Community Conservation Program

The Community Conservation Program is a funding initiative administered by the Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE), a private organization dedicated to improving the quality of Virginia’s environment through grantmaking. VEE’s origins lie in an environmental lawsuit settlement from 1977, and the organization has since supported numerous efforts in land and water conservation, environmental education, and pollution control across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Community Conservation Program is a targeted subprogram of VEE’s broader mission, focused specifically on selected localities within the state. This grant program supports conservation efforts located exclusively within the counties of Craig, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke, as well as the cities of Salem and Roanoke. Within these geographies, the program funds projects that advance water quality protection, restoration, and improvement; support land conservation; and enhance environmental literacy and awareness. The scope of funding is intentionally broad within these categories, allowing a diverse set of projects, from septic system education and trail restoration to stormwater management and environmental youth programs. However, proposals must align with the specific geographic and thematic foci to be considered. Applications to the Community Conservation Program must be submitted using VEE’s standardized application form, which has recently been updated. All proposals are required to be submitted electronically in Word format to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. ET on January 15. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day is considered the official deadline. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a 1–2 page concept letter before preparing a full proposal. This step allows VEE staff to provide informal feedback and can help applicants ensure that their proposals align with program goals. The proposal itself must include a five-page narrative addressing the need, work plan, goals, anticipated outcomes, sustainability plan, and evaluation strategy. It must also include a project timeline with major milestones, identification of project personnel and partners, and a detailed budget using the provided form. Supporting documentation such as IRS tax-exempt status letters, annual budgets, and board member lists are also required. While matching funds are not required, VEE gives preference to applications that demonstrate financial leverage, and it may offer challenge grants to further incentivize matching. Awards begin at a minimum of $50,000. VEE does not fund indirect costs, general operating support, land purchases, capital projects, or retroactive expenses incurred prior to the award date. Funding decisions are typically made in April, and multi-year projects of up to three years are eligible for consideration. The program has a history of supporting innovative, community-centered environmental initiatives that integrate education, engagement, and technical conservation outcomes. The program is recurring, with annual deadlines in January, and has supported a wide variety of past grantees such as the Appalachian Conservation Corps, Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, New River Conservancy, and Roanoke College. These past projects range from environmental education and septic system management to stream restoration and community-based conservation planning. VEE maintains a strict policy of not accepting resubmissions of unsuccessful proposals unless explicitly invited to do so. All applications must be signed by the applicant organization's chief executive or board chair.

Submit concept letter in advance for feedback before full proposal.