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
2024 Grant Awardees
Archery
- Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America: Archery at Pipsico Scout Reservation
- Valor Ranch: Valor Ranch Archery Program Expansion
Boating/Paddling
- Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking and Paddlesports-Diversity in the Outdoors Program
- Henrico County Recreation and Parks: Canoeing/Kayaking with the Community
- University of Virginia Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Connections Program Collaboration
Fishing
- Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures: Adams Lake Trout Stocking and Diversity in the Outdoors Program
- Reel Connections for Kids: Connect and ReConnect with Under-Served Young Anglers
- Skyline Middle School: Pescadores Para El Planeta (Fishers from around the world)
Hunting/Recreational Shooting
- Boys Home of Virginia: Support the Start-Up of Hunting Activities at Boys Home of Virginia
- Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures: Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures Clay Target Shooting Program
Wildlife Viewing
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society: Back Bay Ambassadors: Wildlife Viewing Through A Community Framework
- Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia: Ears on Bats; Eyes on Owls
- Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures: Wildlife Viewing and Outdoor Education Program
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:
- 70,821 Participants
- $730,000 in Awards
- 245 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 Applying?
If your organization is interested in applying for 2025 and would like to be notified of the grant application launch, please enter your email address:
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.
