Best Wildlife Grants in Washington

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Washington wildlife and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work conducted in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law (and California law where applicable) and demonstrate strong management, broad service reach, and meaningful impact on their target populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

With a mission to conserve wildlife, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife provides Washington wildlife organizations with US $40,000 - US $400,000 for projects aiding Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Funding supports recovery actions and research on species abundance, distribution, and habitat, especially where development or land use threatens critical habitats.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

City and county governments in Washington seeking to remove barriers to salmon and steelhead migration can apply for habitat and fish conservation projects funded through the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board grant. Administered by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Recreation and Conservation Office, it supports high-priority fish passage work on local arterials and connector roads.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Alaska working on wildlife habitat restoration, natural resources, or related cultural institutions can seek support for community-based projects. The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000, prioritizing collaborative efforts, Native American cultural and natural resource projects, and groups that struggle to access mainstream funding.

Eligible Washington cities, counties, tribes, state agencies, and nonprofit nature conservancies can fund land acquisition, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation development that benefits wildlife. Focused on habitat and ecosystem conservation, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office invites applicants to protect critical, riparian, urban, and natural areas that support diverse mammal, bird, and other wildlife populations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on habitat and ecosystem restoration for fish and wildlife can seek support through the Snoqualmie Tribal Organization, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants from this tribal charitable program may benefit groups engaged in wildlife conservation and related restoration projects across the state.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Public agencies and eligible conservation partners preserving farmland in Washington can access funding to purchase development rights and keep agricultural land in production. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office provides support through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which also allows some funds to restore natural functions that improve long-term farm viability and benefit wildlife habitat.

Washington organizations preserving working forests and wildlife habitat can access funding through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office; awards up to US $500,000 for conservation easements or leases on threatened forestland. Projects may also restore stream corridors to support clean water, fish habitat, and long-term ecological and recreational benefits.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) charities working on wildlife or nature conservation can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects that create tangible, meaningful impact. Eligible organizations must be over three years old and serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line; Washington-based groups may qualify if their work benefits this Southern region.

Washington organizations developing wildlife viewing opportunities on publicly accessible lands can receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 to build infrastructure, create viewing trails or corridors, and support wildlife watching events. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife prioritizes projects co-developed with underserved communities and those advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in wildlife recreation and stewardship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions working on wildlife biodiversity and environmental stewardship in Washington counties served by Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power can seek project support. Grants from PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provide up to US $10,000 for animal and wildlife biodiversity, habitat conservation, and related environmental initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Washington communities and local partners planning outdoor recreation facilities in Washington can access funding through Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, with awards from US $125,000 - US $200,000 for planning and pre-design. Eligible projects include long-range recreation plans, park or athletic facility pre-design, and site planning that may benefit wildlife-focused recreation areas.

Organizations conducting prescribed fire training, implementation, or prescribed burn association support in Washington can apply for Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ competitive grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Projects that use prescribed fire to restore dry forests and reduce wildfire risk, benefiting fire-adapted wildlife habitats, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies doing native wildlife rehabilitation or appreciation projects in Washington and Oregon can receive US $5,000 - US $45,000 to support their programs. Kinsman Foundation prioritizes licensed wildlife rehabilitator-led care for injured and orphaned native wildlife, and public education that promotes stewardship and responsible enjoyment of wildlife.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies doing native wildlife rehabilitation or appreciation work in Washington can seek small project or general support, with awards up to US $5,000. Kinsman Foundation supports wildlife-focused programs benefiting the public at large, primarily serving Oregon and southern Washington, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Local agencies, special purpose districts, tribes, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit off-road vehicle groups in Washington can receive up to US $250,000 to develop, maintain, and manage nonhighway and off-road recreation facilities and trails. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports outdoor recreation and trail projects that may benefit wildlife habitats and users through education and enforcement activities.

Nonprofit or public entities developing or improving firearm and archery ranges in Washington can seek funding for land acquisition, construction, and renovation projects. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports outdoor recreation by awarding up to US $150,000 for shooting and archery training and practice facilities, which may benefit organizations managing wildlife-related recreation areas.

Washington shoreline habitat and ecosystem restoration projects in Puget Sound can access funding through the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to restore and conserve near-shore areas. Beach Restoration Small Grants, administered with RCO, provide US $30,000 - US $350,000 and technical assistance for demonstration sites that help make estuaries, bays, and shorelines more resilient to climate change.

Eligible organizations restoring coastal habitats and improving ecosystem resilience in Washington can apply for funding up to US $2,000,000 to address high-priority ecological protection and restoration needs. Focused on coastal restoration and resiliency, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports projects that also stimulate economic growth and jobs in coastal communities, which may benefit wildlife conservation outcomes.