Best Wildlife Grants in Rhode Island

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provides Rhode Island wildlife organizations with funding to conserve Atlantic Flyway shorebirds. Grants of US $75,000 - US $250,000 support efforts such as reducing human disturbance and predation, protecting habitat, addressing hunting threats along the flyway, and improving monitoring and management for species like red knot, whimbrel, and American oystercatcher.

Rhode Island wildlife and habitat conservation organizations can access funding through the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore and protect habitats on private lands. Eligible projects across the U.S. and territories may receive up to US $750,000 for fish, wildlife, and ecosystem restoration work in partnership with private landowners.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 that focus on animal welfare or wildlife preservation can apply for The Denver Foundation’s Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for specific projects or programs. Rhode Island wildlife and habitat organizations may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking up to US $50,000 for capital purchases in animal protection, wildlife or land conservation, agriculture, or civic arts may be eligible, with preference for California-based organizations. With a mission rooted in animal welfare and open space preservation, T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation supports acquisition of specific capital items, not operating costs.

501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working on wildlife and environmental conservation, including herpetological, ornithological, and mammalian conservation, can access funding in the greater Chicago area. McGraw Foundation provides US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital programs that advance conservation and related education or human services work.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations caring for abandoned or abused pets or improving wildlife welfare, including in Rhode Island, can apply for Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals grants of up to US $5,000 for specific programs. Funding supports animal care and habitat or welfare projects, with limited support for general operating expenses.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife protection and conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants, which include Rhode Island. Funding supports policy and advocacy for threatened and endangered species, Indigenous wildlife management, great ape sanctuaries, and efforts focused on pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, and related habitats.

Not-for-profit organizations developing waterfowl propagation or habitat areas that support the Mississippi Flyway, including bird conservation work relevant to Rhode Island–serving programs, can apply for Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund; awards up to US $500,000 for projects in Canada or the U.S. implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Nonprofit organizations, Indiana Bird Towns, and individuals conducting bird-related conservation, research, or education can receive US $500 - US $5,000 in support, including projects connected to Rhode Island birdlife. With a mission to advance avian conservation, Indiana Audubon Society provides wildlife-focused applicants with grants and scholarships for studies, field projects, and bird-related trainings.

Wildlife researchers and conservation educators in Rhode Island and beyond can receive US $500 - US $1,200 to support bird-focused research, conservation, and education projects. Grants from Arkansas Audubon Society help ornithological and related natural resource projects, with priority for work on Arkansas bird species but eligibility extending across the U.S.

Research institutions, conservation organizations, and similar groups working on mammalian conservation and wildlife health can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 to combat white-nose syndrome in bats across the U.S. and territories, including Rhode Island. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation support treatments, management tools, habitat strategies, and recovery research for affected bat species.

Rhode Island ornithologists and bird researchers can access funding through the American Ornithological Society’s William Brewster Memorial Award, which honors outstanding published work on birds of the Western Hemisphere. Individual scientists whose recent books, monographs, or related paper series demonstrate exceptional merit in ornithology or bird conservation may be nominated, including nonmembers, subject to AOS ethics and eligibility rules.

Rhode Island ornithologists and bird conservation researchers can access funding recognition through the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, honoring extraordinary scientific contributions to avian conservation worldwide. This American Ornithological Society award supports applied research, restoration, education, and leadership in bird and habitat conservation, for individuals or small teams with at least one AOS member nominee.

Individuals well established in their ornithology careers who have provided outstanding, extensive service to the American Ornithological Society can be honored for their contributions to bird science and conservation. With a mission to advance ornithology, American Ornithological Society provides this service award with a framed certificate and honorarium; Rhode Island wildlife professionals may be eligible.

Early- and mid-career ornithologists providing extensive volunteer service to the American Ornithological Society, including committee work and elected roles, may be eligible for this recognition. Grants from American Ornithological Society help Rhode Island ornithological conservation professionals gain national acknowledgment through the Marion Jenkinson Service Award’s framed certificate honoring exceptional service to the Society and the field.

Early-career ornithology researchers working on bird science or conservation can apply for the American Ornithological Society’s Ned K. Johnson Early Investigator Award, which provides US $1,500 and recognition for outstanding work. Although international in scope, it may benefit Rhode Island–based scientists whose research advances ornithological conservation and leadership potential.

Rhode Island ornithological researchers early in their careers can access funding through the American Ornithological Society’s James G. Cooper Early Professional Award. This US $1,500 honorarium recognizes outstanding research in any field of ornithology and includes a certificate, free annual meeting registration, and an invited plenary presentation for AOS members with recent terminal degrees.

With a mission to advance bird science, the American Ornithological Society provides Rhode Island ornithological conservation professionals with recognition for lifetime achievement in ornithological research. Senior ornithologists who are current AOS members may be nominated, including those whose work benefits wildlife conservation, while current AOS Executive Committee officers are ineligible.

Rhode Island ornithologists and bird researchers can access recognition and support for innovative ornithological research through the Elliott Coues Award, which honors outstanding scientific contributions. Wildlife and ornithological conservation professionals may be nominated for this American Ornithological Society senior award, which includes a medal and honorarium and is open to non-members meeting AOS conduct standards.

The Conservation Practitioner Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes dedicated professionals at any career stage who address avian conservation issues at local or regional levels. This award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium, acknowledging the critical work of individuals or groups in government or non-government organizations. The AOS aims to promote ethical standards and support a diverse community of ornithologists committed to bird conservation.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Women's Wildlife Management Conservation Scholarship

The Women’s Wildlife Conservation Scholarship, established by the NRA Women’s Policies Committee, is a renewable one-year $5,000 scholarship available to full-time college sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Thank you for your interest in the field of wildlife management, forestry, parks, or fish and wildlife conservation.

Scholarship Value

$2,500 per semester for up to two semesters. Recipients must maintain qualifications listed above to receive second installment.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Grants

Empowering People to Move, Live, Work, and Play

Bridgestone has awarded over $60 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States since 1951, and we are committed to continuing our legacy of giving back by supporting communities around the U.S.

Bridgestone works with grantseekers that offer solutions to keep society moving forward. Strong partners offer a human-centered approach to societal challenges in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

In addition to our three areas of focus, we will consider applications from organizations that have hosted volunteer or community engagement events with Bridgestone volunteers and organizations that have received funding in previous years. 

About

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals.

ASM Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society of Mammalogists is to advance the scientific understanding of mammals globally, to diversify the profession of mammalogy, and to promote science as the basis for the conservation and management of mammals. The Society achieves these goals through publications, grants and fellowships, annual meetings, and other education and outreach activities.

Stephen Jenkins Scholarship in Mammalogy

One of Steve Jenkins’ most meaningful legacies is found in the hundreds of students he taught and mentored over his 37 years in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught a wide range of classes including introductory biology, ecology, mammalogy and research design, and served as graduate advisor to more than 30 students. His research focused on beavers, wolves, wild horses, and ground squirrels. Steve worked to pass on his own belief that critical thinking is not just a fundamental tenet of sound science, but a force for good. He wrote the book How Science Works, an effort to demystify the scientific process for nonspecialists. In his retirement he wrote a second book, Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology. Steve has been a member of American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) since 1974.

Scope and Rationale of the Award

The new Stephen Jenkins Scholarship Award would be available to a graduate student in a North American university whose research is focused on one or more mammalian species. This would include field research (and lab research that supports and augments field research) in such fields as animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. ASM supports research on all aspects of mammalian biology, and the award will provide support for early career mammalogists. 

Use of Funds:

The award may be used only for research expenses, in the field or in the laboratory, research related travel, laboratory supplies, equipment, and attendance at professional meetings.  The current award is for $5000.

Early-career avian conservation professionals working in Rhode Island or elsewhere can receive recognition and support for applied, non-research work that protects birds and their habitats. Grants from Wilson Ornithological Society help wildlife and ornithological conservation practitioners share their management, policy, education, or community engagement impact at the Society’s annual meeting, with travel and related costs covered.

The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship, established in 1994 by the Garden Club of America, supports college seniors and graduate students studying seasonal habitats for endangered native birds in the U.S. With an annual award of $4500, this scholarship aims to promote effective land-management practices. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. institution. Note that international applicants are not eligible for funding due to IRS restrictions.

The DFO Research, Education, and Conservation Grant supports projects focused on birds and their habitats, prioritizing initiatives in the Denver area and Colorado's Front Range. Established in 1994, the fund encourages research, education, and conservation efforts with grants typically under $2,000. Recent funded projects include studies on owl habitats and educational programs for young birders. The fund aims to advance knowledge and appreciation of avian species through targeted financial support.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.