 

The Delaney Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support Wildlife and Land Conservation, Education, Healthcare and Community Betterment.

The Delaney Family Foundation was established in 2013. We make both program and operating grants and do not have geographical restrictions.  

Grant Information

Grants are awarded annually. The following criteria will be used in confirming that grant requests match the goals of The Delaney Family Foundation.

• Clarity of Purpose – the request should be clearly defined with a specific description of how goals/tasks will be achieved and how funds will be spent.
• Potential for Success – the organization must demonstrate that they have funding sources, manpower, and community support as well as the time to achieve their goals. Projects must be realistic.
• Leadership – stability in the organization is a requirement, as well as a well-deserved reputation for results.
• Site Visits – While not always possible, site visits by board members prior to gifting, during gifting or following may be considered.

 We may consider multi-year grants.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation in West Virginia can apply for the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation’s grants to support conservation, environmental protection, and related human services or animal welfare work. Eligible U.S. organizations must submit a complete application, including IRS determination letter, by June 30, 2025.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.