Best Mental Health Grants in Virginia

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

John Randolph Foundation

As a community foundation created from the sale of John Randolph Hospital in 1995, John Randolph Foundation is dedicated to building healthy communities and bright futures in the communities historically served by the hospital.John Randolph Foundation: Community Contribution GrantsJohn Randolph Foundation partners with charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia to build healthy communities and bright futures.

Community contribution grant applications are accepted year-round and awarded to charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia for programs, projects, and events. Small-scale funding to support local events, initiatives, and/or urgent needs within the community. Types of Grants: 

• Access to Healthcare
• Health and Wellness
• Education
• Food Insecurity
• Workforce Development
• Mental Health
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention
• Home Insecurity

The Manning Family Foundation offers rolling grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Charlottesville, Virginia, focusing on health, education, and financial literacy. Established in 2003, the foundation emphasizes support for at-risk youth and disadvantaged communities. Their local giving initiative aims to foster a thriving community where culture flourishes and families prosper, while also providing essential free physical and mental health services to those in need.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, will distribute $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties. The fund focuses on areas such as STEM education, sustainability, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage preservation, and health and wellbeing. Eligible projects must serve local communities and adhere to specific requirements, promoting innovation and collaboration.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers the Benjamin R. Brown and Charles G. Brown Funds to support mental health research organizations. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving this region. However, organizations that have received funding within the last three years or do not meet specific criteria are ineligible. The foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and advance mental health initiatives.

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia offers the HOPE Grant, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations and governmental entities in enhancing community health and wellbeing. With funding up to $50,000, the grant focuses on projects that address poverty, health challenges, and opportunity disparities in Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth counties. The Foundation emphasizes collaborative partnerships and measurable outcomes, with two funding cycles each year, providing a vital resource for transformative community initiatives.

The CNX Foundation Grant aims to enhance the Appalachian region through strategic investments totaling $30 million. With a focus on sustainability and community development, the grant addresses pressing socio-economic challenges such as food insecurity, health and wellness for children, and technological access. By fostering local initiatives, CNX Foundation aspires to create measurable impacts that uplift communities and promote long-term growth, embodying their commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

The CFNV Community Investment Funds support Northern Virginia's nonprofit sector through grants aimed at critical needs such as child development, education, mental health, and more. Organizations that have received funding since 2016 are eligible to apply, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 based on budget size. This initiative focuses on organizational strengthening and immediate client needs, ensuring vital services remain accessible during challenging times.

The Community Support Agency Grant Program provides monetary grants to not-for-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life for Newport News residents. These grants aim to fund accessible services, develop new programs, and support capital improvements. Eligible agencies must be 501(c)(3) organizations that offer direct services without duplicating existing programs. The initiative encourages community support and aims to secure alternative funding sources, allowing city funds to be redirected to future programs.

The Amazon Loudoun County Community Fund Grant, a $150,000 initiative by Amazon and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier, aims to empower local nonprofits and organizations. This program supports transformative projects that enhance inclusion, resilience, and community well-being in Loudoun. Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 will address critical areas such as health, food security, and homelessness, fostering a strong and connected community for residents.

The VHCF Health Access Grants aim to enhance healthcare access for uninsured Virginians and those in underserved areas. This funding supports initiatives to expand care capacity, establish broader services, and address the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations include public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The program prioritizes projects that create coordinated systems of care to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The IMPACT Grant by the Wellspring Foundation supports organizations in Virginia's Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth counties. It provides funding for projects exceeding $50,000, emphasizing partnerships to enhance community health and well-being. Applicants must schedule a meeting with the Director of Engagement before submission. The Foundation prioritizes collaborative efforts, measurable outcomes, and sustainability while ensuring no discrimination in funding decisions. The grant aims for transformative impacts by addressing regional challenges through effective partnerships.

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.

The Norfolk Rotary Grant, awarded by the Rotary Club of Norfolk, supports nonprofit organizations in Coastal Virginia, focusing on improving literacy, addressing food insecurity, and enhancing mental health. With over $125,000 granted in the past three years, this initiative emphasizes projects that serve residents of Norfolk. Eligible organizations must be established 501(c)3 nonprofits, and preference is given to those with innovative programs addressing community needs. This commitment fosters sustainable change and strengthens community ties.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is charged with planning and carrying out programs and initiatives to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the criminal justice system as a whole (Code of Virginia § 9.1-102).

The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.

Office of First Responder Wellness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Office of First Responder Wellness is offering funding to support first responder wellness for current and retired first responders. The First Responder Wellness Grant Program is designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding opportunity aims to provide resources to agencies and non-profit organizations focused on promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals who serve on the front lines of public safety, including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, emergency communication officers, and corrections officers. 

These grant funds are to be used to support our first responders through programs addressing, but not limited to, emotional, physical, and overall personal wellness:

• Fund first responder wellness training for agency employees
• Fund registration fees, lodging, and per diem for agency employees to attend conferences related to first responder wellness
• Fund support costs for a therapy/support dog or costs for a dog already owned by an agency to attend training.
• Fund the purchase of therapeutic wellness equipment
• Provide funding for non-profit organizations to provide wellness training, resources, or direct services to first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Northern Virginia Health Foundation

Since the Northern Virginia Health Foundation’s inception in 2005, we have held to a clear mission: to improve the health and health care of residents of Northern Virginia, with a particular emphasis on the health needs of the uninsured. 

We focus our investments and partnerships on strengthening the region’s health safety net and addressing the conditions that shape residents’ health outcomes in order to build a healthier, stronger Northern Virginia. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has awarded more than $24 million in grants to organizations that:

• Increase access to primary care, mental health, oral/dental health, and/or specialty care for low-income uninsured or underinsured residents of Northern Virginia
• Respond to emerging community needs
• Address the social determinants of health

Northern Virginia Health Foundation Grant

The mission of Northern Virginia Health Foundation is to improve the health of residents of Northern Virginia. Many of the health issues confronting Northern Virginians are preventable and are not solely related to direct medical care. Those circumstances, the so-called social drivers of health, include such things as poverty, education level, race, and where people live, work and play. In turn, these social drivers are shaped by multiple factors including policies and systems of all kinds.

Collaboration across sectors is a key ingredient in working “upstream” to improve health outcomes. Meaningful partnerships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers can lead to systems change. Moreover, collaboration across sectors can have a greater impact than the efforts of a single organization or a single sector.

As part of its 2026 grantmaking, the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Health Foundation is issuing this call for proposals for efforts that strengthen systems, change policies, or empower community change. 

The Community Leadership Partners, part of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, aims to support impactful non-clinical mental health programs in South Hampton Roads. In 2025, they will fund 501(c)(3) nonprofits that address mental health needs through early intervention, peer support, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a track record of service and adhere to safety protocols. Preference will be given to programs dedicated to enhancing mental health services, promoting well-being within the community.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

John Randolph FoundationAs a community foundation created from the sale of John Randolph Hospital in 1995, John Randolph Foundation is dedicated to building healthy communities and bright futures in the communities historically served by the hospital.

John Randolph Foundation: Responsive GrantsJohn Randolph Foundation partners with charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia to build healthy communities and bright futures.

Responsive Grants – For charitable organizations seeking support for programs that align with John Randolph Foundation’s strategic priorities. Types of Grants: 

• Access to Healthcare
• Health and Wellness
• Education 
• Food Insecurity
• Workforce Development
• Mental Health 
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention 
• Home Insecurity

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

The Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

The Norfolk Southern Grant aims to support nonprofits in the Hampton Roads community, distributing $1 million each year for five years. It focuses on critical areas such as education, community enrichment, and sustainability, encouraging organizations to address issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and workforce development. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, operational since at least January 1, 2023, and serving the South Hampton Roads area. This grant fosters impactful community initiatives.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000