Virginia BearWise Community Cost-Share Program

The Virginia BearWise Community Cost-Share Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), a state agency responsible for managing wildlife populations, habitats, and human-wildlife interactions across the Commonwealth. Since 2013, DWR has allocated funding annually to support local governments in mitigating conflicts between humans and black bears, particularly in areas where increased bear activity intersects with residential and municipal waste systems. The program is part of a broader BearWise initiative focused on public education, prevention strategies, and community-level infrastructure improvements to reduce bear attractants. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that reduce access to anthropogenic food sources for bears, thereby minimizing human-bear conflicts. Funded activities center on securing garbage and other attractants through infrastructure improvements such as retrofitting dumpsters with bear-resistant lids, installing electric fencing around waste sites, and deploying bear-resistant residential garbage containers. The program emphasizes long-term solutions that are sustainable and effective at a community-wide scale, rather than isolated or temporary interventions. Funding is provided through a cost-share model rather than a traditional grant mechanism. All applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 30 percent of the total project cost, which may include financial contributions, in-kind support such as labor or materials, or a combination of both. Projects with a higher match percentage, particularly those exceeding 39 percent, are given priority during evaluation. Funds awarded may only be used for purchasing bear-resistant equipment or labor related to modifying or fabricating such equipment. They cannot be used for maintenance, repair, or replacement of previously funded items. Eligibility is limited primarily to local government entities, including towns, cities, and counties within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Certain homeowner associations may also apply directly if they meet certification requirements, while others must coordinate through local government partners. Private individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply independently. Applicants must coordinate with their local District Wildlife Biologist prior to submission and are encouraged to collaborate with waste management providers to ensure compatibility of proposed equipment with existing systems. The application process is conducted exclusively online. Applicants are advised to review application materials in advance and consult with DWR staff to refine their project proposals. Required components include detailed descriptions of the proposed project, identification of equipment and quantities, confirmation of compliance with bear-resistant product standards, and documentation of local ordinances or outreach efforts related to bear conflict prevention. Successful applicants must also commit to maintaining funded equipment and submitting a post-project report and questionnaire within 30 days of project completion. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the presence of bear-specific ordinances, use of certified bear-resistant products, outreach and education efforts, inclusion of signage, level of matching contributions, and engagement of additional partners. First-time applicants are prioritized, and returning applicants must demonstrate proper stewardship of previously funded resources. DWR retains full discretion over funding decisions and may conduct inspections of funded equipment at any time. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is October 1, 2025. While the program has historically been offered on an annual basis, applicants should verify future cycles with DWR. Awarded funds are typically distributed electronically, and project timelines may be extended upon request with proper justification submitted in advance. For assistance, applicants are directed to contact their regional DWR office or email the program directly.

Prioritize higher than minimum match contributions; use certified bear-resistant equipment; demonstrate community-wide impact and outreach; engage partners to strengthen application