Virginia Natural Resources Grants

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is accepting applications for the 2024 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant round from March 12 to May 7, 2024. Approximately $1.9 million in RTP funding is available. The RTP, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program aimed at building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities across non-motorized, diversified, and motorized trail categories. In 2024, the program is open for applications for both new trail construction and improvements to existing trails, following a competitive application process overseen by the RTP and the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. Eligible applicants include city, county, town, tribal, or other government entities, as well as registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to restore and sustain forests and freshwater habitats in Central Appalachia, benefiting native wildlife and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that aim to conserve Virginia's farmland, forestland, historic sites, natural areas, and open spaces.

This funding initiative provides financial support to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for projects that promote green stormwater infrastructure and enhance urban green spaces.

This grant provides funding for researchers with expertise in the Everglades ecosystem to study and monitor the unique landscape patterns of ridges and sloughs, supporting ecological restoration efforts in the region.

This grant provides funding for projects in Virginia that improve water quality, promote land conservation, enhance environmental education, and address emerging environmental challenges.

This program provides matching funds to state and local governments in Virginia for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation sites and facilities, ensuring they remain accessible for public use.

This program provides funding to food retailers and innovative food initiatives in Virginia's low-income communities to improve access to fresh foods and promote food security.

This fellowship provides $10,000 and a residency for early-career humanities researchers focused on the history, art, and culture of plants, gardens, and landscapes, allowing them to access unique archival resources for their scholarly work.

This program provides funding to individuals, organizations, and local governments in Virginia for projects that permanently protect farms, forests, and recreational spaces through various legal means.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small nonprofits and local governments in the Chesapeake Bay region to strengthen their organizational capacity and enhance community and environmental initiatives.

This grant provides funding to government entities and nonprofit organizations for projects that protect land, enhance community resilience, and support conservation planning in the Appalachian Trail region.