In October 2010, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) created a mutually beneficial relationship for the purpose of developing new or enhanced fundraising projects and managing funds to implement projects which aligned with the missions of the DWR and the WFV. Funds to support the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program (VWGP) come from:
- The sale of merchandise at Go Outdoors Virginia (GOV)
- Fundraising events
- Direct contributions from corporations and individuals
- Round-Up of purchases at Go Outdoors Virginia (GOV)
Grant Conceptual Focus
Through this grant, DWR and WFV are connecting youth to the outdoors through recruitment and retention. Recruitment is creating awareness and interest in an outdoor activity and most importantly, providing a first-time or trial experience of that activity. Retention is defined as efforts or programs that will support and encourage youth to continue participating in an outdoor activity in which they are currently engaged. Effective recruitment and retention efforts provide participants with learning experiences to increase their interest and participation in the outdoor activity. By providing support and opportunities to overcome barriers and learn new skills, participants will gain confidence to continue the activity even after the program is completed. To learn more, see the DWR R3 Strategic Plan.
Our History
From 2014–2020, We Funded 199 Programs in These Categories
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Archery $49,300
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Boating/Paddling $43,000
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Fishing $87,650
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Hunting & Shooting Sports $70,900
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Wildlife Viewing $123,700
2021–2022 Award Summary
Overall Stats
Award Submissions Launched: November 15, 2021
Award Submissions Concluded: December 15, 2021
Award Decision: January 14, 2022
Total Number of Submissions: 98
Total Awardees: 23
Total Award Amount: $184,680
New for This Year
This year we added college and universities to our list of possible applicants, as well as continuing to support non-profits. In line with the mission of the DWR Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan, we wanted to focus on providing assistance to under-served communities such as:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
- LGBTQ
- Low income
- Foster and kinship care
- Persons with disabilities
Total Award Amount by Applicant Type
Colleges $65,000 8 Schools in Total
Non-Profits $120,000 15 Programs in Total
Award by Activity Type
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Archery $12,600
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Boating/Paddling $51,400
-
Fishing $44,600
-
Hunting & Shooting Sports $13,600
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Wildlife Viewing $62,400
Projects Funded in 2022
Archery
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| SWVA Sportsmen | $7,500 |
| Two Rivers Archery Club | $5,200 |
Boating/Paddling
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Shenandoah Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Program | $9,500 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Outdoor Adventure Program | $10,000 |
| Adventurers of the Shenandoah Valley/Girl Scout Council of the Nations Capital | $9,900 |
| James River Women | $10,000 |
| Verdun Adventure Bound | $10,000 |
| Sweet Briar College Outdoor Program | $2,000 |
Fishing
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| The Humble Hikes Program | $10,000 |
| Defensores de la Cuenca | $5,000 |
| Shenandoah Reel Woman | $6,500 |
| T.C. Williams Youth Sport Camps, Intl. | $7,100 |
| TrailsforYouth.Org | $6,000 |
| Beyond Boundaries | $10,000 |
Hunting
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Delta Waterfowl University Hunt Program — VA Tech | $6,600 |
Recreational Shooting
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| George Mason University | $7,000 |
Wildlife Viewing
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| University of Lynchburg Outdoor Leadership Program | $10,000 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | $9,800 |
| Virginia Tech, Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association | $10,000 |
| James River Association | $9,700 |
| New River Land Trust | $7,000 |
| The Child Care and Learning Center | $5,900 |
| Wildrock – Explorers Club for Black Youth | $10,000 |
How to Apply
Submissions to the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will begin on December 20, 2022 for college and universities (4- and 2-year) and nonprofits to connect participants to the outdoors.
Review Grant Application Guidance
