Best Grants for Land Conservation in Virgin Islands

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

Virgin Islands land and habitat conservation partners working near Department of Defense installations or ranges can access funding through the U.S. Department of Defense’s REPI Program; awards up to US $20,000,000 support compatible land use, prevent land use conflicts, and enhance military installation resilience across U.S. territories and states, including the Virgin Islands.

The Easement Restoration and Stewardship program, funded by the USDA NRCS, focuses on restoring and managing Wetland and Floodplain Easements. It includes developing restoration plans, conducting assessments, and implementing stewardship activities to enhance ecological health. Awardees will collaborate with NRCS personnel to ensure effective restoration design and maintenance strategies, fostering sustainable landscapes. This initiative addresses critical habitat conditions and promotes long-term environmental benefits for protected lands.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

Environmental and land conservation nonprofits working on private lands and ecosystem restoration in the Virgin Islands can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $25,000 for eligible projects. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. land and habitat conservation efforts, with emphasis on restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and other experienced conservation practitioners in the U.S. or Canada can apply for W.L. Gore’s SITKA Ecosystem Grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem and land/habitat conservation projects. Land conservation efforts in the Virgin Islands that restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, or support collaborative stewardship may be eligible.

501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation, community development, or related self-sustaining initiatives in the Virgin Islands can apply for support from the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Funding may include program-related investments or grants for projects that strengthen the economic base of disadvantaged communities while preserving land and open space.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation, forestry, or related fields in the Virgin Islands can gain paid practicum experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, with awards up to US $6,870. Focused on collaborative conservation, National Forest Foundation invites enrolled master’s and doctoral students to support community engagement and public lands projects, often with remote options.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation, freshwater protection, or climate-resilient water management can seek support for water stewardship projects, including in Virgin Islands. With a mission to protect water resources, Bell's Brewery provides grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000 for ecosystem health and frontline community water initiatives.

Indigenous-led frontline groups, community organizations, and individuals planning non-violent direct actions to defend land and natural resources in the Virgin Islands and other eligible regions can seek funding for urgent efforts. With a mission to back Indigenous climate and land defense, NDN Collective provides up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and habitat conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare funding to support policy, advocacy, and protection of threatened and endangered species. Programs in areas like land and habitat conservation, indigenous wildlife management, and species preservation may benefit, including projects connected to land conservation in the Virgin Islands.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on land and habitat conservation, environmental protection, human services, economic development, or animal welfare in the Virgin Islands can apply for grants from the Steven C Leuthold Family Foundation. Funding can support eligible projects that protect natural landscapes, conserve habitats, and strengthen community well-being.

Land and habitat conservation nonprofits in the Virgin Islands can seek project funding for shovel-ready capital projects that enhance wildlife habitats, park settings, or community areas. Focused on tangible, standalone initiatives, the Jandy Ammons Foundation supports 501(c)(3) public charities undertaking conservation, educational, artistic, or Christian mission projects that align with its mission.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

The IDNR: State Duck Stamp Funding program supports the development of waterfowl propagation areas in the Mississippi Flyway. Funded by sales of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, it focuses on projects in Canada and the U.S. that enhance waterfowl populations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations aiming to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This initiative not only fosters wildlife conservation but also strengthens ecological sustainability in the region.

Graduating high school seniors interested in natural resources, land and habitat conservation, or related environmental fields in the Virgin Islands can pursue this scholarship for higher education. With a mission to support conservation-minded students, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers academic performance, financial need, outdoor sports participation, and applicants’ commitment to conservation careers.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

Delaney Family Foundation 

The Delaney Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support Wildlife and Land Conservation, Education, Healthcare and Community Betterment.

The Delaney Family Foundation was established in 2013. We make both program and operating grants and do not have geographical restrictions.  

Grant Information

Grants are awarded annually. The following criteria will be used in confirming that grant requests match the goals of The Delaney Family Foundation.

• Clarity of Purpose – the request should be clearly defined with a specific description of how goals/tasks will be achieved and how funds will be spent.
• Potential for Success – the organization must demonstrate that they have funding sources, manpower, and community support as well as the time to achieve their goals. Projects must be realistic.
• Leadership – stability in the organization is a requirement, as well as a well-deserved reputation for results.
• Site Visits – While not always possible, site visits by board members prior to gifting, during gifting or following may be considered.

 We may consider multi-year grants.

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 Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Conservation Alliance Grants program is currently under evaluation, leading to a pause in the member-directed grant cycle as the organization aligns its funding with its strategic plan launching in 2025. This initiative aims to harness the collective efforts of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America's wild places through impactful and efficient grant-making. Future funding will focus on projects that enhance habitat, support Indigenous initiatives, and address climate change.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, education, and the arts. Founded by Robert F. Schumann, an environmentalist, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for both humans and animals. It prioritizes projects that would not have been pursued without its assistance, particularly in ornithology and open space habitats. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, ensuring a focus on impactful community initiatives.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $250,000 seeking US $500 - US $5,000 for specific animal welfare, wildlife preservation, or land and habitat conservation projects can apply to the Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund. Organizations in the Virgin Islands working on habitat protection or restoration may be eligible through The Denver Foundation.