Virginia Grant Program

The Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) administers the Virginia Program, a grant initiative that supports projects aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. VEE, based in Richmond, Virginia, is dedicated to improving the state's environmental health, particularly in areas such as water quality, land conservation, environmental education, and emerging environmental issues. The program reflects the organization’s commitment to long-term ecological resilience and sustainability across Virginia. The Virginia Program funds proposals that focus on the improvement of local rivers and water quality throughout the state. This includes projects that advance agricultural stewardship, reduce pollution, and implement stormwater infrastructure improvements. The funder is particularly interested in initiatives that lead to tangible, on-the-ground improvements to Virginia’s watersheds. Restoration of the Chesapeake Bay is a notable focus area, with grantmaking aimed at helping the state meet its Watershed Implementation Plan goals under the Chesapeake Bay TMDL framework. Another area of emphasis is innovative land conservation and sustainable land use practices. The fund prioritizes projects that conserve large landscapes, restore riparian buffers, or establish local land trusts, especially where there is a demonstrated gap. All conservation activities must show a strong connection to water quality protection. The fund does not support the purchase of land, and preference is given to efforts that build on existing easements or initiate conservation measures in targeted areas. VEE also supports proposals that enhance environmental literacy and public awareness. Educational initiatives should be outcome-based and aligned with best practices in student learning and teacher development. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning opportunities and connecting families to nature. For public engagement, VEE favors proposals that use media messaging or community-based approaches to broaden the reach of environmental stewardship, especially among non-traditional audiences. In terms of emerging environmental issues, VEE expresses a particular interest in projects related to climate adaptation in coastal communities, water supply planning, and the mitigation of invasive species. These strategic investments are intended to prepare Virginia for future environmental challenges while fostering sustainable community practices. Applications to the Virginia Program are accepted biannually, with firm deadlines on June 15 and December 1 each year. Proposals must be submitted electronically in Word document format to info@vee.org by 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the following business day. The VEE Board of Directors makes funding decisions in April for the December round and in October for the June round. All applicants must use the revised application form available on VEE’s website. Contact can be made via email at info@vee.org. The program is not open on a rolling basis, but it is recurring biannually, making it essential for applicants to track the calendar carefully for future opportunities.