Virginia Wildlife Grant Program

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a collaborative initiative between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV), designed to encourage and support efforts that connect people to the outdoors. For over a decade, the program has funded more than 270 projects, totaling over $1 million and engaging nearly 80,000 participants in various outdoor recreational activities. This partnership aims to provide accessible opportunities for Virginians, especially those in underrepresented and underserved communities, to experience and develop a lasting relationship with outdoor recreation. The program's funding is generated through multiple channels, including merchandise sales and the “Round-Up” feature at Go Outdoors Virginia, direct contributions from individuals and corporations, and special fundraising events. With this financial support, the grant program prioritizes efforts that align with DWR’s Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Plan, the Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan, and the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan. Programs are encouraged to foster a diverse and inclusive outdoor community by removing participation barriers and promoting sustained engagement. In 2026, the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will distribute $150,000 in total funding through two primary award areas: “Start-up” and “Growth.” Start-up grants, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, are aimed at new programs under two years old that are establishing themselves in the outdoor space. Growth grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, are reserved for more established programs (2+ years) looking to expand or enhance their offerings. On average, 10–15 grants are awarded annually, depending on the availability of funds. Eligible applicants are limited to organizations based in Virginia, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and two- and four-year colleges and universities. Funded programs must focus on at least one of the following outdoor activities: archery, boating, fishing, hunting, recreational shooting (firearms), or wildlife viewing. The grant period spans from March 2026 through December 1, 2026. Allowable expenses include the purchase of outdoor gear and equipment, transportation, and instructor support (including training or licensure for staff). However, the grant does not cover salaries, refreshments, promotional items like t-shirts or prizes, or other unrelated expenses. Applications must be submitted online between January 1 and February 1, 2026. Applicants must describe their program’s purpose, projected number and age range of participants, community partnerships, and budget. Additionally, they must articulate how their program aligns with DWR’s goals for inclusivity, recruitment, and retention in outdoor recreation. Evaluations will consider alignment with focus areas and the overall potential to engage and retain participants beyond the initial experience. Once selected, awardees are required to sign a grant agreement within 15 days and deposit their grant check within 30 days of receipt. A final report is due by December 1, 2026. For questions regarding the grant or application process, applicants should contact Kelsey Steenburgh at [email protected]. There is no pre-application or LOI required, and all applications must be submitted through the designated online platform. The application review and award announcements are scheduled for February 2026. With a strong focus on inclusivity, skill development, and community engagement, this grant program remains a vital conduit for expanding access to Virginia’s rich outdoor resources.

Align program goals with the DWR R3 and Inclusive Excellence Plans to strengthen application competitiveness.