Best Grants for Youth Programs in Virginia

Youth-serving and environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions to support programs for children and environmental stewardship. Grants from Sprague help fund impactful local projects, with awards typically ranging from US $250 - US $10,000 across its operating areas, including Virginia.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in Virginia and other eligible regions can receive in-kind toy donations to support children’s play and well-being. With a mission to bring comfort and joy through play, The Toy Foundation provides vetted nonprofits with quarterly toy pickups from regional facilities for distribution to the children they serve.

High school seniors in Orange, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, or Fredericksburg pursuing college in Virginia can receive scholarship support for higher education and youth development activities. Grants from Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region help Virginia youth engaged in academics, employment, community service, water ski clubs, and other positive social programs pursue excellence.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia and other Peoples Bank communities can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs for low- to moderate-income children and families. Funding may also benefit groups working in education, human and social services, economic development, environment, or arts and culture within the foundation’s multistate footprint.

Child and youth care agencies in Virginia can seek support for youth services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and child care programs through the Thanksgiving Offering Fund, administered by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Focused on youth-serving agencies, this funding is distributed based on donor designations and a formula for undesignated contributions.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations improving youth, education, health, safety, or community wellness can apply for Encova Foundation of West Virginia grants. Funding supports programs that help children succeed, strengthen families and communities, and promote wellness and public safety; applicants with active Encova associate involvement may receive preference.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families in Virginia and the broader Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support for programs such as education, youth services, poverty relief, and humanitarian aid. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced organizations (3+ years) create tangible, direct impact through single-year, non-capital projects.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek funding for literacy, children’s programs, arts, social justice, or environmental initiatives, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help cover project-based programming and, when tied to programs, general operating needs for eligible youth-focused nonprofits.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region can seek funding for children’s critical needs, medical support, and educational programs. Focused on vulnerable children, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homeless, orphaned, foster youth, and victims of sex trafficking through its Dover Grants program, which supports non-capital, project-based youth services.

Virginia youth-serving organizations addressing juvenile justice, delinquency, or related prevention programs can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Support is available for evidence-based or promising, trauma-informed diversion, intervention, and prevention efforts, including community-based services, mentoring, and school-based programs for youth involved in or at risk of delinquency.

Local units of government in Virginia can seek funding for evidence-informed summer diversion and prevention programs for youth, including those involved in the juvenile justice system. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services supports projects that reduce system disproportionality, address behavioral health, keep youth in home communities, and strengthen family and community engagement.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving needy and necessitous children can access funding for program, general operating, or capital support, especially in western Virginia and the Roanoke Valley. Grants from the Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children range from US $3,000 - US $20,000 to support care, education, health, and welfare services for children.

Youth-serving nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations in Virginia can access planning support through AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grants to design future service programs in areas like education, youth services, health, and environmental stewardship. Grants from Serve Virginia help organizations build evidence-informed AmeriCorps program frameworks before seeking full operational funding.

Nonprofit, faith-based, Tribal organizations, and state service commissions in Virginia can apply for AmeriCorps operational grants supporting youth and community service programs. Grants from Serve Virginia help Virginia youth services, education, health, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and veterans-focused programs engage AmeriCorps members, with awards up to US $25,200 per Member Service Year for cost-reimbursement operational grants.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity.

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work, including reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, daycares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to over 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight into methods to reduce tobacco use effectively. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia.

Pathways to Play Grants - Active Programming Grant

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is pleased to announce Pathways to Play, a new funding opportunity to expand access to physical activity for youth in 76 eligible rural localities across Virginia.

Active Programming Grants will fund structured, recurring opportunities for youth to engage in regular physical activity. Grants may support movement–based classes such as martial arts, dance, or yoga, outdoor adventure, sports, sports leagues, sports and recreation equipment, funding for instructors, fitness education, and targeted outreach to increase participation. All projects must prioritize need, provide or support consistent programming, track participation and frequency of engagement, and include a plan for sustaining programming beyond the grant period. Grantees that complete their projects may apply for Active Programming Grants in subsequent years.

Virginia youth-serving and educational nonprofits can seek funding to support enrichment programs, veterans’ families, and low-income communities through the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company. Grants from Employees Community Fund Of The Boeing Company help Virginia youth programs, schools, and community organizations in the Potomac Region advance education, housing stability, and support for local heroes and their families.

Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY)

Established in 1999 by the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) empowers Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by reducing and preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use, substance use, and childhood obesity.

VFHY takes a comprehensive approach to prevention work, including reaching about 50,000 children each year through classroom-based prevention programs in public schools, after-school programs, community centers, daycares, and prevention programs across the state. VFHY’s award-winning marketing campaigns deliver prevention messaging to over 500,000 children annually. In addition, VFHY’s research program provides scientific insight into methods to reduce tobacco use effectively. Since 2002, VFHY has funded 40 large research projects at universities throughout Virginia.

Pathways to Play Grants - Play Space Activation Grant

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is pleased to announce Pathways to Play, a new funding opportunity to expand access to physical activity for youth in 76 eligible rural localities across Virginia.

Play Space Activation Grants will fund one-time projects that increase access to safe, engaging places for youth to be physically active. Grants may support minor upgrades or repurposing existing spaces such as schools, recreation centers, parks, and other community facilities. Projects will need to result in new or expanded access to physical activity spaces. Expanded access may include making an existing play space safer, more usable, or more accessible for youth. A project does not necessarily need to increase the number of youth using the space if it meaningfully improves their ability to use the space safely and regularly. All projects must prioritize need, track participation and frequency of engagement, and include a plan for sustaining activities beyond the grant period (such as absorbing maintenance costs into the organization’s operating budget). 

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Virginia can seek funding for pediatric gaming and virtual engagement programs; awards US $25,000 - US $65,000 support equipment, staffing, and connectivity. Grants from Joy in Childhood Foundation help youth programs enhance coping, cognitive skills, and joy for hospitalized kids, especially teens.

Virginia children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant supports event costs like space, food, entertainment, photos, and formal wear near Dunkin’ locations.

Youth Substance Use Prevention Grants

The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is pleased to announce a new three-year funding opportunity to support youth substance use prevention instruction.

Applicants may apply to provide any of seven approved prevention programs for children and youth ranging from PreK through 12th grade. Each program requires long-term engagement, occurring over the course of multiple sessions. This instruction may be delivered in a classroom setting, through small-group discussions, or in other appropriate instructional settings.

A total of up to $6,000,000 is available over three years for grants statewide. Grant awards will be made to more than one applicant. Individual grant awards will not exceed $150,000 in a three-year period. Per year, the award amount requested shall not exceed $50,000.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.