Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The Virginia Tech Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance the recruitment of diverse postdoctoral associates by offering competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development support. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 for training expenses and are paired with faculty mentors to develop research proposals. Eligible applicants must be within three years of obtaining their doctoral degree and reside near a Virginia Tech campus during their fellowship period. This initiative promotes diversity in research fields.

GO Virginia Program Overview

GO Virginia is a collaborative economic development initiative, that provides project-based incentives to encourage collaboration between private industry, higher education and local government in each region to produce results that will grow and diversify the regional economies and ultimately the commonwealth.

To achieve the program goals, the GO Virginia State Board has created nine regional councils. These councils are responsible for developing regional Growth and Diversification Plans and implementing those plans through the submission of project applications. Applications approved at the regional level are advanced to the GO Virginia State Board for funding.

The GO Virginia State Board has identified four primary investment strategies to achieve the program goals. The four priority investment strategies are:

• Workforce Development – building talent pipelines aligned with business needs that increases the pool of qualified workers
• Site Development and Infrastructure - preparing a regional portfolio of business-ready sites that attract private investment
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Startup Ecosystem) - creating a resource-rich environment for scalable start-ups and early-stage companies 
• Cluster Scale-Up -  helping existing regional industries grow and compete at a larger scale

All successful projects should align with at least one of these strategies and demonstrate a clear connection to a region’s Growth & Diversification Plan. See the GO Virginia Program Manual for details.

• GO Virginia is not an economic development incentive program. Individual private businesses may not receive funding, nor can any project provide exclusive benefits to a single private business.

• GO Virginia funds must support new and expanded efforts — not ongoing operations. Funding cannot be used to continue, sustain, or supplement the operating costs of existing programs. Projects must clearly demonstrate added value and represent new activity that advances GO Virginia’s mission. Proposals must fill a documented gap, scale a proven model, or introduce a new approach that supports regional priorities.

Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund (GO Virginia) Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot Gran

GO Virginia Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot grants are intended to build regional capacity for impactful, saleable projects.

Planning Grants help regions explore and refine ideas that have the potential to drive economic growth. They provide an opportunity to test concepts, formalize strong partnerships, conduct indepth research or feasibility studies, and develop actionable strategies. These grants can also support small-scale pilot initiatives that, if successful, can be scaled up through a GO Virginia Implementation Grant or another measurable investment opportunity.

The primary intent of Planning Grants is to prepare projects for future GO Virginia Implementation funding. In some cases, planning work may also strengthen a project’s ability to compete for other funding sources or, occasionally, determine that an initiative should not move forward. While those opportunities are valuable, applicants should design proposals with a clear line of sight to GO Virginia Implementation as the expected pathway.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Conference & Education Assistance Grant

The Conference & Education Assistance Grant provides financial assistance for the professional development of Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.

• Administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and overseen by the Executive Director or their designee, the program aims to offer essential financial support for training conferences and seminars.

• These events, sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations, enhance the education and skills of fire and emergency services personnel throughout the commonwealth.

• Grant funds shall be used for the purposes of providing training to volunteer or career firefighting personnel and funding fire prevention and public safety education courses.

Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Project

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) seeks qualified applicants to provide exemplary “meaningful watershed educational experiences” (MWEE) within Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Fund was established to provide support for qualified applicants across Virginia who will provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) to k-12 learners. The Fund aligns with Virginia’s commitment to enhance students’ understanding of the watershed through teacher-supported educational experiences.

As one of the signatories to the Chesapeake Bay 2014 Agreement (as amended), Virginia is committed to increasing “students age-appropriate understanding of the watershed through participation in teacher-supported, meaningful watershed educational experiences and rigorous, inquiry-based instruction, with a target of at least one meaningful watershed educational experience in elementary, middle and high school depending on available resources.” 

The goal of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program is to reduce homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia. DHCD will support Continuum of Care (CoC)/balance of state local planning group (LPG) strategies and homeless service projects that are or will be a part of an effective emergency crisis response system to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time.

The Homeless Reduction Grant program must be coordinated with other community-based activities. All CoCs, LPGs, and DHCD homeless services grantees use a local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system. A local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system is the best practice for a housing-focused approach targeted toward helping households experiencing homelessness quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

Priority consideration will be given to efforts to reduce the number of youth and families experiencing homelessness. Funding will be awarded to projects best aligned with state and federal goals to end homelessness in communities throughout the commonwealth. 

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) Higher Education (HE) Proof-of-Concept (POC) program provides grant funding to Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities and eligible nonprofit Virginia-based research institutes. Applicants may request $75,000 or $150,000, depending on the designated track, to support translation Virginia research-derived innovations into commercial products. Applicants with technologies at a more advanced technology readiness level (TRL) and/or deemed by VIPC to have exceptional strategic value for Virginia may be invited to seek up to $300,000. Each grant requires a minimum one-to-one match and is expected to support the achievement of two to three key milestones during the period of performance (typically 6-15 months). 

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Aid to Localities Grant

Aid to Localities (ATL) known as the Virginia Fire Programs Fund (Fund) is a crucial resource, sourced from one percent of fire-related insurance coverage.  

This fund is dedicated to supporting localities in the commonwealth by providing financial aid where it's needed most. Approximately 75 percent of the total fund is allocated directly to counties, cities, and incorporated towns within Virginia.

ATL allocations are population-based and can be used for a range of essential fire services and initiatives. 

How ATL Funds Can Be Allocated

These funds can be allocated to jurisdictions* for the sole purpose of the following:

• Training volunteer or career firefighting personnel in each of the receiving localities.
• Funding fire prevention and public safety education programs.
• Constructing, improving and expanding regional or local fire service training facilities.
• Purchasing emergency medical care and equipment for fire personnel.
• Payment of personnel costs related to fire and medical training for fire personnel; or For purchasing personal protective equipment, vehicles, equipment and supplies for use in the receiving locality specifically for fire service purposes.
• Diesel exhaust removal systems, decontamination equipment, and commercial extractors, that are designed to reduce the incidence of cancer among firefighters 
• *ATL Funds allocated to the jurisdictions cannot be used directly or indirectly to supplant or replace any other funds appropriated by the counties, cities and towns for fire service operations. 

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territory governments so that they can rebuild in a way that either reduces or mitigates future disaster-related losses in their communities. Unlike the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) which is an annually-recurring grant opportunity, the grant funding through HMGP is made available following a presidentially declared disaster, and these funds must be requested by a governor or tribal executive in eligible communities in a state, tribe, or territory.

Eligible Project Types

• Retrofitting existing buildings to make them less susceptible to damage from a variety of natural hazards.
• Purchasing hazard-prone property to remove people and structures from harm’s way. Utility and infrastructure retrofits to reduce risk of failure caused by natural hazards. Drainage improvement projects to reduce potential for flood damage.
• Slope stabilization projects to reduce risk to people and structures.
• Developing and adopting hazard mitigation plans (HMPs), which are required for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to receive funding for hazard mitigation projects.
• Using aquifer storage and recovery, floodplain and stream restoration, flood diversion and storage, or green infrastructure methods to reduce the impacts of flood and drought.

The VCA Teaching Artist Roster aims to identify and support qualified Teaching Artists for educational and community programs. This online resource provides access for organizations seeking professional artists experienced in diverse teaching methodologies. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing artistic and instructional excellence. The program promotes innovative collaborations in the arts while ensuring a commitment to effective teaching practices. It is a valuable tool for enhancing educational impact through the arts.

The VCA: Virginia250 Impact Grant aims to support innovative art-based programs commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the nation and the American Revolution. Through this one-time grant of up to $5,000, eligible Virginia units of local government and public educational institutions can explore themes of 'Revolution of Ideas' through various artistic activities. The grant encourages community engagement and accessibility while promoting the rich cultural narratives of the Revolutionary War.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

About Us

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program

DHR’s Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program assists local governments in meeting their preservation planning goals through the identification of historic resources. Participating localities receive partial funding and administrative support towards a preservation planning project developed in collaboration with DHR staff. Annual funding for Cost Share is limited and localities must compete to participate in the program. The cost share program was launched in 1991, with over 120 localities participating to date. 

What type of projects does the Cost Share program support?  

The Cost Share program supports survey of historic resources, completion of survey reports or management summaries, preparation of Preliminary Information Forms and National Register of Historic Places nominations, and the development of preservation planning documents. 

How does the Cost Share program work? 

A locality or PDC competes to participate in the program by submitting an application outlining a historic resource identification and/or preservation planning project proposal. If selected for funding, DHR will match the amount of money the locality or PDC is willing to commit for the project. In most cases, the local government provides at least one half of the cash for a project but DHR will entertain all applications, regardless of the match amount offered. DHR staff will assume the administrative burden of selected applications by hiring a qualified consultant to execute the project and monitoring the project through our field offices to ensure that project deliverables meet the expectations of the locality or PDC and the department.

How does the Cost Share program assist local governments?

The Code of Virginia directs each jurisdiction to develop a comprehensive plan and to update it every five years. Additional legislation calls for each locality to incorporate cultural resources into its comprehensive plans. Survey of historic architecture and archaeology completed under Cost Share can establish or strengthen local historic resource inventories to support local preservation planning programs. Other common cost share project deliverables, including survey reports, Preliminary Information Forms, and National Register of Historic Places nominations, provide copyright-free information for educational outreach, can be critical tools in developing heritage tourism, and enable owners of historic properties the opportunity to pursue state and federal historic preservation tax credits. 

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry, provide crucial funding to support rural volunteer fire departments. These grants offer a 50% reimbursement for the purchase of personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment, ensuring effective wildfire suppression in Virginia. With a matching fund requirement, departments must invest in approved items to access reimbursement, fostering community engagement and resource allocation for fire safety.

The FY 2026 Witness Protection Grant Program, provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, aims to support witnesses and their families facing potential danger due to their cooperation in felony investigations. This program offers temporary financial assistance for essential expenses like lodging and transportation for up to 90 days. Ongoing applications are welcomed, and early enrollment in the grant program is encouraged to streamline reimbursement processes, ensuring timely support for witnesses in need.

The VA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) provides essential financial and technical assistance for the restoration and protection of wetlands. This program helps landowners enhance habitat for wildlife, improve water quality, and mitigate flooding. NRCS offers various enrollment options, including permanent and 30-year easements, ensuring comprehensive support for landowners. With year-round applications, ACEP is committed to conserving vital agricultural lands and wetlands across Virginia.

The VA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial and technical assistance to conserve agricultural lands and wetlands, ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply. Through Agricultural Land Easements (ALE), NRCS collaborates with eligible partners to protect working lands and limit non-agricultural uses. This program not only maintains agricultural productivity but also enhances environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and open space preservation, contributing to sustainable land management practices.

The VA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers vital support to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, helping them integrate conservation practices into their operations. This program provides both technical and financial assistance to tackle natural resource concerns like water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat improvement. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding available for various initiatives including cropland, livestock, and forestry practices, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Virginia.

The VA Conservation Stewardship Grant Program, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports agricultural producers in enhancing conservation efforts. By participating, producers can earn payments based on their conservation performance, focusing on priorities like soil and water quality. With a five-year contract, producers can receive up to $200,000, provided they meet specific stewardship thresholds. This program aims to improve environmental health while supporting diverse agricultural practices across Virginia.

The Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program, managed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, offers funding to enhance coastal fishery resources through innovative proposals. Key priority areas include developing new fishing gear, conducting environmental studies, promoting aquaculture, and advancing seafood technology. The program encourages participation from Virginians in the fishing industry, ensuring their ideas can thrive despite financial constraints, thus fostering sustainable practices and economic growth in the sector.

The Virginia Citizen Water Monitoring Grants support individuals and groups in monitoring water quality across Virginia. These grants fund essential activities like purchasing monitoring equipment and training volunteers. The program aims to generate valuable data for water quality assessment and foster community education on environmental stewardship. With options ranging from mini-grants to larger coordination grants, applicants can secure funding to enhance local water monitoring efforts and address pollution sources effectively.

The VA Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry, aims to protect vital forestlands threatened by development. Through collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, the program offers federal funding for projects that purchase conservation easements or land from willing owners. This initiative promotes sustainable resource management, preserves wildlife habitats, and ensures clean water and air for Virginians. By safeguarding these forests, the program fosters economic incentives and maintains the ecological integrity of Virginia's natural resources.

The Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program supports communities in enhancing their urban tree canopy to improve water quality and public awareness. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, projects can include tree plantings and community engagement initiatives. Grants are available for diverse organizations, including local governments and civic groups, aiming to foster long-term environmental benefits and community involvement in tree management.

The Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks in Virginia's wildland/urban interface communities. Eligible projects include wildfire hazard assessments, GIS mapping, fuel reduction, and community education initiatives. Priority is given based on the community's assessed wildfire risk and the nature of the project. This is an 80-20 match grant program managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

The Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share (VACS) Program offers financial assistance for conservation practices on agricultural lands, significantly reducing landowner expenses. Eligible participants can receive up to $300,000 annually to implement practices that enhance water quality and farm productivity. Applicants must apply through local soil and water conservation districts, with priority given to plans that align with local water quality guidelines. This program aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices across Virginia.