Press releases may contain information regarding programs, policies, regulation, rules, or fees of DWR and are current at the date of release. Information beyond that date is subject to change. Please contact DWR for further inquiries.
DWR & WFV Award $203k in Grant Funding
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) in partnership with the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) grants $203,000 in funding support from the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program (VWGP) to outdoor recreation and conservation partners. In addition to the four Better Together multi-year partners announced in 2024, the VWGP provided funding for 25 projects this year, after receiving a record-breaking 185 grant applications. Almost 80% of awardees and nearly 60% of all grant applicants were new to the program which reinforces the need that exists throughout the Commonwealth to connect residents to the outdoors.
The VWGP is a joint effort of DWR and 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. Funding for the VWGP comes from purchases of online merchandise, as well as round-up donations through Go Outdoors Virginia. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.
2025 Virginia Wildlife Grant Program Awardees:
- Airfield Shooting Club
- Alleghany Highlands YMCA
- American Legion Post 177
- Augusta Bird Club
- Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School
- Central Virginia Chapter Quail Forever
- Elk Hill Farm, Inc.
- ENDEX Archery
- Friends of Hungry Mother
- Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
- Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast
- Henrico County Recreation and Parks
- Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists
- Kids Outdoor Zone @ Mt Vernon Baptist Church
- National Wildlife Federation
- North River Neighbors’ Alliance – Chapter of the Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR)
- Northern Virginia Bird Alliance
- Old Dominion University Birding Club
- Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Roanoke/New River Valleys
- Singh Sabha Gurdwara
- The Luck Group Organization
- The Mayfly Project, Virginia
- Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl
- Tri-Angle Gun Club
- Virginia Youth Education Summit
In addition, the Department continues its partnership with the four Better Together Partners. The Better Together Partnership is a collaboration that was established in 2024 where DWR and the aligned organizations develop opportunities for storytelling, engaging new audiences, and promoting conservation through outdoor recreation over a multi-year period.
Better Together Partners:
- Backwoods Warriors
- Beyond Boundaries
- James River Women
- Shenandoah Reel Women
Since 2014, the VWGP has awarded approximately $930,000, supporting 255 projects that have connected nearly 75,000 participants to the outdoors. You can help continue this effort by shopping in the DWR e-store, choosing to “round up” your purchases at gooutdoorsvirginia.com, as well as donating directly.
For organizations interested in applying for a Virginia Wildlife Grant, the application period opens annually from January to February. Additional information can be found on the program webpage.