Grant Programs

New and Refurbished Bluebird Trails Grants - Apply online

These grants provide funds to develop a new bluebird trail or refurbish an existing one on public lands in Virginia. The nest boxes on these trails must be constructed of wood and mounted on an electrical conduit pipe using two predator guards. VBS defines a bluebird trail as having 5 or more boxes. We will consider applications for up to 20 nest boxes for new trails and up to 25 boxes for refurbished trails. We also require that a Memorandum of Understanding is submitted with the application; download it here.

Youth and Scout Grants - Apply online

These grants are available for scouts and other youth who would like to build nest boxes. This is a tried and true way for Boy Scouts to earn their Eagle and Girl Scouts their Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. But the grant money isn’t limited to scouts. It could be a great youth group, school, home school group or other service organization project. The grant covers the cost, and VBS provides the construction designs for the nest box and predator guards, and any construction advice needed. The nest boxes with poles and predator guards will be donated to VBS for use on public lands.

Educational Nestcam Grants - Apply online

Designed for schools, park visitor centers, libraries and similar public arenas, this program provides the nestcam, nest box, predator guards, and other supplies to enable students and others to view the nesting process of native birds. The person applying on behalf of the institution could be staff, a teacher or parent, but administrative approval should be secured prior to applying to VBS. We also require that a Memorandum of Understanding is submitted with the application; download it here.