Best Plant Grants in West Virginia

Students conducting botanical or plant science research that includes at least one species from the northeastern or mid-Atlantic U.S., including West Virginia, can apply for the Philadelphia Botanical Club’s Bayard Long Award; awards US $2,000 for field, herbarium, lab work, and related travel, living expenses, supplies, and minor equipment.

Grants supporting field-based plant, biodiversity, and conservation research in West Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic are available, with awards up to US $6,000. Grants from Washington Biologists' Field Club help researchers study natural history, systematics, ecology, and environmental issues, with priority for projects on poorly known taxa and key regional sites like Plummers Island and the Potomac River drainage.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations working on botanical conservation and forestry research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation for native tree restoration can apply for project-focused support, including necessary overhead. The Oak Hill Fund provides funding across the continental U.S., so West Virginia plant conservation groups may be eligible.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees, such as botany, ecology, forestry, or soil science, can apply for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, which supports full-time study at accredited colleges. Focused on environmental and botanical conservation, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois opportunity may benefit those interested in plant-focused careers beyond West Virginia.

Students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can access funding through The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region if they demonstrate financial need and reside in specific New York counties. Third- or fourth-year undergraduates and current graduate students, including those from West Virginia studying there, may benefit via the universal scholarship application.

West Virginia PhD students in plant science, botanical conservation, or sustainable agriculture can access funding through the Botany in Action Fellowship, which offers US $6,000 for research and outreach. Administered by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, this program also includes an all-expenses-paid outreach training trip and ongoing public engagement opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing landscape architecture, environmental science, horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, or environmental engineering may be eligible for tuition assistance, with priority to Blue Ridge students in Susquehanna County. Grants from Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains help students interested in plant-related and environmental studies, which may benefit those connected to West Virginia plant-focused education.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships to support independent study, thesis, or dissertation work. Northern California Botanists provides funding that may benefit students whose botanical conservation projects relate to plant-focused priorities similar to those in West Virginia.

Graduating high school seniors in West Virginia planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields can apply for this scholarship supporting higher education costs. With a mission to foster conservation-minded education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides aid to students interested in environmental and botanical conservation careers.

Undergraduate students in West Virginia interested in plant science and botanical conservation can apply for Botany and Beyond: PLANTS Grants to attend the 2025 Botany conference. Focused on immersive mentoring and exposure to botanical research careers, the Botanical Society of America program fully supports conference participation for selected scholars from the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to West Virginia botanical conservation, can receive US $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. Focused on orchid research and preservation, the American Orchid Society honors prior achievements and supports ongoing efforts to protect native orchid species.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting conservation horticulture research in the U.S. can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America help West Virginia and other U.S.-based students study and conserve rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects on southeastern flora.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on land and ecosystem conservation can seek funding for biodiversity and habitat projects in West Virginia and other U.S. regions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help groups advance private land conservation, watershed and stream restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, with typical first-time awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate policy, fossil fuel reduction, or climate change education can apply for the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation’s Environment Grant. Funding supports general operations or programs that decrease domestic fossil fuel demand and production or provide scientifically accurate, action-oriented climate education for high school and college-age young adults, including in West Virginia.

Nonprofit organizations carrying out Christian ministry projects, including evangelism, leadership development, holistic services, media, stewardship, and youth work, may be eligible for funding that can benefit West Virginia communities. Grants from Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation support 501(c)(3) organizations with specific projects in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, including efforts serving poor, marginalized, and oppressed people.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofits, NGOs, and educational institutions working on food system transformation and farmed animal issues, including those in West Virginia, can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants support work such as sustainable agriculture, environmental and health policy, food justice, and related advocacy, including both project-based and unrestricted funding.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, tribal housing entities, and qualifying public housing organizations with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 awards to expand their work in West Virginia and nationwide. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo fund proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase housing affordability for low- and moderate-income residents.

West Virginia plant-focused nonprofits with nutrition or food education components can access funding through Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation to support nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working with schools, families, or communities across the U.S. may receive support for initiatives promoting healthy eating and food awareness.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and experienced conservation professionals in West Virginia working on habitat restoration, biodiversity, or ecosystem stewardship can apply for W.L. Gore & Associates’ SITKA Ecosystem Grants, typically ranging from US $3,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports ecosystem-improving projects, hunting access and education, and collaborative conservation that may include botanical and broader habitat work.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.