Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The US Department of the Interior's National Park Service (NPS) offers a grant to enhance outdoor recreation and cultural tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This initiative aims to connect communities with their natural and historical heritage while fostering economic growth. Projects supported by this grant will celebrate gateway communities and provide opportunities for visitors and residents to explore authentic experiences through various recreational activities and cultural engagements, strengthening the connection to the Chesapeake Bay.

The NRA Foundation: Virginia Grants are designed to promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports, adhering to IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and government agencies with an EIN. The foundation supports educational programs, research in firearms safety, and community benefits, while excluding commercial ventures and fundraising activities. Grant requests should align with the foundation's mission to foster safety and education in the shooting sports and related activities.

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.

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.