Best Wildlife Health Grants in New York

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.

State, county, and municipal entities in New York seeking to acquire land or conservation easements can access funding for land and natural resource protection through the Highlands Conservation Act Competitive Funding Round. The US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service offers US $25,000 - US $3,850,000 for projects in the Highlands Region that may benefit wildlife health and habitat conservation.

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 seek funding to design and implement proactive wildlife conservation and health programs, including in New York. The US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service offers US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 for projects benefiting species of greatest conservation need and their habitats across eligible jurisdictions.

State agencies in New York and other Great Lakes states implementing approved Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans can receive US $100,000 - US $600,000 to control aquatic invasive species and protect wildlife health. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides competitive Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants to eligible states or their designated entities for plan implementation.

New York landowners and conservation partners working on wildlife health and habitat restoration can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Grants up to US $750,000 support voluntary projects that restore and protect habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants on private lands, with required consultation with local program offices.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study wildlife-related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited two- or four-year colleges, trade or technical schools, or vocational programs. Grants from Ashland County Community Foundation help students, including homeschoolers and career center attendees, with strong academics (3.0+ GPA) who are pursuing wildlife health, management, or conservation careers.

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., including New York. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support treatments, management tools, habitat conservation, and recovery actions for vulnerable bat species.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife health, conservation, and related advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant efforts such as endangered species policy, indigenous wildlife management, sanctuaries for great apes, and habitat protection for pollinators, wolves, whales, and birds, which may benefit New York-focused wildlife health programs.

Wildlife health researchers and institutions in New York and worldwide can seek pilot funding for reptile and amphibian health and welfare studies, including chytrid-focused work. Morris Animal Foundation provides up to US $20,000 for 12‑month, proof‑of‑concept projects that are hypothesis‑driven, humane, and clearly translational to free‑ranging wildlife populations.

Early-career wildlife health researchers worldwide, including those based in New York universities, zoos, or conservation organizations, can apply for Morris Animal Foundation’s First Award grants, offering up to US $120,000 for reptile and amphibian health and welfare studies. Projects must address clear wildlife health needs and provide translational benefits to free-ranging populations.

Established wildlife health researchers working on reptile and amphibian health and welfare in New York and globally can seek approximately US $100,000 for hypothesis-driven studies with clear benefits to free-ranging wildlife. Morris Animal Foundation funds up to 36‑month projects, emphasizing chytrid research, strong scientific merit, and robust animal welfare and ethics compliance.

Early-career and established researchers at universities, NGOs, or government agencies in New York can apply for Wild Animal Initiative’s Seed Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for wild animal welfare research. Projects may test new methods, add welfare components to existing studies, or advance wild fish welfare and near-term welfare interventions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on wildlife health and conservation in the Southern U.S. can seek support for programs such as nature and wildlife conservation and animal welfare from the Robinson Foundation. New York-based groups may be interested in this opportunity if their work or partnerships extend to eligible Southern regions and related wildlife health needs.

New York 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, habitat restoration, pollution and waste reduction, or environmental education may be eligible for US $500 - US $10,000 grants, with applications due annually by May 1.

Wildlife and animal welfare nonprofits in New York 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 small organizations worldwide with annual income under $200,000 that meet its nonprofit requirements.

This grant supports conservation projects that restore and protect habitats in New York’s Delaware River watershed. Funding targets fish and wildlife habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and nature-based recreation access. Awards, typically substantial, prioritize on-the-ground implementation, measurable ecological outcomes, and collaborative efforts among local organizations and stakeholders.

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 or related fields conducting wild felid research, including wildlife health work relevant to New York, can receive US $1,000 - US $2,000 in support. Wild Felid Research & Management Association evaluates need, research contributions to felid biology, management or conservation, and academic recommendations for this Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with public land agencies can receive up to US $10,000 to run nature-based programs that improve veterans’ physical and mental health. Grants from National Environmental Education Foundation help expand outdoor recreation and educational activities on public lands, which may benefit groups integrating wildlife health or habitat experiences into veteran services.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.