Best Wildlife Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community programs. Organizations working with youth or family services that demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support may be competitive; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for up to US $15,000 to run direct-service programs, training, or enrichment activities. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides Virginia groups with funding that may benefit environmental education and youth engagement in conservation-related issues.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Virginia and across the U.S. can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support arts and science programming, with awards typically more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, strong impact, and sustainable arts education or artist development programs may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Virginia can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, and STEM education. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or those with charitable equivalency status may be eligible for these grants, reviewed in March and September.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit conservation organizations acquiring land or conservation easements for resilient wildlife habitat in Virginia’s Frederick, Rockingham, and Shenandoah counties may be eligible for capital grants and loans. Open Space Institute Land Trust supports land and habitat conservation projects that permanently protect high-resilience landscapes within its designated Northeast Resilient Landscapes focus areas.

Environmental nonprofits and accredited charities in Virginia working on conservation, environmental education, or habitat restoration may be eligible for global philanthropic support; grants from La Roche help fund humanitarian, environmental, educational, and cultural projects. Local Roche affiliates support organizations whose programs operate in the same country, emphasizing sustainable development and opportunities to engage Roche expertise and employees.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations supporting health, education, or disaster relief can apply for Semnani Family Foundation funding, including work reaching Virginia from its global programs. With a mission to uplift marginalized communities, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for health care access, women and children’s services, humanitarian aid, and related social services worldwide.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, which may support conservation and environment facilities or related infrastructure. Organizations working on wildlife, habitat protection, or environmental education, especially in the Richmond metro region, may be eligible for challenge or matching support on 12–18 month timelines.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support wildlife, animal welfare, and environmental programs, including conservation and pollution issues. Hansen Family Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based charities whose work advances children’s services, education, humanitarian aid, arts and culture, and related causes worldwide.

Virginia agricultural and forest producers seeking to improve wildlife habitat, soil health, and overall environmental stewardship can apply for conservation contracts through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Focused on working lands, this program funds customized conservation practices that enhance habitat for mammals, birds, and other wildlife while strengthening long-term farm and forest operations.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Virginia can apply for the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. This program provides technical and financial assistance to improve wildlife habitat, water and air quality, soil health, and overall environmental sustainability on eligible agricultural and forest properties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation or community services in Virginia can apply for flexible project or program support; funding may also benefit wildlife-related efforts. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation emphasizes respect for life, people, and the environment, supporting initiatives that contribute to positive change and a sustainable future.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Virginia seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation provides unrestricted program or operating support to U.S.-headquartered groups, which may include wildlife and habitat-related initiatives within its environmental focus areas.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for environmental conservation or wildlife protection activities can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also considers museums, cultural programs, education, health facilities, and community services, so wildlife-focused nonprofits with broader community programming may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and related services. Virginia organizations working on community development or stability that meet these focus areas and eligibility requirements may be competitive, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Dr Scholl Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental programs. U.S.-based nonprofits can request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of support, which may benefit groups integrating wildlife or habitat conservation into broader community or environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Virginia and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for fee or easement acquisition that protects resilient, connected lands and benefits communities. Focused on land protection, The Nature Conservancy supports projects that enhance wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature.

Nonprofits, public entities, and conservation partners in Virginia can seek funding to acquire or protect open space through easements, rights of way, and other real estate interests that benefit wildlife habitat, farming, forestry, recreation, and water quality. Grants from Virginia Outdoors Foundation offer up to US $200,000 per project from the Preservation Trust Fund.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 from Chick Fil A Foundation; funding is available in the U.S., including Virginia. Grants support education, housing, hunger relief, community services, and related environmental initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Private landowners and partners protecting forested wildlife habitat in Virginia can seek funding to purchase conservation easements or fee simple interests that keep forests from being converted to other uses. The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Forest Legacy Program, with USDA Forest Service support, backs large, landscape-scale projects that conserve working forests, clean water and air, and sensitive species habitat.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people in Virginia may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation support, including wildlife-related community or livelihood programs. With a mission to help people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 to smaller organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s or vetted foreign entities, operating in select countries including the U.S.