Best Environmental Education Grants in Virginia

Virginia students pursuing environmental degrees who demonstrate financial need can receive US $5,000 in scholarship support for study at Northern Virginia Community College or a Virginia public four-year university. With a mission to support environmental education, White House Farm Foundation provides three awards annually for fields like environmental science, conservation, forestry, biology, urban planning, economics, public policy, and related areas.

With a mission to support permanent capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with challenge or matching grants for facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, including environmental education initiatives. Qualified organizations statewide, especially in the Richmond metro area, may apply for semi-annual funding for conservation, education, and related community projects.

Virginia nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies can receive support for environmental education and related conservation projects in Virginia. Virginia Environmental Endowment provides funding for environmental literacy, water quality and river improvements, Chesapeake Bay restoration, sustainable land use, climate adaptation, and emerging environmental issues; projects must include matching funds at least equal to the grant request.

K–12 schools, districts, and education-focused organizations in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Watershed Educational Programs Project; awards up to US $45,000 for meaningful watershed educational experiences. Funding supports environmental education, curriculum development, and enrichment activities within Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and government agencies in Virginia can seek more than US $50,000 for water quality, land conservation, and environmental education projects through the Community Conservation Program. Focused on conservation and environmental literacy, Virginia Environmental Endowment invites proposals with measurable outcomes in specified counties and cities, including Roanoke and Salem.

Graduating high school seniors and current Northern Virginia Community College students in Virginia pursuing environmental-related associate degrees can receive scholarship support to continue toward a four-year university. With a mission to advance equity, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia provides the Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund to students with financial need committed to environmental education careers.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to either a graduating senior pursuing a post-secondary degree, or a currently matriculating student already so enrolled, who lives in Lackawanna or Wayne county and who is pursuing a degree or certificate in environmental science or a related field.

EEF Undergraduate College Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to college students to support their programs in environmentally-related fields of study. Prior EEF HS winners are encouraged to apply for continued financial support.

The EEF Undergraduate College scholarship award can be as much as $4,000 for a student's sophomore, junior, or senior year. The Foundation generally awards four Undergraduate College Scholarships each year.​ These scholarships were established to benefit students from the Geneva Lake area.

Students pursuing natural resources, environmental education, parks and recreation, or environmental studies in Virginia can use the Melinda Henning Scholarship to support their higher education costs. With a mission to improve quality of life, Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley offers this scholarship opportunity, which may benefit future environmental educators and stewards.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally focused college studies in conservation or protection fields may be eligible for scholarships in Virginia and beyond, with awards of US $3,000. The Environmental Education Foundation supports students from the Geneva Lake area planning accredited four-year programs in environmental engineering, ecological or agricultural sciences, conservation, or environmental education.

High school students pursuing environmentally focused college degrees and needing up to US $16,000 for tuition may be eligible for this scholarship, including those in Virginia studying environmental education or related fields. The Environmental Education Foundation’s Thomas E. Reynolds Scholarship supports students committed to conservation or environmental protection through accredited four-year programs.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies at accredited post-secondary institutions can receive more than US $1,000 in scholarship support, primarily for residents of Butler County, Nebraska. Focused on environmental education, the Nebraska Community Foundation invites eligible students, including those similar to Virginia environmental education scholars, to apply for the Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship.

High school seniors pursuing undergraduate environmental studies and interested in environmental education careers can apply for this scholarship, open to students at public or private high schools in Martin County. With a mission to uplift students, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties provides competitive support that may benefit Virginia-focused environmental education pathways.

Students pursuing environmental education or related fields in Virginia may be eligible for the Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship, which supports full-time college study in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Grants from Innovia Foundation prioritize Spokane County residents with financial need and at least a 2.5 GPA, including previous recipients.

Virginia students pursuing environmental education in college may be eligible for the Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship, which supports majors in environmental sciences or environmental engineering at accredited U.S. programs. Administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, it is intended for graduating high school seniors from Douglas County planning further environmental studies.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in public health or environmental science studying full-time at accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based support through the Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship, including students from Virginia. Virginia environmental education and public health scholars may be eligible for $100 - $30,000 from Native Forward Scholars Fund.

Virginia environmental education and field-research students can access funding through the Natural Reserve System for extended research stays at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. Graduate, postdoctoral, and exceptional undergraduate researchers from any accredited institution may receive US $2,000 to help cover housing and research supplies for organismal biology, geology, anthropology, humanities, or related projects.

Virginia environmental education students can access funding through The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region if they are third- or fourth-year undergraduates or graduate students majoring in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in designated counties in the Greater Capital Region.

High school seniors planning to study environmental sciences or related fields can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education, with preference for marine sciences. With a mission to strengthen community, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry provides students interested in environmental education with funding that may benefit those in Virginia seeking similar opportunities.

High school seniors pursuing marine biology, environmental sciences, STEM, or education can seek scholarship support through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry if they live and attend school in Beaufort or Jasper County, South Carolina. Focused on environmental and related studies, this fund may benefit students interested in environmental education pathways similar to those in Virginia.

Students pursuing natural resources-related degrees and living in eligible northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship support for full-time study. Focused on environmental and conservation fields, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois invites applicants in areas like ecology, forestry, hydrology, soils, pollution control, and water quality who demonstrate strong academic performance.

The Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) Environmental Stewardship Scholarship Endowment, established in 2016, supports students in higher education who demonstrate academic excellence and community service, with a preference for those pursuing environmental careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of stewardship for the Lower Appomattox River and encourages applicants to be proactive team players. Eligible candidates must be seniors or graduates from specific local high schools, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.