Best Grants for Land Conservation in Virgin Islands

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

Land and habitat conservation organizations in the Virgin Islands can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program Alternative Funding Arrangements, with awards from US $250,000 - US $10,000,000. Focused on natural resource improvements on farms, ranches, and private forest lands, this program supports large, partner-driven projects addressing regional conservation challenges.

Organizations partnering with producers on farms, ranches, or private forest land to advance land and habitat conservation in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. jurisdictions can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program Classic, awarding US $250,000 - US $10,000,000. Grants support collaborative projects addressing soil, water, habitat, and broader natural resource concerns.

Conservation partners and landowners working on land and habitat conservation in the Virgin Islands can seek funding to protect and restore coastal fish and wildlife habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program offers cooperative agreements up to US $500,000 for projects in priority coastal ecosystems that follow its strategic plans and scientific guidance.

Virgin Islands land and habitat conservation partners can access funding through the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore and protect habitats on private lands. Eligible projects support habitat and ecosystem restoration, land and habitat conservation, and fish and wildlife protection, with awards up to US $750,000 available through cooperative agreements.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit or public entities acquiring land or conservation easements to protect water and habitat may be eligible for funding in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. Lake Champlain Basin Program supports land and habitat conservation by funding projects that improve water quality, enhance aquatic and shoreline habitats, and boost flood resiliency, with awards from US $100,000 - US $4,000,000.

Organizations conducting research, education, or outreach on atmospheric science, climate, marine, coastal, or land and habitat conservation in the Virgin Islands may be eligible for this broad agency announcement. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration supports projects across the U.S. that advance understanding of climate change, coastal conservation, and related environmental priorities.

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.

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.

Virgin Islands land and habitat conservation organizations can access funding through the Bureau of Land Management to support rangeland resource management projects. Grants of US $50,000 - US $250,000 fund work such as restoring rangelands, soils mapping, ecological site descriptions, and community engagement, including mentoring, training, and educational programs across U.S. landscapes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.