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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

Reforestation of Timberlands Program

Trees are good for you and good for Virginia. In addition to their monetary value, trees provide useful wood, jobs and homes for wildlife. Trees hold the soil, yield fresh air, and are simply beautiful. If you have land (cutover land or worn out fields) that just aren’t producing for you, an investment in pine trees can yield many benefits.

The Reforestation of Timberlands (RT) Program, managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry, provides cost-share assistance to landowners for pine reforestation, and is funded by the forest industry in Virginia (Virginia Forest Products Tax) with matching funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Fund.

The program has been helping Virginia landowners grow pines for more than 50 years. It can cost between $100 to $250 per acre to put in a crop of pines. The RT program reimburses landowners for a portion of the costs associated with getting pines started right. Your DOF forester can help you identify and apply for the forest management practices that are best suited for your property.

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.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

Department of Wildlife Resources 

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

Virginia Wildlife Grant Program 

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It provides funding to organizations with a common mission of connecting people to the outdoors and supports outdoor recreation activities such as archery, boating/paddling, fishing, hunting/recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.

Priorities

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will prioritize the following opportunities:

• Inclusion of underrepresented, underserved, and underinvested populations
• Support of the following DWR initiatives:
• R3 Plan
• Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan
• Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan

Award Areas: Start-up and Growth

Growth Stage

This award area is for developed or established programs or organizations (2+ years) that are looking to add new programs or initiatives to support the work they are already doing to connect people to the outdoors.

Department of Wildlife Resources 

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

Virginia Wildlife Grant Program 

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It provides funding to organizations with a common mission of connecting people to the outdoors and supports outdoor recreation activities such as archery, boating/paddling, fishing, hunting/recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.

Priorities

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will prioritize the following opportunities:

• Inclusion of underrepresented, underserved, and underinvested populations
• Support of the following DWR initiatives:
• R3 Plan
• Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan
• Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan

Award Areas: Start-up and Growth

Start-up Stage

This award area is for new or emerging programs (less than 2 years) that are establishing themselves and looking to add new programs or opportunities to get people outdoors.

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.

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.

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.

Virginia wildlife conservation nonprofits and aligned 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Offered by the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation, this opportunity supports organizations within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars, including wildlife conservation efforts.

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, 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.

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.

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.