Wildlife Grants

Last updated October 3, 2026

There are currently 726 open wildlife grants in Grantable's free grants database, drawn from state and foundation sources and updated daily. 367 list an award amount, with a median of $7,500.

Open grants: 726; from 392 funders
Median award: $7,500; middle half $2,750–$50K
Total listed funding: $65.9M; across 367 grants that list an amount
Rolling deadlines: 9; 18 with a published date

On this page: State Foundation · Updated daily

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Grant	Deadline ▲	Amount
Minnesota Forest Legacy Grant Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Foundation Not published · Varies The Minnesota Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to protect the state's forests by providing economic incentives to landowners, promoting sustainable forest management through conservation easements.	Not published	Varies
Ulysses S. Seal Grant Minnesota Zoo Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Ulysses S. Seal Grant, offered by the Minnesota Zoo, funds conservation projects worldwide, focusing on wildlife habitat preservation.	Not published	Varies
Established Conservationist Grant Program Conservation Nation · Foundation Not published · Varies Conservation Nation provides grants for global, wildlife-saving work being done by mid-career conservationists from underrepresented groups.	Not published	Varies
MNDNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program: Traditional Grant Cycle Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Foundation Not published · $5K – $500K The MNDNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program offers competitive matching grants between $5,000 and $500,000 for projects that restore, protect, or enhance Minnesota's natural resources, including prairies, wetlands, and forests.	Not published	$5K – $500K
Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · Foundation Not published · $40K The Future Fisheries Improvement Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, aims to restore and enhance wild fish habitats in Montana's rivers, streams, and lakes.	Not published	$40K
Rufford Small Grants Programme The Rufford Foundation · Foundation Not published · £7,000 - £18,000 The Rufford Small Grants Programme supports early-career conservationists in developing countries, providing crucial funding for pilot projects.	Not published	£7,000 - £18,000
Proposition 68 Rivers and Streams Grant Program – Klamath-Trinity Watershed Department of Fish and Wildlife · State Not published · Varies To restore and protect rivers and streams in support of fisheries and wildlife.	Not published	Varies
State ANS Comprehensive Management Plan (FY25) Natural Resources · State Not published · Varies To provide technical and financial assistance to implement the highest priority actions in order to protect and restore the Great Lakes.	Not published	Varies
Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant North Dakota Industrial Commission · Foundation Not published · Varies The Outdoor Heritage Fund, overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, provides grants to enhance conservation practices statewide.	Not published	Varies
The 3rd International Ranger Awards Conservation Allies · Foundation Not published · $10K – $120K Recognizes the remarkable work of rangers in protected areas around the world.	Not published	$10K – $120K
Restoration Grant Programs: Drought - Protecting Salmon California Department of Fish and Wildlife · Foundation Not published · Up to $10M The Restoration Grant Programs by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife aim to protect and enhance salmon habitats in response to drought and climate change.	Not published	Up to $10M
OSI Northeast Resilient Landscapes Initiative Fund Grant Open Space Institute Land Trust Inc · Foundation Not published · Varies The OSI Northeast Resilient Landscapes Initiative Fund supports conservation projects in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and Central Appalachians aimed at preserving biodiversity amidst climate change.	Not published	Varies
Explorers Club Impact Grants Explorers Club · Foundation Not published · $10K – $25K The Explorers Club Impact Grants support groundbreaking field research across various scientific disciplines, including biological sciences, archaeology, and ecology.	Not published	$10K – $25K
Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award American Ornithological Society · Foundation Not published · Varies Recognizes extraordinary scientific contributions to the conservation, restoration, or preservation of birds and/or their habitats by an individual or small team.	Not published	Varies
Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund Grant Kern Community Foundation · Foundation Not published · Varies The Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund Grant, established by Southern California Edison, aims to improve the Kern River rainbow trout population and restore habitats in the Upper Kern Basin.	Not published	Varies
P&G Pet Care Wildlife Conservation Scholarship Zoological Society of Cincinnati · Foundation Not published · Varies This scholarship program provides hands-on scientific training to veterinary students interested in wildlife conservation research.	Not published	Varies
Marc C. and Deborah Bingham Foundation Grant Marc C and Deborah H Bingham · Foundation Not published · Varies The Marc C. and Deborah Bingham Foundation supports charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and higher education institutions in Utah.	Not published	Varies
C-SWG - Competitive State Wildlife Grants (FY26) Natural Resources · State Not published · Varies Development and implementation of projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished. Priority is placed on projects that benefit species of greatest conservation concern.	Not published	Varies
James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund Birdscaribbean · Foundation Not published · Varies One of BirdsCaribbean's three named Research & Conservation grant funds.	Not published	Varies
Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund Grant Roger Williams Park Zoo · Foundation Not published · Up to $1K The Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund, established by Roger Williams Park Zoo, supports global conservation efforts.	Not published	Up to $1K
Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund The Oregon Zoo Foundation · Foundation Not published · $25K Grants supporting conservation efforts that implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint for conserving the state's wildlife and their habitats.	Not published	$25K
Invasive Carp Management Control in IL Waterway GLRI (FY25) (CAFWS-176 170, and 164) Natural Resources · State Not published · Varies To provide technical and financial assistance to implement the highest priority actions in order to protect and restore the Great Lakes.	Not published	Varies
Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program Grant National Fish and Wildlife Foundation · Foundation Not published · $75K – $500K The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species.	Not published	$75K – $500K
Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife · Foundation Not published · Varies The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, established in 1996, supports essential wildlife and conservation initiatives across Maine.	Not published	Varies

Showing 25–48 of 725

About wildlife grants

Wildlife grants support conservation, habitat restoration, and recovery efforts for fish, birds, mammals, and other species. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are central funders, often working together on competitive programs, with additional support from NOAA and private foundations. Nonprofits, tribes, universities, and state and local agencies commonly apply.

A long list is the starting point, not the shortlist. Our grant prospecting guide shows how to narrow wildlife grants down to the funders most likely to say yes, using their giving records.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do wildlife grants award?

Of the 726 open wildlife grants Grantable lists as of October 3, 2026, 367 publish an award amount. The median listed award is $7,500, and the middle half fall between $2,750 and $50K. The largest is $10M. Amounts are each grant's stated maximum, so a typical award can be smaller.

Which funders offer the most wildlife grants?

By number of open listings, the most active funders are Natural Resources (31), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (28), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (17), American Ornithological Society (10), and Raptor Research Foundation (10). In all, 392 funders have at least one open grant in this category.

When are wildlife grants due?

Of 726 open grants, 9 accept applications on a rolling basis, 18 have a published upcoming deadline, 59 run on a stated cycle (such as annual or quarterly) without a published date, and 640 don't publish a deadline, so check the funder's site.

What grants are available for wildlife conservation?

Funding supports habitat restoration, species recovery, climate resilience, and community conservation partnerships on both public and private lands. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation runs many competitive programs, including large efforts like the America the Beautiful Challenge, and federal agencies fund species- and region-specific work. Most programs emphasize measurable habitat or species outcomes and often require match.

Does the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fund wildlife projects?

Yes. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service funds wildlife and habitat work directly and in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, including joint grant rounds for watersheds like the Chesapeake Bay. Eligible applicants typically include states, tribes, nonprofits, and academic institutions undertaking high-priority restoration and conservation projects.

Who else funds wildlife nonprofits?

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the nation's largest private conservation grantmaker, channels public and private dollars to fish, wildlife, and plant projects. NOAA funds fisheries and marine species work, and many private, corporate, and community foundations support wildlife causes. State wildlife agencies also administer federal funds that reach local partners.

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