Zoo Grants for Nonprofits

GrantStation’s exclusive database features 28 active funding opportunities giving towards this area of interest, all accepting requests from new grantseekers!

With a membership, you’ll gain instant access to our full directory of 15,000+ funders and powerful tools to find, track, and secure the best grants for your mission. Maximize your grant success today with our expertly curated funder database, step-by-step grant writing resources, and industry-leading online education.

Kirkpatrick Foundation

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Application Deadline:

Small grant applications (up to $10,000): Accepted throughout the year
Large grant letters of inquiry: June 1 and December 1, annually

Grant Range:
$45 - $168200
Average Grant:
$24159

The Kirkpatrick Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, with priority given to organizations serving the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. 

The Foundation's…

The Reinberger Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Human Service: July 15, 2026
  • Education: March 16, 2026
  • Arts, Culture & Humanities: November 16, 2026
Grant Range:
$750 - $112500
Average Grant:
$25177

The Reinberger Foundation is committed to helping individuals move toward self-sufficiency and providing opportunities for enrichment in the communities it serves. The Foundation primarily…

The Wanda Muntwyler Foundation

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Application Deadline:

July 31, annually

Grant Range:
$800 - $6900
Average Grant:
$3130

The sole objective of the Wanda Muntwyler Foundation is to further the prevention of cruelty to animals and strengthen the human-animal bond. Support is provided in Illinois.

Specific…

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Letters of inquiry: March 16, 2026 (latest expired date) and August 7, 2026
  • Applications: April 24, 2026 (latest expired date) and September 5, 2026
  • Deadline will be updated when a new funding cycle is announced
Grant Range:
$1000 - $500000
Average Grant:
$35818

The Sam J. Frankino Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in northeast Ohio that enhance the quality of life for children and families in need.

Areas of interest include the following…

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

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Application Deadline:

Letters of Inquiry: April 30, August 31, December 31, 2026

Grant Range:
$4000 - $1548170
Average Grant:
$146346

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust's mission is to serve individuals, families, and communities across the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington).

The Trust…

Hutton Parker Foundation

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Application Deadline:
  • Arts and Culture/Health and Human Service organizations: Applications will be accepted from April 13 - April 17, 2026. 
  • Civic and Community/Education organizations: Applications will be accepted from September 14 - September 18, 2026.
Grant Range:
$1000 - $100000
Average Grant:
$10136

The mission of the Hutton Parker Foundation is to support community-based nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Barbara County, CA, and to assist agencies in achieving their highest level of…

The Virginia M. Ullman Foundation

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Application Deadline:

October 1, annually

Grant Range:
$25000 - $150000
Average Grant:
$63888

The Virginia M. Ullman Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the Phoenix, AZ, area.

The Foundation's areas of interest include:

  • arts and culture, including museums;…

Sea Otter Foundation and Trust

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Application Deadline:

October 1, annually

Average Grant:
$5000

The mission of the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust is to ensure the survival and recovery of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in their habitats.

Grants are made to support research, conservation…

Zoos are more than just places to take the family on a weekend. They also play a vital role in educating the public about wildlife, and performing essential conservation and research efforts. Many zoos are run or supported by nonprofit organizations, which often require the funding from zoo grants in order to continue operations.

These grants can be put towards all kinds of purposes - maintenance and upkeep of the animals and facilities, habitat enhancement, veterinary care and the educational programs the zoo operates. 

There are many different organizations that might provide these kinds of grants. This includes many private foundations, such as the Morris Animal Foundation or the Summerlee Foundation. 

When drafting a zoo grant proposal, it’s essential to use clear data to back up your claims. You need to prove that there is a gap that your nonprofit is poised to address. This will vary depending on your mission, and the zoo in question - but it could include visitor numbers, the economic impact of the zoo, number of endangered species housed, or conservation outcomes.

If you need more tips on drafting great grant proposals, then make sure to browse our comprehensive guide on the topic. You can also find a selection of zoo grants right here, all open for applications.