Curated sector registry
Funders
This page renders the current local WildlifeStats funder registry for wildlife rehabilitation and adjacent conservation support. It is meant to answer a basic sector question quickly: who funds this field, what do they tend to fund, and where should an operator or board start reading?
Scope: local curated registry only for now. This is not a scraping surface and not a fundraising advice tool.
Use with care: grant deadlines, eligibility terms, and invitation-only posture can change. Always verify against the linked program page before acting.
Filter the registry
Showing 33 of 33 funders
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Federal program $1.2B
USFWS Wildlife Restoration / Pittman-Robertson Act
Funded by federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Grants go to state fish and wildlife agencies (not directly to nonprofits) for restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of wildlife habitat; population surveys; land acquisition; and hunter education. State agencies may partner with or sub-grant to nonprofits. Covers wild birds and mammals only. Federal share up to 75%; state provides at least 25% match from license revenues. CFDA 15.611. ~$1.2B apportioned in FY2023.
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Public charity $513.0M
NFWF
Chartered by Congress in 1984. Awards competitive grants to states, tribes, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies for fish, wildlife, and plant conservation. Multiple programs including America the Beautiful Challenge, Conservation Partners Program, Five Star and Urban Waters, and regional funds. Programs vary in eligibility; many require matching contributions (typically 1:1).
Contact: info@nfwf.org · EIN: 52-1384139
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Public charity $81.9M
NPF
Official charitable partner of the National Park Service. Grants (~$81.9M in 2024, 588 grantees) are predominantly invitation-only; does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funds wildlife protection, endangered species recovery, and habitat projects within and adjacent to national parks. Organizations working within NPS units may be considered.
EIN: 52-1086761
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Federal program $74.0M
USFWS State Wildlife Grants (SWG)
Federal formula grants to US states, DC, commonwealths, and territories for development and implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans. State fish and wildlife agencies are the direct recipients; they may sub-grant to nonprofits, universities, and other partners. Focuses on non-game and at-risk species; requires ≥35% non-federal match. Congress appropriates annually; ~$74M/year. CFDA 15.634.
Contact: John_Stremple@fws.gov
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Public charity $70.0M
PetSmart Charities
501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations in the US and Canada. Programs include companion animal adoption, emergency and disaster relief, spay/neuter, and broader animal welfare capacity grants. Wildlife crossover through animal emergency and sheltering programs.
EIN: 93-1140967
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Federal program $16.0M
NSF BIO / PACSP
NSF-Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Partnership (PACSP, FON 24-531). Supports conservation research investigating organismal biology, ecology, and/or evolution tied to on-the-ground biodiversity conservation. Eligible: non-profit non-academic organizations (museums, research labs, professional societies in the US) and accredited IHEs. Proposals must connect basic research to conservation implementation. ~$16M total program funding; ~16 expected awards. CFDA 47.074.
Contact: info@nsf.gov
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Public charity $15.0M
ASPCA
501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations, municipal shelters, universities, and government agencies. Grants span shelter capacity, spay/neuter, disaster response, and anti-cruelty. Wildlife rehabilitation organizations may qualify under emergency/disaster and sheltering programs. Since 2001 ASPCA has awarded $200M+ to 4,000+ organizations.
EIN: 13-1623829
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Federal program $6.1M
USFWS Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG)
Competitive grants exclusively to federally recognized Tribal governments for fish and wildlife conservation and management. Award range $25,000–$200,000 per tribe per fiscal year. Activities may include conservation planning, field research, habitat mapping, population monitoring, habitat enhancement, and conservation education. No land acquisitions allowed. CFDA 15.639. ~$6.1M estimated FY2025 total program funding.
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Public charity $5.0M
ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative
ASPCA's National Shelter Grants Initiative provides up to $5M+ per cycle to 100+ organizations. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit and municipal shelters with a physical facility housing adoptable animals. Board of directors must have ≥4 members (majority independent). Application through ASPCA online portal. Deadline typically October. Wildlife rehabilitation organizations operating intake facilities may qualify.
EIN: 13-1623829
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Public charity $5.0M
WCS / WCS Climate Adaptation Fund
The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund (funded by Doris Duke Charitable Foundation) awards grants of $50,000–$300,000 to US-based 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofits for applied, on-the-ground climate adaptation projects within the 50 US states and territories. Requires a minimum 1:1 match. Annual RFP cycle with pre-proposal requirement. National organizations with cumulative awards exceeding $2M face additional eligibility conditions.
EIN: 13-1740011
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Public charity $4.6M
Morris Animal Foundation
Funds hypothesis-driven, humane animal health research at universities and research institutions. Wildlife/exotic animal research track supports conservation-relevant studies including disease ecology, population health, and veterinary care for captive and free-ranging wildlife. Grant types: Established Investigator Awards (no cap, avg $50K/yr, 2 yrs), First Award Grants (max $50K/yr, 2 yrs), Fellowship Training Grants (~$50K/yr), and Pilot Study Grants (max $10K). Four annual RFP cycles. Eligible: universities, research institutions, Smithsonian, zoological institutions. ~$4.6M annual giving (2023); ~$1M wildlife-specific grants annually.
EIN: 84-6032307
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Federal program $4.0M
USFWS NMBCA Grants
Funds projects promoting conservation of neotropical migratory birds across the entire migratory life cycle in the US, Canada, Latin America, and Caribbean. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, universities, state agencies, and foreign organizations in partnership with US entities. Minimum 3:1 non-federal match required. ~$3.8M federal funds in recent award cycles.
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Private foundation $1.7M
VEE
Grants to nonprofits for programs in Virginia (Virginia Program), James River watershed (James River Program), southwestern Virginia counties (Community Conservation Program), and Kanawha/Ohio River Valleys of KY and WV. Priorities: water quality, Chesapeake Bay, land conservation, climate adaptation. Virginia Program deadlines: December 1 and June 15 (December 2025 by invitation only). Awards 23 grants totaling $611,005 in October 2025 grant round.
EIN: 54-1041973
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Federal program $500K
CDFW Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants
Competitive grants exclusively to California-permitted nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Applicant must hold a valid CDFW Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit, maintain active use of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Medical Database, and be in compliance with MOU terms. Grant tiers based on prior year animal intake (10–200 animals: $2,500; 201–500: $5,000; 501–900: $7,500; 901–1,300: $10,000; 1,301–3,000: $15,000; 3,001+: $20,000). Funded through the Native California Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund. Annual cycle.
Contact: RehabWildlife@wildlife.ca.gov
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Corporate program $500K
Toyota / NEEF Biodiversity Conservation Grants
Toyota Motor North America has provided $500,000+ in biodiversity conservation grant funding through NEEF for projects on America's public lands. Focus areas: pollinator habitat enhancement and biodiversity hotspots (California Floristic Province). Grants awarded to nonprofits for shovel-ready projects on public lands. Additional Toyota/NEEF programs include National Public Lands Day restoration grants and accessibility grants up to $20,000 each. Check NEEF website for current open cycles.
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Corporate program $25K
Oxbow Animal Rescue Grant (Kindswell for Rescues)
Annual grants (~$25,000 total, 6–10 awards) to US and Canadian nonprofit rescue organizations, foster networks, humane societies, wildlife rehabilitation organizations, and animal sanctuaries. Qualifying species: rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, degus, sugar gliders, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, tortoises, and wildlife. Does not require 501(c)(3). Does not fund dog- or cat-specific projects or spay/neuter. Organizations eligible in 2 of every 3 calendar years. Application window opens mid-May through summer; awards announced in October.
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Public charity Not published in this registry
American Humane
Second Chance® Grants reimburse 501(c)(3) shelters and rescue organizations for emergency and specialty veterinary costs for animals who have suffered abuse or neglect. Covers surgery, diagnostics, intensive rehabilitation. Wildlife rehabilitation organizations that handle cruelty/neglect cases may qualify. Annual revenue ~$26M.
EIN: 84-0432950
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Public charity Not published in this registry
Bass Pro / Cabela's Outdoor Fund
501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit. Local Impact Grants (up to $5,000, rolling deadline) open to organizations with missions aligned with conserving wildlife and habitat, connecting new audiences to the outdoors, or supporting military and veterans. National-level grants are by invitation only. Does not fund: fundraising events, banquets, capital campaigns, or construction. Customer round-up program has raised $45M+ since 2019.
EIN: 83-0691791
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Public charity Not published in this registry
CWF
Independent California 501(c)(3) focused on wildlife biodiversity and health through habitat acquisition and species conservation. Operates primarily as a conservancy rather than grantmaker; may provide project-specific funding. Annual operating budget ~$5.5M. Based in Berkeley, CA.
EIN: 68-0234744
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Public charity Not published in this registry
Defenders of Wildlife
Primarily an advocacy and legal organization, but publishes Funding Opportunities for Biodiversity Projects as a resource guide. Limited direct grantmaking; funding partnerships with agencies and foundations. Organizations seeking wildlife funding may use Defenders' funding directory as a research tool.
EIN: 53-0183181
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Corporate program Not published in this registry
Disney Conservation Fund
US 501(c)(3) organizations (or non-US nonprofits applying via a US 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor). Annual Conservation Grants (max $50,000 over 2 years) require prior DCF funding history since 2015. Rapid Response Fund grants up to $10,000 accepted on rolling basis. Focus on community-based wildlife corridor and migratory pathway protection. Letter of inquiry required.
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Private foundation Not published in this registry
Doris Duke Foundation
Most grants are by invitation only; unsolicited proposals accepted on limited basis. Environment Program focuses on thriving, resilient environments for wildlife and people. Has funded WCS Climate Adaptation Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, NWF, and The Nature Conservancy. Assets ~$1.77B (2018). Grantees typically large established conservation organizations.
EIN: 13-7043679
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Private foundation Not published in this registry
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Large private foundation (~952 awards in 2023) with Environmental Conservation as a primary program area. Funds conservation science, marine conservation, wildfire resilience, and habitat protection at national and global scale. Grantees include major conservation organizations (WCS, TNC, WWF). Primarily by invitation; unsolicited proposals reviewed selectively. Grants typically multi-year, $100K–$5M+ range.
EIN: 94-3397785
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Public charity Not published in this registry
IFAW
IFAW provides grants to partner organizations for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and protection globally and in the US. Focus includes marine mammals, large terrestrial wildlife, and disaster response. Partners primarily in US through existing programmatic relationships. Inquire directly via ifaw.org for current grant opportunities.
EIN: 31-1594197
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Public charity Not published in this registry
NFWF Five Star and Urban Waters
NFWF sub-program (via EPA partnership) for small community-based habitat restoration projects in urban and suburban areas. Grants typically $2,500–$20,000 for community stewardship projects restoring wetlands, riparian areas, coastal habitats. Eligible: nonprofits, community groups, schools. Supports environmental literacy and on-the-ground habitat work that benefits urban wildlife populations. Annual RFP.
Contact: info@nfwf.org · EIN: 52-1384139
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Public charity Not published in this registry
NWF
NWF primarily operates as an advocacy and education organization rather than a direct grantmaker to external groups. Maintains the Nature-based Funding Database (fundingnaturebasedsolutions.nwf.org) as a resource for organizations seeking conservation funding. Partners with Subaru for Certified Wildlife Habitat school programs. Annual revenue ~$156M.
EIN: 53-0204616
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Public charity Not published in this registry
NWRA
NWRA awards research grants in wildlife rehabilitation, medicine, and education. Also provides scholarships for symposium attendance and educational materials. Grants support independent and collaborative research by wildlife rehabilitation organizations and professionals. Post-release studies are a priority. Contact nwra@nwrawildlife.org for details.
Contact: nwra@nwrawildlife.org · EIN: 37-1143442
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Corporate program Not published in this registry
Patagonia Environmental Grants
US-based 501(c)(3) public charities (or comparable fiscal sponsor). Supports grassroots activist groups with direct-action, systems-change campaigns. Grants typically $5,000–$20,000. Current priority: protecting and restoring native fish populations and their habitat. Corporate Grants Program (national scope) is invitation-only. Does not fund: land acquisition, research without action plan, hatchery programs, educational-only work, dam renovations. Pledges ≥1% of annual sales to environmental grants. Application cycles vary; May 1–April 30 fiscal year.
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Public charity Not published in this registry
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Independent public charity established in 2021 by REI Co-op to support community-led organizations making the outdoors more accessible, inclusive, and climate-resilient. $36M+ distributed to 500+ nonprofits. Focus areas: creating space outside, connecting people outside, centering health outside. Grantees identified through REI staff recommendations, community advisors, and public nominations; primarily unrestricted multi-year grants. Wildlife habitat organizations working in public lands may qualify.
EIN: 85-4299419
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Public charity Not published in this registry
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
SDZWA conducts in-house conservation science and awards grants to external partners through programmatic research collaborations. Primarily supports conservation field programs through the Wildlife Health Sciences and Conservation Science programs. External grant opportunities typically through collaborative proposals and partnerships; not a large open-application grant program. Annual operating budget ~$385.7M.
EIN: 95-1648219
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Corporate program Not published in this registry
Subaru Loves the Earth
Subaru of America funds environmental conservation through its Love Promise platform, partnering with National Wildlife Federation, Arbor Day Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Society, and National Park Foundation. Wildlife habitat programs focus on creating Certified Wildlife Habitats at schools and communities. Program activities coordinated through dealer network and national conservation partners; not an open-application grant program.
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Federal program Not published in this registry
USDA NRCS EQIP Wildlife
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for wildlife habitat practices including brush management, tree/shrub establishment, wetland restoration, and upland wildlife habitat management. Eligible: farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. Not a direct wildlife rehab grant but funds habitat improvement that supports wildlife populations and may benefit rehab-adjacent programs.
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Private foundation Not published in this registry
Wilburforce Foundation
Supports land, water, and wildlife conservation across 13 priority regions in Western North America. Focuses on habitat security, focal species protection, and wildlife linkages. Grants range from $1,000 to $1,300,000 (median ~$50,000). Rolling deadlines. Conservation science and law/policy support integrated into regional strategies.
EIN: 94-3137894
No current funders match these filters.
Registry provenance is carried in the local YAML source file. WildlifeStats stores a restrained public subset here: name, type, focus areas, approximate disclosed scale where available, eligibility summary, and links back to the official program surface. The focus filter highlights recurring tags; search still covers the full long tail of one-off themes.