Best Community Development Grants in Virginia

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Virginia community development and revitalization nonprofits, especially 501(c)(3) public charities with at least one year of operations, can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support mission-aligned programs. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes organizations advancing community development, education access, international or humanitarian work, and LDS initiatives, with strong governance, financial transparency, and a commitment to measurable outcomes and reporting.

Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation help Virginia community development and human services nonprofits run one-time, special-need or project-based activities that build financial independence. Organizations working in youth support, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans and military families, or civic and community support may receive US $500 - US $5,000.

Nonprofit organizations providing community development, housing, social services, youth, or veterans support can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation, with typical awards of US $500 - US $5,000. While the foundation prioritizes New Hampshire service areas, Virginia community development groups with relevant programs may be eligible for support.

U.S.-based nonprofit staff leading community development projects in Virginia can seek micro grants to launch new initiatives or add new components to existing work. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides US $500 - US $1,000 for projects that reflect humility, integrity, and love and substantially benefit local communities.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

Nonprofits and community organizations working on community development, social services, education, arts, health, or agriculture in Norfolk, Virginia may be eligible for this support. Focused on enhancing quality of life where it operates, the Andersons Charitable Foundation invites programs that strengthen communities, support families, and improve local economic and civic vitality.

Grants help Virginia nonprofits with community and economic development, health and human services, education, workforce development, and quality-of-life projects, primarily through matching funds and capital support. Organizations in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties may be eligible to apply to the Thompson Charitable Foundation after submitting a required Letter of Inquiry.