EVENTS

Virginia DWR AWARDS MORE THAN $150K IN GRANTS AND LAUNCHES ENHANCED PARTNERSHIPS WITH FOUR ORGANIZATIONS 

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) in partnership with the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) announce an exceptional year for supporting our outdoor recreation and conservation partners. This year the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program (VWGP) received a record breaking 178 grant applications. The VWGP not only funded 10 organizations that had never received a grant before, but also entered into multi-year partnerships with four additional organizations. Close to 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. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan. During the 2024 grant period, a total of $150,000 was awarded to the following 10 recipients.

• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society

• Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia

• Boys Home of Virginia

• Ferrum College-Norton Outdoor Adventures

• Henrico County Recreation and Parks

• Reel Connections for Kids

• Skyline Middle School

• Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America

• University of Virginia Outdoor Adventure

• Valor Ranch

In addition to the 10 organizations that received grants, four became Better Together Partners. These partners have received grants multiple times and each time exceeded program expectations. The Better Together Partnership is a new collaboration where DWR and the aligned organizations will develop opportunities for storytelling, engaging new audiences, and promoting conservation through outdoor recreation over a multi-year period. This program will allow these organization to continue to expand their outreach efforts and better plan for future projects.

Backwoods Warriors is dedicated to fostering a community where youth, veterans, and first-time hunters thrive. Through outreach and mentorship, they provide the foundation for the next generation of ethical hunters to build an everlasting connection with the outdoors.

Beyond Boundaries offers individuals of all ability levels, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community.

James River Women is dedicated to supporting and promoting inclusion within the whitewater community. It is an open group that supports growth in the whitewater paddling community and has a goal to rewrite the narrative of who belongs in this sport.

Shenandoah Reel Woman’s mission is to gather women of all ages to the river - to learn, share and empower each other.

Over the past 10 years, the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program has awarded approximately $730,000, supporting 245 projects that have connected more than 70,000 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 including grant guidelines can be found on the program webpage.

ABC8 News

Published May 22, 2023

https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/children-learn-life-lessons-through-fishing-with-reel-connections-for-kids-at-smith-mountain-lake/

WDBJ7

Published: Mar. 9, 2023 

https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/03/09/reel-connections-kids-previews-kids-fishing-day-sml-gives/

Laker Weekly

Published Jul 3, 2022; Updated Aug 10, 2023

https://smithmountainlake.com/news/local/sm-striper-club-gives-area-kids-a-day-of-fishing/article_dfc79d70-f87c-11ec-bc54-bfce730ffde6.html

Laker Weekly

Published Jul 3, 2023

https://smithmountainlake.com/reel-connections-for-kids-connects-delivers-fishing-experiences/article_5f3e398e-0401-11ee-a7a2-7bacbc5fe827.html

There are many ways to get involved with Reel Connections for Kids, from volunteering at one of our events, sponsoring a child, serve  on a committee, joining our Board or inviting one of our Board members to speak at your organization. Simply spreading the word can also go a long way. Join our community today to make a difference in a young child's life.