Best Grants for Journalism in Virginia

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Velma Shotwell Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools planning to enroll, or currently enrolled, at an accredited college or university to pursue further education in the following fields: History, Writing (not limited to, English, Journalism, Language Arts, Communications and programs in Mass Media), Graphic Arts, Music (which shall include but not limited to, vocal music, instrumental music, music history, music education, and music performance) and any other program or field of study approved by the Selection Committee. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in journalism, communication, literature, or related fields can receive need-based tuition support for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. Focused on higher education, Native Forward Scholars Fund invites eligible students, including descendants with verified Tribal affiliation, from Virginia and nationwide to apply for the Katrin Lamon Fellowship.

Virginia journalism-focused 501(c)(3) organizations connected to the Seventh-day Adventist church can seek funding for investigative reporting, ethical storytelling, and related media projects through Versacare’s Journalism for Adventist Solutions grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 support Adventist publications, educational institutions, and independent organizations reporting on issues affecting the Adventist community.

Journalism organizations and freelance reporters producing U.S. health care affordability stories can receive US $20,000 through the National Institute for Health Care Management’s Television and Audio Journalism Award. Grants from The National Institute for Health Care Management help Virginia journalism projects that inform health plans, policymakers, and consumers about health care costs, access, and quality.

Local journalism outlets covering health care affordability and access in the U.S., including those in Virginia, can apply for the National Institute for Health Care Management Local Media Award, which provides a US $15,000 prize. Eligible entries are locally focused newspaper, magazine, or nonprofit news stories or series published in 2025.

Journalists and news organizations producing investigative or general reporting on U.S. health care affordability can compete for a US $20,000 prize, including outlets serving Virginia. The National Institute for Health Care Management honors work from national newspapers, magazines, websites, and nonprofit newsrooms that offers original insights to improve health care access, costs, and quality.

Journalism outlets and writers producing trade reporting on U.S. health care affordability can receive US $15,000 for work originally published in 2025. The National Institute for Health Care Management honors specialty-audience stories or series that offer original insights for health plans, policymakers, and health care stakeholders, so Virginia-based trade journalists may be eligible.

Journalists covering forestry and natural resources in print, television, or radio can receive more than US $500 plus convention support through the Outstanding Forestry Journalism Award, available nationally including Virginia. Society of American Foresters honors impactful storytelling, clear explanation of complex topics, and coverage that advances forestry science, management, and education for the public.

Virginia students with a clear interest in journalism can access funding through the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship to support higher education. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to journalism by submitting samples of their journalistic work, and apply through the foundation’s universal scholarship application system.

High school seniors interested in journalism can apply for the Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, which supports students from the Greater Capital Region with financial need. While based in New York, this Community Foundation opportunity may benefit Virginia students who have ties to that region and plan to pursue journalism-related studies.

Journalism organizations and individual reporters producing investigative or social-justice-focused work can receive US $1,000 monthly awards, including those based in Virginia. Focused on journalism, the Sidney Hillman Foundation invites nominations for outstanding pieces from any medium that appeared in the prior month and serve the common good.

Virginia journalists covering technology and society can access funding through Omidyar Network’s Tech Journalism Fund for intensive, single reporting projects. U.S.-based freelancers, staff reporters, editors, and teams may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for travel, research, fact-checking, data access, multimedia, and reporting time, especially on AI, policy, industry, labor, or youth impacts.

Organizations and leaders serving K-12 students and educators in Virginia can receive up to US $1,500 to run global health education projects using journalism as a core resource. The Pulitzer Center supports journalism-focused initiatives that reach at least 500 learners and explore media’s role in global public health across schools and community institutions.

Virginia students pursuing journalism or closely related media fields can receive renewable academic scholarships through the Maine Community Foundation, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $60,000. Applicants must be graduates of Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community and demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and strong commitment to journalism.

High school and postsecondary students pursuing creative writing or journalism from Chelan or Douglas County can receive scholarship support for their education. The Community Foundation of North Central Washington supports aspiring writers through the Kathryn Lodge Mhatre Creative Writing Scholarship, which may benefit Virginia journalism students considering national opportunities.

Virginia journalism and communications students can access funding through the Express-News Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses. Administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, this renewable scholarship supports full-time associate, bachelor’s, or graduate students at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who meet the fund’s South Texas residency and high school graduation requirements.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in journalism, media studies, or related writing fields in Virginia can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies through the ISF Media Scholarship Program. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides U.S.-based students with tuition support plus mentorship to advance American Muslim representation in media and journalism careers.

Journalism students pursuing junior, senior, graduate, or PhD studies who need scholarship support may be eligible for this award, including those in Virginia. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee honors Robert Sr. and Mary Churchwell by supporting aspiring journalists with strong GPAs, financial need, essays on journalism’s role, and samples of their work.

Students pursuing journalism or communications who meet the residency and school-location requirements can receive tuition and fee support through the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarship Fund. With a mission to build community, San Antonio Area Foundation provides this scholarship to full-time bachelor’s students, including those whose journalism studies may connect to Virginia-based media or programs.

Students pursuing journalism or related majors who are Native American, adult refugees, or children of refugees attending or accepted to a 4-year accredited college can seek scholarships through the Liz Colantuono & Mark Sanz Endowment Scholarship. Grants from United Negro College Fund support eligible students from select Western states with unmet financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The Rhoden Fellowship, supported by ESPN and administered by the United Negro College Fund, is a year-long program designed to empower students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Participants will serve as correspondents, creating multimedia content for Andscape, covering major sports events, and producing a bi-weekly podcast. This opportunity not only fosters journalistic skills but also promotes engagement with the HBCU community, paving the way for future leaders in journalism.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

The Nancy J. Seavy Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students in education and the arts, offering scholarships to those who demonstrate financial need, strong academics, and community involvement. Established in honor of Nancy J. Seavy, who championed the arts, the scholarship aims to empower individuals from the City of Hopewell and surrounding areas. Applicants must submit required documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, to be considered for this opportunity.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.

Journalism and communication students seeking higher education funding can apply for a renewable scholarship supporting full-time study, with preference for juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Virginia journalism students may be eligible if they come from the Marshfield Area Community Foundation’s listed service communities and meet the academic and field-of-study requirements.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship

Awarded to Monroe County high school graduates entering the field of journalism.

The Scripps Howard Fund, a public charity established by The E.W. Scripps Company is dedicated to creating informed and engaged communities through journalism education, childhood literacy and local causes. At the crossroads of the classroom and the newsroom, the Fund is a leader in supporting journalism through scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development and First Amendment causes. The Scripps Howard Awards stand as one of the industry’s top honors for outstanding journalism.

Students with internship experiences are more likely to find employment upon graduation than those without, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. During the past decade, more than 500 students have honed their skills in newsrooms across the country, thanks to Scripps Howard internships. The Scripps Howard Fund created the internship program in 2023, in partnership with the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), aimed at giving students an equal opportunity for high-quality, hands-on experience. INN leads a network of more than 500 independent newsrooms across North America.