Virginia Grant Program

The Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE), founded to promote environmental improvements throughout Virginia, operates with a strong emphasis on strategic philanthropy. Since its establishment, VEE has maintained a commitment to addressing environmental issues through education, conservation, and innovative practices. The foundation is particularly invested in enhancing water quality, promoting sustainable land use, and supporting environmental literacy, with a focus on projects that demonstrate measurable impacts. VEE's Virginia Program serves as a primary channel for its grant-making efforts. Updated application forms have been introduced for both the Virginia Program and the Community Conservation Program, and applicants must use the revised documents for proposal submission. Applications are to be submitted electronically in Word format via email to info@vee.org. The grant cycle for the Virginia Program includes two annual deadlines: June 15 and December 1. If these dates fall on weekends or holidays, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Proposals are reviewed strictly based on completeness and timeliness, with funding decisions made in April for December submissions and in October for June submissions. The objectives of the Virginia Program are multifaceted. Key priorities include improving the health of local rivers, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, promoting sustainable land use, and advancing environmental literacy. Specific interests involve pollution prevention and reduction, stormwater infrastructure, agricultural stewardship, riparian buffer protection, and the conservation of headwater streams. VEE favors projects that align with Virginia’s Watershed Implementation Plan, particularly those that creatively lower implementation costs and enhance progress toward meeting environmental goals. Additionally, VEE encourages initiatives that promote environmental education and public awareness. This includes student and teacher training tied to recognized educational standards, and programs that create immersive learning experiences connecting communities to nature. Public awareness campaigns should creatively engage diverse audiences and link environmental stewardship to employment opportunities. Emerging issues are also a focus, particularly climate adaptation in coastal areas, water supply planning, and control of invasive species. VEE seeks to leverage its funding to strategically support projects that address these challenges with scalable, practical solutions. Applicants can find the updated application forms on the Virginia Program’s dedicated page. All proposals must be emailed to info@vee.org by 5 p.m. ET on the applicable deadline. For further information or submission support, applicants may contact VEE at P.O. Box 790, Richmond, Virginia 23218-0790 or via email. The Virginia Program provides a clear and structured opportunity for organizations focused on impactful environmental work within Virginia.