What This Grant Funds

The Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) is a private foundation that has funded environmental projects in Virginia for more than 40 years. The Virginia Program grant cycle supports environmental education, water quality improvement, land conservation, and climate adaptation projects for K-12 schools, nonprofits, universities, and public agencies across the state. VEE runs two grant cycles each year -- December 1 and June 15 -- and looks specifically for proposals with measurable student learning outcomes, teacher training components, and experiences that connect students to real environmental issues in their communities. The December 1, 2026 round is currently open.

Who Can Apply

Virginia nonprofits, schools, colleges and universities, and public agencies are eligible to apply. Projects must address environmental education, water quality, Chesapeake Bay restoration, land conservation, or climate adaptation in Virginia. Individual teachers cannot apply directly; a school or district must be the applicant of record. VEE prefers proposals that demonstrate clear environmental outcomes -- not just classroom activities -- and includes a plan for measuring what students actually learned.

How to Apply

Applications use a Word form provided by VEE and are submitted by email to info@vee.org. The December 1, 2026 deadline is currently open. VEE also offers a spring round with a June 15 deadline. Download the application form from the VEE website, complete all sections including budget and evaluation plan, and submit before the deadline. VEE staff can answer pre-application questions by email; reaching out before submitting is recommended.

Funding Amount

VEE does not publish a fixed award range. Grant amounts vary based on project scope, organizational capacity, and funding available in each cycle. Past education grants have ranged from a few thousand dollars for small classroom projects to $50,000 or more for multi-year school and nonprofit programs. Proposals should include a realistic budget tied directly to project activities, with clear justification for each line item.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Virginia Environmental Endowment grants in Virginia?

Virginia nonprofits, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and public agencies with projects focused on environmental education, water quality, Bay restoration, land conservation, or climate adaptation.

How much funding is available through Virginia Environmental Endowment grants?

Award amounts vary by project. Past education grants have ranged from a few thousand dollars to $50,000 or more. VEE evaluates proposals on project quality and environmental outcomes, not just budget size.

Can Virginia Environmental Endowment grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes, if the tools support real environmental investigation and measurable student learning. Equipment and materials that help students collect data, monitor conditions, or build evidence about environmental issues align with VEE's priorities.

How do Virginia schools apply for Virginia Environmental Endowment grants?

Download the Word application form from vee.org, complete all sections, and email it to info@vee.org by December 1, 2026 for the current cycle. A spring cycle with a June 15 deadline is also available each year.

How can Forward Education help with Virginia Environmental Endowment grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Virginia Environmental Endowment grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.