Virginia Environmental Endowment

What Virginia Environmental Endowment does

Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) is an independent, nonprofit grant-making foundation established in February 1977 by order of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It was capitalized with $8 million of a $13.2 million fine levied against Allied Chemical Corporation for Kepone contamination of the James River, and was the first foundation in the United States dedicated exclusively to environmental grant-making. Between 1981 and 1991, VEE received an additional $1.4 million in court settlements from FMC Corporation, Bethlehem Steel, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, IR International, and Hauni Richmond; in 2017 it received a further $15.595 million from an electric-utility mitigation agreement for James River water quality work and $3 million to launch the Community Conservation Program. In total, VEE has invested more than $77 million in environmental improvements since inception.

VEE operates four grant programs: the Virginia Program (general environmental grants across the Commonwealth, twice-yearly cycles), the James River Water Quality Improvement Program (dedicated funding for riparian buffers, agricultural pollution reduction, living shorelines, and stream restoration), the Community Conservation Program (targeted funding in six southwestern Virginia counties and two cities), and the now-winding-down Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program (Kentucky/West Virginia). The foundation also administers the Fund for the Virginia Environmental Endowment (a donor-advised fund through the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation) and two named scholarships via the Virginia Junior Academy of Science, and periodically publishes the Virginia Environmental Attitudes public-opinion survey. In FY2026 (April 2025–March 2026), VEE awarded 38 grants totaling $1,745,968 — a record deployment that intentionally exceeded the endowment's 5% annual spending cap in response to federal grant cancellations affecting Virginia nonprofit partners.

VEE is run by a 3-person core staff (Executive Director Joseph H. Maroon, Senior Program Officer Roy Hoagland, Administrative Assistant Heather McDonald) under a Board of Directors, and operates from Richmond, Virginia. It maintains strategic relationships with nearly 500 partner organizations, including seeded and incubated entities such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, James River Association, The Nature Conservancy's Virginia Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, Virginia Conservation Network, and the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at UVA. Funding flows from the foundation to grantees; VEE has no customers in the conventional sense and no product pricing.

Name

Virginia Environmental Endowment

Legal name

Virginia Environmental Endowment

Website

https://vee.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) is an independent nonprofit grant-making foundation established in 1977 from court-ordered pollution settlements, awarding environmental grants across Virginia and the Kanawha/Ohio River Valleys to roughly 500 nonprofit, university, government, and community partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Grant-Making Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), Biodiversity, Conservation & Natural Capital Funds (FSANAJAG)

Keywords

• Environmental grant funding
• Nonprofit foundation
• Water quality grants
• Land conservation grants
• Environmental philanthropy

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Others, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Court Settlement Funds: VEE was established in 1977 using court settlement funds from Allied Chemical Corporation ($8 million of $13.2 million fine for Kepone pollution). Additional settlements from FMC Corporation, Bethlehem Steel, Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, and others between 1981-1991 provided approximately $1.4 million. In 2017, received $15.595 million from an electric utility line construction mitigation agreement for James River water quality improvement grants over 10 years. Additional $3 million from another mitigation agreement launched the Community Conservation Program.
2. Investment Returns: VEE uses investment returns from its endowment corpus to fund grant-making activities. The endowment operates from returns on its initial capitalization from court settlements.
3. Donations (Fund for VEE): The Fund for the Virginia Environmental Endowment was established in 2016 to enable tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting environmental grant-making. Administered through the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, donations bolster capital for enhanced environmental grant-making throughout Virginia.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Virginia Environmental Endowment is a nonprofit, independent grant-making foundation that awards grants to eligible nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and conservation organizations for environmental improvement projects in Virginia and the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys. It administers four grant programs (Virginia Program, James River Water Quality Improvement Program, Community Conservation Program, Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program), two named college scholarships, a donor-advised fund (Fund for VEE), and periodic Virginia Environmental Attitudes public-opinion surveys. The foundation was capitalized through court-ordered environmental enforcement settlements beginning in 1977 and funds grants from investment returns and ongoing settlement receipts.

Product overview

Virginia Environmental Endowment is a nonprofit grant-making foundation that operates multiple environmental grant programs rather than a traditional product-based company. Its core offerings include the Virginia Program (general environmental grants), the James River Water Quality Improvement Program (targeted James River restoration funding), the Community Conservation Program (regional conservation in southwestern Virginia), and the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program (legacy program, now closed). The organization also manages the Fund for the Virginia Environmental Endowment as a donor-advised giving vehicle, and administers two named college scholarships through the Virginia Junior Academy of Science. Additionally, VEE conducts periodic public opinion research through its Virginia Environmental Attitudes survey initiative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Virginia Program General grant program focused on water quality, Chesapeake Bay restoration, land conservation and use, environmental literacy and awareness, and climate adaptation across Virginia. Applications are accepted December 1 and June 15. In October 2025, VEE awarded 23 grants totaling $611,005 under this program.
• James River Water Quality Improvement Program Dedicated funding program for improving water quality of the James River and its tributaries in Virginia. Minimum funding request of $100,000 annually for 1-3 year projects; application deadline June 15. Priorities include riparian buffers, agricultural pollution reduction, living shorelines, and stream restoration. In FY 2026, two grants totaling $817,369 were awarded.
• Community Conservation Program Conservation initiative funding program serving the counties of Craig, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke, and the cities of Salem and Roanoke. Focuses on water quality, land conservation, and environmental literacy. Application deadline is January 15. In FY 2026, three grants totaling $317,592 were awarded.
• Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program Legacy grant program (now closed to new applications) supporting water quality research, education, and community action in the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys of Kentucky and West Virginia. Final legacy grants were awarded in 2021 to West Virginia Rivers Coalition ($215,000 over three years) and Watershed Watch in Kentucky ($150,000 over three years).
• Fund for the Virginia Environmental Endowment Donor-advised fund enabling tax-deductible charitable contributions to support VEE's environmental grant-making, administered in partnership with Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. Donors can contribute via credit card, check, or direct transfer.
• Henry W. MacKenzie Environmental Scholarship College scholarship program for high school students administered through Virginia Junior Academy of Science, providing $5,000 over four years. Part of nearly $700,000 in scholarship funds awarded to 72 high school students through VJAS since 1984.
• Frances and Sydney Lewis Environmental Scholarship College scholarship program for high school students administered through Virginia Junior Academy of Science, providing $5,000 over four years. Part of nearly $700,000 in scholarship funds awarded to 72 high school students through VJAS since 1984.
• Virginia Environmental Attitudes Survey Periodic public opinion survey initiative to gauge Virginians' attitudes toward the environment, conducted in partnership with Christopher Newport University's Wason Center and other institutions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2017).

Quantifiable outcome

• VEE has partnered with nearly 500 organizations and invested over $77 million in environmental improvements since 1977
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Watershed Watch in KentuckyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Received three-year legacy grant of $150,000 in 2021 through Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program. Grant includes continued support for core volunteer monitoring programs and transition funding to help increase long-term financial stability.
• Virginia Tech Executive Master of Natural Resources ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018VEE Executive Director Joseph Maroon served as adjunct faculty member from 2012-2019. VEE collaborated with Virginia Tech's Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability on Collective Impact concepts.
• Charlottesville Area Community FoundationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2016Provides administrative support for the Fund for the Virginia Environmental Endowment, enabling tax-deductible donations. Donors can make contributions via credit card, check, or direct transfer through CACF's platform.
• Virginia Coastal Policy CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Part of William & Mary Law School. Founded in part through VEE grant. Quickly become leader on coastal issues providing science-based legal and policy analysis and advice to state and local decision-makers. Provides training opportunities for law students while helping shape Virginia's coastal policy.
• Wetlands WatchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012From watchdog on wetland losses to leading climate adaptation and resiliency advocate. Recent VEE grants supported on-the-ground climate change work and efforts to advance landscape conservation practices for storm water runoff pollution and Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional training program.
• Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010VEE has supported 100+ research grants over 40 years. Institute is internationally recognized and has helped shape environmental policies. VEE funded research in Kepone, fisheries management, wetlands, and coastal science. Most recently funded VIMS to examine current state of Kepone contamination in James River.
• VIRGINIAforevercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Initial VEE grant in 2003 kick-started creation of this diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts. In 2016, helped secure largest public investment in nonpoint source pollution control in Virginia history. VEE and Virginia*forever partnered to conduct update analysis of Virginia's natural resource funding compared to other states.
• Elizabeth River ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1992Received start-up grant of $1,375 in 1992. Known for developing robust partnership among industries, communities, and government to improve the Elizabeth River. VEE supported Learning Barge and partnered with Living River Restoration Trust to establish first local land trust for the river watershed.
• West Virginia Rivers CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1992Long-time VEE funder dating back to 1992 through Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program. Due in part to VEE support, Coalition was able to quickly respond to January 2014 Elk River chemical leak, largest-scale drinking water contamination in U.S. history. Received three-year legacy grant of $215,000 in 2021.
• Valley Conservation CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991One of first local land trusts VEE helped establish. Since 1991, has been pioneer in riparian easements and conservation easements for working farms. Helped permanently protect more than 160,000 acres. VEE recent support includes funding for farm-oriented conservation easement template for Shenandoah Valley.
• Bay Journal MediaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Bay Journal has provided comprehensive Chesapeake Bay coverage since 1991. Reaches 50,000+ readers distributed to schools, nature centers, libraries, and marinas. Op-eds appear in 100+ newspapers reaching 4 million readers monthly. VEE supported expansion of Virginia coverage and BJM's outreach to local government audiences.
• Virginia Military Institute Center for Leadership and EthicsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1990Long-time VEE partner hosting annual Environment Virginia Symposiums in Lexington for 28 years. Symposium has become largest annual gathering of environmental professionals from government, business, nonprofit, and consulting sectors. VEE has served as conference host every year since 1990.
• Friends of the RappahannockcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1985Since 1985, served as voice for healthy Rappahannock River. Efforts include Embrey Dam removal opening 700 miles of historic fish spawning habitat and permanent protection of over 4,200 riparian acres. VEE partnered repeatedly since 1989 and recent grant assists expansion into upper Rappahannock basin.
• Chesapeake Bay FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1980Opened Richmond office in early 1980s at VEE invitation. Now has offices in Richmond and Hampton Roads, oyster restoration center in Gloucester, and world-class center in Virginia Beach. Premier voice of Chesapeake Bay with six outdoor environmental education programs across Virginia. VEE recently supported Virginia No Child Left Inside Coalition and circuit rider education professional.
• Southern Environmental Law CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1980Established over 30 years with early VEE support. Headquartered in Charlottesville with 120+ lawyers and policy experts working in six southeastern states and D.C. VEE supported since inception on water quality protection, land use, transportation, Virginia wetlands and forest lands, and Chesapeake Bay challenges.
• Virginia Conservation NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1978Successor to Conservation Council of Virginia (1978 VEE grant) and Virginia Environmental Network. Network boasts 120+ partner organizations, serves as facilitator for collaborative action, and provides constant conservation presence in Virginia General Assembly.
• Alliance for the Chesapeake BaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976Founded in 1976, VEE is a longtime partner of the Alliance. Recently helped re-launch Businesses for the Bay program in 2014 and provided support for Alliance's outreach to local governments for next phase of Bay TMDL. Alliance organized the first regional Chesapeake Bay Agreement in 1983.
• The Chesapeake ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976VEE was an early supporter of the Conservancy known for cutting-edge landscape-based conservation and innovative technologies. Currently partnering on development of watershed-wide analysis of James River watershed to identify most effective pollution reduction investments.
• The Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976The Nature Conservancy received one of VEE's first grants. Virginia Chapter is leader in preservation of forests, Chesapeake Bay aquatic species, and climate change. Recent support focused on constructing an oyster reef in Piankatank River, one of largest such projects in the world.
• James River AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976Founded 1976 by citizens concerned about James River health. VEE has been long-time funder supporting citizen engagement, precedential legislation, organizational growth, and State of the James review. River was one of nation's most polluted due to Kepone contamination but condition has improved remarkably.
• Land Trust AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976VEE worked closely in recent years to develop and enhance private land trust community across Virginia, particularly Southern Virginia. Funded regional land conservation forum and circuit rider to assist new and established land trusts. Joined other funders to support efforts to improve link between land conservation and water quality in Chesapeake Bay region.
• Virginia's United Land TrustscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976Collaborative of more than 30 private organizations established 15 years ago with VEE grant support. In Virginia, quasi-public and private land trusts have conserved more than 1.1 million acres (80% since 2000), leading Southeast states and ranking fifth in nation.
• Virginia Junior Academy of SciencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976For nearly 80 years has stimulated interest in environmental sciences among secondary students. VEE has partnered to provide more than $600,000 for college scholarships to 64 high school students. Administer Henry W. MacKenzie Jr. and Frances and Sydney Lewis Environmental Scholarships.
• Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation DistrictscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976VEE supports and strengthens Virginia's 47 conservation districts as they work with farmers and urban communities. Association engages youth through Youth Conservation Camp and Envirothon Program. Youth Conservation Leadership Institute mentoring program, started with VEE funding, focuses on volunteer service and environmental stewardship.
• Institute for Environmental Negotiation at UVAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976Conceived and initially funded by VEE. Gained international recognition as leading environmental and public policy dispute resolution organization. Works as facilitator and mediator on issues from community sustainability to land use and sea level rise. VEE recently provided grant to facilitate state government study of environmental education.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Federal congressionally chartered nonprofit that makes grants for fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation across the U.S. Direct functional peer to VEE as an environmental grantmaking foundation, though operating at much larger national scale with a broader program portfolio.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the world's largest environmental nonprofits operating a global land and water conservation program, including a major Virginia chapter. Long-time VEE partner and grantee, but a much larger direct-operating conservation organization rather than a pure grantmaker.
• National Wildlife Federation: National conservation organization with major advocacy, education, and on-the-ground restoration programs across the U.S., including significant Mid-Atlantic/Chesapeake Bay work. Broader incumbent comparable to VEE in mission but operating at national scale with both grantmaking and direct programs.

Direct peers

• Surdna Foundation: Private family foundation with a major environment program focused on climate, water, and sustainable infrastructure. Direct peer to VEE as a private environmental grantmaking foundation, though operating nationally with substantially larger assets.
• Chesapeake Bay Trust: Regional nonprofit grantmaking organization dedicated to Chesapeake Bay restoration, headquartered in Annapolis, MD. Direct peer to VEE in mission (Chesapeake Bay water quality) and function (grantmaking to environmental nonprofits), with overlapping grantee ecosystem across the Bay watershed including Virginia.
• West Virginia Rivers Coalition: Statewide advocacy organization working to protect West Virginia's rivers and drinking water. Direct peer and long-time VEE grantee since 1992 through the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys Program, comparable in regional environmental advocacy mission and reliance on philanthropic funding.
• Appalachian Mountain Advocates: Regional environmental and community advocacy organization working on Appalachian issues including water quality, mining impacts, and forest protection. Comparable to VEE in operating geography (Virginia/Kanawha region) and environmental grantmaking/advocacy model.
• Virginia Conservation Network: Statewide coalition of 120+ environmental organizations in Virginia that facilitates collaborative action and advocacy. Direct peer and long-time VEE partner/grantee successor, serving as the convening body for Virginia's environmental nonprofit community that VEE helped establish.
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Major regional environmental advocacy and restoration organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, with offices throughout Virginia including Richmond. VEE helped seed its Richmond office and is a long-time grantee. Direct peer in mission and overlapping beneficiary community.
• Park Foundation: Private family foundation that supports environmental preservation, media, and other causes with significant grantmaking to environmental nonprofits. Comparable to VEE as a private grantmaking foundation with environmental focus, though broader in geographic scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about Virginia Environmental Endowment