Community Conservation Program

The Community Conservation Program, administered by the Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE), provides targeted funding for conservation-focused initiatives in specific localities within Virginia. These localities include Craig, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke counties, as well as the cities of Salem and Roanoke. VEE, a private environmental foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of the environment in Virginia through strategic grantmaking. The Community Conservation Program emphasizes improvements in water quality, land conservation, and environmental literacy and awareness. VEE has recently updated its application process and materials for the Community Conservation Program. All applicants are now required to complete a revised application form, which can be accessed directly from the Community Conservation Program page on VEE’s website. Submissions must be sent electronically in Microsoft Word format to the dedicated email address provided by VEE. This streamlined submission requirement ensures clarity and consistency across all received proposals. The program strongly encourages prospective applicants to submit a preliminary one- to two-page letter outlining their proposed project before submitting a full proposal. This informal review allows VEE staff to provide feedback, increasing the likelihood of proposal success. Although this preliminary step is not mandatory, it serves as a recommended engagement to strengthen application quality. Applications for the Community Conservation Program are due annually by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 15. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is moved to the following business day. Late or incomplete proposals will not be considered. VEE maintains a strict adherence to this deadline, reflecting its commitment to a fair and orderly review process. Once the application period closes, proposals are reviewed, and funding decisions are typically made by the VEE Board in April. The process does not require an LOI or other gating steps before submission. Award notifications align with the Board’s decision timeline, and the performance period is generally determined in accordance with the approved project plan. The program does not publicly specify award amounts, funding ranges, or matching requirements in its published materials. Additionally, while the eligibility is open to any qualified organization, all projects must be located within the eligible jurisdictions. VEE also provides a summary of past award recipients to help guide potential applicants in aligning with historically funded priorities.

Submit an LOI early to receive informal feedback from VEE staff prior to full proposal submission.