2018 Virginia Wildlife Grant Program

In 2018, the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program continued to support the national initiative, called “R3” to recruit and retain youth into the outdoors through recreational opportunities like archery, fishing, wildlife viewing, etc.  We want to be part of something bigger but also provide adaptability to our Virginia needs.  Together, we work better and do better!

This year was the highest grant award amount of nearly $80,000 supporting 34 projects and impacting 5,500 youth.  Almost 40% of our projects focus upon at-risk youth through supporting mental and physical, and financial needs.  We are also engaging more female, Hispanic, and urban populations.

Our project diversity also extends to our giving diversity which provides our future sustainability as we look toward 2019 and beyond. Thank you to the following supporters and to the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia for managing our contributions, reviewing grants, and giving!

Donations from
Steve and Heidi Crandall

Virginia Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License Buyers

Donations from
Marika Byrd


“Every child has an innate desire to seek and enjoy the outside world and we must ignite that potential.” – Steve Crandall

This year, Steve and Heidi Crandall donated $15,000 to focus their outdoor passion on youth engagement. Learn more about Steve’s passion to pay it forward and find out how you too can directly contribute to the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program.

The following organizations received 2018 awards and program activity dollar amounts included:

  • Archery – $13,715
  • Boating – $9,985
  • Fishing – $14,350
  • Hunting – $8,400
  • Shooting Sports – $7,500
  • Trapping – $1,500
  • Wildlife Viewing  – $23,980

Archery

  • Sportable
  • Fauquier County 4-H Bow Benders/Warrenton Rifles
  • Salem Baptist Church
  • Appomattox 4-H
  • Izaak Walton League of America – Christiansburg/Montgomery Chapter
  • YMCA of Greater Richmond

Boating

  • US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-08-03
  • Town of Richlands Police Department
  • Blue Ridge Discovery Center
  • The Cove Ridge Foundation

Fishing

  • Skyline Middle School (Harrisonburg City Public Schools)
  • Beyond Boundaries
  • Rockingham County Schools/James Madison University
  • James River Park
  • King William and King & Queen 4-H
  • Patrick County High School Fishing Team

Hunting

  • Young Life Amelia
  • Shenandoah Valley Sportsman
  • Southside VA Quail Forever Chapter 3261
  • King George Outdoor Club

Shooting Sports

  • Meherrin River Ducks Unlimited
  • Goochland 4-H Shooting Education
  • Virginia 4-H Shooting Council

Trapping

  • Virginia Trappers Association District I

Wildlife Viewing

  • Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center
  • Hillsboro Charter Academy
  • Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Dante Community Association
  • Virginia Highlands Community College
  • Danville Parks and Recreation
  • Point Option (Newport News Public Schools)
  • Holston High School
  • Harrisonburg High School
  • Wildrock