Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

With a mission to support capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with semi-annual challenge grants for permanent facilities and infrastructure. Organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, shelters, and related social services, especially in the Richmond metro area, may secure matching funds for building acquisition, renovation, and equipment needs.

Nonprofit organizations serving Alexandria youth in workforce, career readiness, housing access, childcare, or economic mobility can seek capacity building support to strengthen leadership, teams, and operations. Act For Alexandria funds projects like coaching, succession and resilience planning, and professional development to bolster long-term effectiveness for groups advancing community and economic well-being in Virginia.

Grants from the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company help Virginia charitable and educational organizations support affordable, equitable housing and related community needs. Nonprofits serving low-income communities, expanding housing stability, or combining housing with education or veteran support in the Potomac Region of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. may be eligible.

Nonprofit host organizations in Virginia working on equitable, affordable housing and housing justice can access fellowship support through Equal Justice Works, which places law and organizer Fellows to serve low-income residents facing housing instability and eviction. Fellows receive a two-year, salaried placement with benefits, leadership development training, and ongoing technical assistance and networking opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in Virginia can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Focused on economic and community development, Regions Bank invites eligible organizations within its footprint to receive matched donations from full-time associates and recent retirees, potentially strengthening housing, revitalization, and neighborhood stability efforts.

Focused on homelessness and housing stability, Virginia organizations such as local governments, nonprofits, planning district commissions, and public housing authorities can seek funding to build coordinated crisis response systems. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development supports outreach, emergency shelter operations, rapid re-housing, prevention, assessment systems, planning, HMIS, administration, and HOPWA assistance across Virginia.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in Virginia can benefit from matching gifts that support their donor-funded work. With a mission to strengthen community prosperity, Regions Bank provides recent retirees with up to US $1,000 in annual matching funds for eligible charitable contributions.

Virginia local governments seeking funding for affordable housing, infrastructure, economic development, or public services in Virginia can apply for competitive CDBG Project Grants, with awards from US $40,000 - US $3,500,000. Focused on community development, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development supports projects that address the greatest local needs, including equitable and affordable housing initiatives.

Virginia localities facing serious threats to health, safety, or housing can access funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s CDBG Urgent Need Fund, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Projects must support long-term recovery, primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents, and be pursued when no other funding sources are available.

Nonprofit, rural community organizations in Virginia working on grassroots organizing for equitable and affordable housing and related justice issues can seek general or project support through this program. With a mission to strengthen rural social, economic, and environmental justice, Southern Partners Fund supports small-budget groups, coalitions, and networks led by community members using organizing strategies.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

Aging-focused nonprofit leaders in Virginia working on affordable, livable housing and related supports for adults 50-plus can receive recognition and US $75,000 through the Purpose Prize. AARP Foundation provides U.S. organizations with funding and a year of organizational support to expand work in areas like livable communities, housing, public health, and financial security for older adults.

Nonprofit organizations working on affordable housing, hunger, or financial education in Virginia can apply for support to strengthen local communities. Grants from RRCU Gives Foundation help fund programs that address housing stability alongside food access and financial literacy. Awards are made annually, with applications accepted in June and decisions in August.

Affordable housing providers and related nonprofits in Virginia and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek US $112,500 - US $250,000 to coordinate services and limited direct support for residents of HUD-assisted housing facing emergencies. Grants from US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) help address urgent economic, health, and basic needs in these communities.

Nonprofit and public agencies developing or renovating affordable housing, reducing homelessness, or supporting vulnerable residents in Virginia can apply for Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP funding; awards up to US $75,000 for senior-led volunteer programs. Projects may also address related priorities like behavioral health, strong families, workforce readiness, and protecting older adults.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and government agencies planning health-related capital projects that support affordable, equitable housing in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia can apply for this Unsolicited Grant. Williamsburg Health Foundation funds construction, expansion, renovation, or land acquisition that enhances access to care, economic advancement, and healthy living for low-income residents in its local service area.

Grants from National Community Reinvestment Coalition help Virginia community development and affordable housing nonprofits host graduate student fellows to advance housing, small business, and workforce projects. Eligible hosts must be NCRC members with in-person offices and capacity to mentor fellows; organizations working on equitable and affordable housing may benefit from this support.

Graduate-level students in fields like urban planning, policy, or public administration can receive a US $20,000 NCRC Fellowship stipend to work on housing, small business, and workforce development projects, including affordable housing. National Community Reinvestment Coalition partners with community development nonprofits in cities such as Buffalo, Denver, Detroit, and other U.S. locations, which may include Virginia-based hosts.

Local governments, public housing agencies, and partner organizations in Virginia seeking to revitalize severely distressed public or HUD-assisted housing and surrounding neighborhoods can apply for Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants, with awards up to US $75,000,000. US HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing funds comprehensive “Transformation Plans” that improve housing, resident self-sufficiency, and neighborhood conditions.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia working on equitable and affordable housing, hunger relief, youth support, or education can receive community giving support to strengthen local families and neighborhoods. Wegmans Family Foundation provides funding for programs that expand access to wholesome food, stable housing, health resources, job training, and safe, skill-building opportunities for kids.

Real estate associations in Virginia seeking to educate REALTORS on fair housing topics can use this grant for classes, forums, speakers, or book-club style events. The National Association of Realtors offers up to US $3,000 on a reimbursement basis, including support for At Home With Diversity and Bias Override classes, once per calendar year.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, aim to address affordable housing challenges within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, these grants encourage collaborations among local agencies to enhance housing access. Eligible activities include forums, expos, and studies that promote housing opportunities. Associations can receive one grant per year, and funds are disbursed via a reimbursement process, with requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support innovative projects aimed at enhancing housing opportunities. These grants are designed for initiatives that involve collaboration with non-REALTOR® partners and require significant REALTOR® involvement. Eligible projects should demonstrate potential for community impact and cannot include activities previously funded by Housing Opportunity grants. This initiative aims to foster growth and diversity within communities.

The Musician Health & Services Program, funded by The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, provides essential support for professional musicians facing financial hardships due to medical or mental health issues. This program offers navigation assistance to help applicants access healthcare resources and financial aid for living and medical expenses. Eligible participants include musicians and music industry professionals residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. The program aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical treatments and living costs.

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, will distribute $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties. The fund focuses on areas such as STEM education, sustainability, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage preservation, and health and wellbeing. Eligible projects must serve local communities and adhere to specific requirements, promoting innovation and collaboration.