About the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program
The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It provides funding to organizations with a common mission of connecting people to the outdoors and supports activities such as archery, boating/paddling, fishing, hunting/recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.
Through a partnership with the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia, funds to support the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program come from:
- Round-up on purchases at Go Outdoors Virginia
- The sale of merchandise at Go Outdoors Virginia
- Direct contributions from corporations and individuals
- Fundraising events
2025 Grant Awardees
| Awardee | Project Title | Primary Activity |
|---|---|---|
| ENDEX Archery | 2025 Heroes Project | Archery Growth |
| Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast | Expanding Archery Access | Archery Growth |
| Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School | BSH Knights Archery and Wildlife Viewing Program | Archery Start-up |
| Singh Sabha Gurdwara | Empowering Community Through Archery: A Cultural and Recreational Initiative | Archery Start-up |
| Elk Hill Farm, Inc. | Elk Hill Eddy Catchers River Mentor Program & Canoe Education | Boating Growth |
| Henrico County Recreation and Parks | Paddling with the Community | Boating Growth |
| North River Neighbors' Alliance - Chapter of the Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR) | Boating Capacity for North River Neighbors | Boating Start-up |
| Kids Outdoor Zone @ Mt Vernon Baptist Church | Kids Outdoor Zone | Fishing Growth |
| Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - Roanoke/New River Valleys | Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - Roanoke/New River Valleys | Fishing Growth |
| The Luck Group Organization | The H.O.O.K Program | Fishing Growth |
| The Mayfly Project, Virginia | Leading Youth in Foster Care to the Outdoors in Virginia with Fly Fishing and Mentorship | Fishing Growth |
| Alleghany Highlands YMCA | Adventure Camp | Fishing Start-up |
| Friends of Hungry Mother | Fish On! Academy | Fishing Start-up |
| Airfield Shooting Club | 50 Yard Range Shelter maintenance | Hunting |
| American Legion Post 177 | Youth Rifle and Shotgun Shooting Camp Outs | Hunting Growth |
| Central Virginia Chapter Quail Forever | Women's and Youth Introduction to Quail Hunting Events | Hunting Growth |
| National Wildlife Federation | Artemis Sportswomen Gear Library | Hunting Growth |
| Three Notch'd Delta Waterfowl | "HunteR3" Delta Waterfowl's R3 Program | Hunting Start-up |
| Tri-Angle Gun Club | Parent/Family/retired recreational sport funding support | Hunting Start-up |
| Virginia Youth Education Summit | Virginia Youth Education Summit | Hunting Start-up |
| Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists | Nature Exploration Backpacks | Wildlife Growth |
| Northern Virginia Bird Alliance | Increasing Nature and Wildlife Appreciation through Birdwatching in Northern Virginia | Wildlife Growth |
| Old Dominion University Birding Club | Old Dominion University Birding Club | Wildlife Growth |
| Augusta Bird Club | Binoculars for Beginning Birders | Wildlife Start-up |
| Friends of Huntley Meadows Park | "After School Birders": Kids' Birding Sketch Club | Wildlife Start-up |
About the Better Together Partners
Through a multiyear partnership and as an extension of the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program, DWR is funding four organizations that have received grant funding over multiple years. Through this three-year partnership, the aligned organizations will develop opportunities for storytelling, engaging new audiences, and promoting conservation through outdoor recreation.
Backwoods Warriors
Mission Statement: For the Next Generation: Backwoods Warriors is dedicated to fostering a community where youth, veterans, and first-time hunters thrive. Through outreach and mentorship, Backwoods Warriors provides the foundation for the next generation of ethical hunters to build an everlasting connection with the outdoors. Ensuring hunting heritage lives on for generations to come.
Beyond Boundaries
Mission Statement: Beyond Boundaries' offers individuals of all ability levels, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community.
James River Women
Mission Statement: James River Women is dedicated to supporting and promoting the inclusion of FTWN-B paddlers within the whitewater community. James River Women belongs to everyone and is for everyone. It is an open group that supports growth in the whitewater paddling community and is totally free. The goal of this group is to rewrite the narrative of who belongs in this sport — the answer is everyone…
Shenandoah Reel Women
Mission Statement: Shenandoah Reel Women’s mission is to gather women of all ages to the river — to learn, share and empower each other.
Virginia Wildlife Grant History
Since 2014:
- 74,000+ Participants
- $930,135 in Awards
- 255 Projects
From Our Awardees:
“This grant elevated the program to heights we couldn't have dreamed of last year. Our program was able to nearly double in size thanks to the equipment we were able to purchase, as this allowed us to accept participants who did not have the means to obtain their own...We have been able to build up a core community around archery on campus, with many people coming into it brand new who have grown to be dedicated to the sport.”
— Club Archery at George Mason, Primary Grant Activity: Archery, Grant Year: 2023
Interested in Supporting the Grant?
For those companies or individuals interested in supporting or partnering with the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program, please contact Kelsey Steenburgh, Kelsey.Steenburgh@dwr.virginia.gov.
How to Apply
Grant submission period: January 1 – February 1, 2025
Review Grant Application Guidance
