Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF)

The Commonwealth’s Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF) supports Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and similar entities in Virginia to:

• Expand access to capital for underbanked businesses and communities
• Finance small businesses, housing development/rehabilitation, and community revitalization projects
• Expand financial services and technical assistance to borrowers

CCCF provides grants to help organizations achieve their CDFI designation, strengthening the Commonwealth’s statewide network of CDFIs. CCCF also provides grants and loans to existing CDFIs, enabling them to:

• Deploy more capital to support economic and community development efforts
• Develop new financial products/services for underserved populations
• Deliver value-added technical assistance to borrowers (workshops, mentorship, and ongoing support)

With a mission to support capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with semi-annual challenge grants for permanent facilities and infrastructure. Organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, shelters, and related social services, especially in the Richmond metro area, may secure matching funds for building acquisition, renovation, and equipment needs.

Grants from the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company help Virginia charitable and educational organizations support affordable, equitable housing and related community needs. Nonprofits serving low-income communities, expanding housing stability, or combining housing with education or veteran support in the Potomac Region of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in Virginia can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Focused on economic and community development, Regions Bank invites eligible organizations within its footprint to receive matched donations from full-time associates and recent retirees, potentially strengthening housing, revitalization, and neighborhood stability efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in Virginia can benefit from matching gifts that support their donor-funded work. With a mission to strengthen community prosperity, Regions Bank provides recent retirees with up to US $1,000 in annual matching funds for eligible charitable contributions.

Nonprofit organizations serving Alexandria youth in workforce, career readiness, housing access, childcare, or economic mobility can seek capacity building support to strengthen leadership, teams, and operations. Act For Alexandria funds projects like coaching, succession and resilience planning, and professional development to bolster long-term effectiveness for groups advancing community and economic well-being in Virginia.

Nonprofit host organizations in Virginia working on equitable, affordable housing and housing justice can access fellowship support through Equal Justice Works, which places law and organizer Fellows to serve low-income residents facing housing instability and eviction. Fellows receive a two-year, salaried placement with benefits, leadership development training, and ongoing technical assistance and networking opportunities.

Virginia local governments seeking funding for affordable housing, infrastructure, economic development, or public services in Virginia can apply for competitive CDBG Project Grants, with awards from US $40,000 - US $3,500,000. Focused on community development, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development supports projects that address the greatest local needs, including equitable and affordable housing initiatives.

Focused on homelessness and housing stability, Virginia organizations such as local governments, nonprofits, planning district commissions, and public housing authorities can seek funding to build coordinated crisis response systems. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development supports outreach, emergency shelter operations, rapid re-housing, prevention, assessment systems, planning, HMIS, administration, and HOPWA assistance across Virginia.

Nonprofit, rural community organizations in Virginia working on grassroots organizing for equitable and affordable housing and related justice issues can seek general or project support through this program. With a mission to strengthen rural social, economic, and environmental justice, Southern Partners Fund supports small-budget groups, coalitions, and networks led by community members using organizing strategies.

Virginia localities facing serious threats to health, safety, or housing can access funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s CDBG Urgent Need Fund, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Projects must support long-term recovery, primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents, and be pursued when no other funding sources are available.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and government agencies planning health-related capital projects that support affordable, equitable housing in Greater Williamsburg, Virginia can apply for this Unsolicited Grant. Williamsburg Health Foundation funds construction, expansion, renovation, or land acquisition that enhances access to care, economic advancement, and healthy living for low-income residents in its local service area.

Nonprofit and public agencies developing or renovating affordable housing, reducing homelessness, or supporting vulnerable residents in Virginia can apply for Volunteer Mississippi’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP funding; awards up to US $75,000 for senior-led volunteer programs. Projects may also address related priorities like behavioral health, strong families, workforce readiness, and protecting older adults.

Affordable housing providers and related nonprofits in Virginia and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek US $112,500 - US $250,000 to coordinate services and limited direct support for residents of HUD-assisted housing facing emergencies. Grants from US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) help address urgent economic, health, and basic needs in these communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on affordable housing, hunger, or financial education in Virginia can apply for support to strengthen local communities. Grants from RRCU Gives Foundation help fund programs that address housing stability alongside food access and financial literacy. Awards are made annually, with applications accepted in June and decisions in August.

Aging-focused nonprofit leaders in Virginia working on affordable, livable housing and related supports for adults 50-plus can receive recognition and US $75,000 through the Purpose Prize. AARP Foundation provides U.S. organizations with funding and a year of organizational support to expand work in areas like livable communities, housing, public health, and financial security for older adults.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster the development of viable communities by providing funding for housing, living environments, and economic opportunities, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. The program is competitive, offering both single-purpose and imminent threat grants to address urgent public health and safety issues, ensuring that tribes can improve their community welfare effectively.

Grants from National Community Reinvestment Coalition help Virginia community development and affordable housing nonprofits host graduate student fellows to advance housing, small business, and workforce projects. Eligible hosts must be NCRC members with in-person offices and capacity to mentor fellows; organizations working on equitable and affordable housing may benefit from this support.

Graduate-level students in fields like urban planning, policy, or public administration can receive a US $20,000 NCRC Fellowship stipend to work on housing, small business, and workforce development projects, including affordable housing. National Community Reinvestment Coalition partners with community development nonprofits in cities such as Buffalo, Denver, Detroit, and other U.S. locations, which may include Virginia-based hosts.

Local governments, public housing agencies, and partner organizations in Virginia seeking to revitalize severely distressed public or HUD-assisted housing and surrounding neighborhoods can apply for Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants, with awards up to US $75,000,000. US HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing funds comprehensive “Transformation Plans” that improve housing, resident self-sufficiency, and neighborhood conditions.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia working on equitable and affordable housing, hunger relief, youth support, or education can receive community giving support to strengthen local families and neighborhoods. Wegmans Family Foundation provides funding for programs that expand access to wholesome food, stable housing, health resources, job training, and safe, skill-building opportunities for kids.

Real estate associations in Virginia seeking to educate REALTORS on fair housing topics can use this grant for classes, forums, speakers, or book-club style events. The National Association of Realtors offers up to US $3,000 on a reimbursement basis, including support for At Home With Diversity and Bias Override classes, once per calendar year.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 2 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, supports initiatives addressing fair housing issues within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, this grant encourages associations to collaborate with local organizations to enhance outreach. Approved activities may include hosting educational symposiums, developing fair housing curricula, or creating promotional materials. This grant aims to foster inclusive communities by addressing housing opportunities and promoting awareness of fair housing rights.

The Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, aim to address affordable housing challenges within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, these grants encourage collaborations among local agencies to enhance housing access. Eligible activities include forums, expos, and studies that promote housing opportunities. Associations can receive one grant per year, and funds are disbursed via a reimbursement process, with requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support innovative projects aimed at enhancing housing opportunities. These grants are designed for initiatives that involve collaboration with non-REALTOR® partners and require significant REALTOR® involvement. Eligible projects should demonstrate potential for community impact and cannot include activities previously funded by Housing Opportunity grants. This initiative aims to foster growth and diversity within communities.

The Musician Health & Services Program, funded by The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, provides essential support for professional musicians facing financial hardships due to medical or mental health issues. This program offers navigation assistance to help applicants access healthcare resources and financial aid for living and medical expenses. Eligible participants include musicians and music industry professionals residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. The program aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical treatments and living costs.