Best Community Development Grants in Virginia

Virginia community development and revitalization nonprofits serving rural areas can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects that strengthen community resources and opportunities. Focused on community vitality, Land O'Lakes Foundation supports efforts such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development.

Nonprofit organizations serving Alexandria’s youth workforce and career readiness ecosystem can receive up to US $10,000 for capacity building projects that strengthen leadership, teams, and operations. ACT for Alexandria supports efforts such as coaching, succession and resilience planning, and professional development, benefiting community development and economic well-being in Virginia.

Nonprofit organizations focused on helping poor and needy people in Virginia can seek operating support, with some funding also available to Metro Atlanta, Georgia. With a mission to aid vulnerable populations, Camp-Younts Foundation provides religious, educational, cultural, civic, and community development groups with grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 for outreach programs.

Virginia Main Street organizations in Virginia planning unique, one-time downtown revitalization projects can apply for Downtown Investment Grants, with awards up to US $75,000. These preservation-based economic and community development funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development support collaborative projects that advance local Main Street goals and strengthen historic commercial districts.

Virginia community development and human services nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, and eligible governmental units can access funding through Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation for projects that build better communities and address basic human needs. Programs may include affordable housing, food assistance, health and wellness, or arts initiatives in areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates.

Non-entitlement local governments in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fund; awards Up to US $35,000 per job created for projects. Funding supports community and economic development initiatives that create jobs, launch or expand businesses, and advance regional economic restructuring, with nonprofits able to partner via contracts.

Focused on community development, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development invites Virginia localities to seek competitive CDBG Project Grants for housing rehabilitation, infrastructure, economic development, and public services. Eligible local governments with projects addressing significant community needs may be awarded between US $40,000 and US $3,500,000.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community development, education, environment, arts, or health and human services programs can apply for Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation grants; awards range from US $1,000 - US $15,000 for specific projects. Organizations must operate where Dominion Energy provides service or has significant facilities, with applications accepted in spring and fall cycles.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Virginia Humanities offers Community Action Grants to support local organizations in enhancing public humanities engagement through festivals and events. These grants, with a maximum funding of $1,500, aim to lower barriers for participation and encourage first-time applicants. Rolling applications are accepted, with funding decisions made every two months. Successful projects will foster dialogue and shared learning, connecting Virginians with their rich history and culture.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Industrial Revitalization Fund 

The Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) leverages local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated industrial and commercial properties. The program is targeted toward vacant structures whose poor condition creates physical and economic blight to the surrounding area in which the structure is located. Eligible properties include those formerly used for manufacturing, warehousing, mining, transportation and power production, as well as large-scale white elephant structures, such as department stores, theaters, hotels and shopping centers. Structures whose proposed end use will be solely residential are not eligible. 

The intent of the IRF program is to provide gap financing for projects once all other sources of funding have been exhausted. IRF awards require at least a 1 to 1 match of IRF dollars.

Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) Grants

The Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) leverages local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated industrial and commercial properties. The program is targeted toward vacant structures whose poor condition creates physical and economic blight to the surrounding area in which the structure is located. Eligible properties include those formerly used for manufacturing, warehousing, mining, transportation and power production, as well as large-scale white elephant structures, such as department stores, theaters, hotels and shopping centers. 

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

DHCD is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Community Business Launch Grant

The Community Business Launch (CBL) is a place-based entrepreneurial development strategy that fills a critical mass of vacant storefronts with expansion or start-up ventures. Local CBL programs train entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners about business planning practices. This training culminates in a group of finalists pitching their ideas to a panel of judges, with winners receiving grant funding and support services from the community to kick-start their new venture. While only a limited number of entrepreneurs may win the business competitions, the CBL gives rise to many budding entrepreneurs that have been prepared through the CBL grant to create or expand successful businesses.  

A CBL program generates excitement while educating the community business opportunities for local people. A CBL grant from DHCD leverages other financial and in-kind resources to prepare multiple entrepreneurs to operate successful businesses, whether they win or lose the pitch competition. Additionally, many CBL grantees replicate the CBL strategy repeatedly without DHCD resources to amplify job and business creation. When preceded by thorough market analysis and relentless outreach, then followed by ongoing business retention efforts, a CBL program is a key building block in a coordinated, comprehensive, and sustainable entrepreneurial eco-system of community-based entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of life. 

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and public or charter schools in Virginia can apply for Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $50,000 for specific projects. Funding supports sustainability, workforce development, basic needs access, and community development and revitalization within 30 minutes of the Norfolk Southern network.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF)

The Commonwealth’s Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF) supports Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and similar entities in Virginia to:

• Expand access to capital for underbanked businesses and communities
• Finance small businesses, housing development/rehabilitation, and community revitalization projects
• Expand financial services and technical assistance to borrowers

CCCF provides grants to help organizations achieve their CDFI designation, strengthening the Commonwealth’s statewide network of CDFIs. CCCF also provides grants and loans to existing CDFIs, enabling them to:

• Deploy more capital to support economic and community development efforts
• Develop new financial products/services for underserved populations
• Deliver value-added technical assistance to borrowers (workshops, mentorship, and ongoing support)

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official economic development authority and has offices in Virginia, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Since 1995, VEDP has served as a professional, nonpartisan public authority with a long-term focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy across administrations. Working with state, regional and local partners, VEDP supports business expansion, attraction and investment through services that span site readiness, incentives, global trade and strategic planning. 

Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund (COF)

The Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund (COF) is a “deal-closing” fund to be employed at the Governor’s discretion to secure a company location or expansion in Virginia. Administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the COF serves as a final resource for Virginia in the face of serious competition from other states or countries.

The COF grant is a negotiated amount determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based on the recommendation of VEDP, and subject to approval of the Governor.

Highlights

The program offers a cash grant to offset/reimburse qualifying project-related costs such as site acquisition and development, transportation access, utility extension or capacity development, construction or build-out of buildings, or training.

A grant is awarded to a local government on behalf of the company. The local government is required to enter into a performance agreement with the company before it may receive the grant award. 

With a mission to support capital needs, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with semi-annual challenge grants for permanent, bricks-and-mortar projects. Eligible organizations statewide, especially in metro Richmond, may seek funding for facilities and infrastructure in community development, cultural arts, education, conservation, historic preservation, health, housing, and social services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia working on family, safety, or community enhancement projects can apply for Baltimore Life Foundation’s community grants, offering up to US $500 for specific programs. Community development groups with strong volunteer support, including schools and non-religious programs run by faith-based entities, may be competitive applicants.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Virginia Main Street Community Vitality Grant 

The Virginia Main Street Program is a preservation-based economic and community development program that follows the Main Street Approach by the National Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street is a Main Street America State Coordinating Program that offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. While the program was designed to address the need for revitalization and on-going management of smaller to mid-sized downtowns, aspects of the Main Street Approach may be applied successfully in other commercial settings.

Community Vitality Grants are designed to help Main Street communities and organizations advance their downtown revitalization goals. Projects are intended to be unique, one-time momentum builders that spark Main Street efforts and create lasting, positive impacts within historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Virginia Main Street Downtown Investment Grant

The Virginia Main Street Program is a preservation-based economic and community development program that follows the Main Street Approach by the National Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street is a Main Street America State Coordinating Program that offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. While the program was designed to address the need for revitalization and on-going management of smaller to mid-sized downtowns, aspects of the Main Street Approach may be applied successfully in other commercial settings.

Downtown Investment Grants support Main Street organizations in carrying out unique, catalytic, one-time projects that measurably, creatively, and sustainably advance the organization's goals and strategies. These projects typically involve multiple downtown partners and require active leadership and engagement from the organization's board, committees, and volunteers.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

Grants from Greenpoint Foundation help Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities fund community development, agriculture, food security, and education efforts. Support may cover general operating expenses or specific projects, and community enhancement programs run by faith-based organizations may be considered, offering flexible funding for local improvement initiatives.

Virginia community development and revitalization nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and leadership development. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with rolling quarterly reviews.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Bon Secours Richmond Healthcare Foundation provides support through its Event Sponsorship Requests Grant, aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. Applications are accepted monthly, with a recommendation to apply at least six months prior to the event. This initiative emphasizes partnerships that build healthier neighborhoods and tackle social determinants of health, reflecting the foundation's commitment to serving the underserved and improving quality of life for all.