Virginia Wildlife Grant Program opens 2026 Application Period

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has opened the application period for the 2026 Virginia Wildlife Grant Program, offering funding to organizations working to connect more Virginians to outdoor recreation and wildlife-related activities.

Applications are being accepted from January 1 through February 1, 2026. The program is a joint effort between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia.

According to DWR, more than 270 projects have been supported through the program over the past 12 years, with just over $1 million awarded and nearly 80,000 participants introduced to outdoor activities statewide.

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program supports organizations whose missions align with connecting people to the outdoors through activities such as archery, boating and paddling, fishing, hunting, recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. Priority is given to programs that support DWR’s Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) Plan, the Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan, and the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan.

The program places a strong emphasis on reaching underrepresented, underserved, and underinvested communities, with a focus on both recruiting new participants and retaining them through continued skill-building opportunities.

For 2026, a total of $150,000 will be awarded across two grant categories. Start-up grants, designed for new or emerging programs less than two years old, will range from $2,000 to $5,000. Growth grants, intended for established programs that are expanding their efforts, will range from $5,000 to $10,000. Typically, 10 to 15 grants are awarded each year, depending on available funding.

Eligible applicants include Virginia-based colleges and universities, both two- and four-year institutions, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Funded programs must take place between March 2026 and December 1, 2026.

Grant funds may be used for allowable expenses such as outdoor gear and equipment, transportation needs, and instructor support or training related to eligible activities. Funds may not be used for staff salaries, promotional items, or refreshments.

Applications must be submitted online, and award announcements are expected in February 2026. Final reports for funded projects will be due by December 1, 2026.

More information and application materials are available through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Questions about the program can be directed to DWR grant coordinator Kelsey Steenburgh by emailing [email protected].