Best Grants for Churches 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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

Virginia 501(c) organizations improving health, education, or welfare can access funding through the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation for charitable and educational projects. Support is focused on benefiting residents of Lee and Wise Counties and maintaining historic local institutions, which may include eligible church-based or faith-rooted community programs serving these communities.

Grants from Hughes Memorial Foundation help Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations fund special projects and capital improvements that benefit children and youth in need. Faith-based and Christian ministries serving at-risk children in eligible Virginia counties may be considered when projects exclusively minister to needy children rather than general church operations.

Churches and faith-based nonprofits in Virginia providing basic human needs support can apply for Rock Spring Congregational Church Endowment Fund’s SAM Grant; awards US $500 - US $5,000 for core programs or special projects. Organizations in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area, especially those engaging church volunteers and aligned with United Church of Christ values, may be prioritized.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human services, education, legal aid, workforce development, health, environment, or arts programs can apply for Venable Foundation’s grants; awards approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects. Place-based organizations must primarily serve communities near Venable’s Northern Virginia and Washington, DC office areas to be competitive.

With a mission to advance equitable opportunities for Black youth and adults, Dow Company Foundation provides Virginia churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations with up to US $10,000 for social, economic, or environmental initiatives. Faith-based organizations in eligible Virginia communities may apply if their publicly accessible programs meet Dow’s charitable and nondiscrimination criteria.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and church-affiliated groups running non-religious community programs can apply for Baltimore Life Foundation’s community grants, with awards up to US $500 for specific projects. Funding supports family services, safety initiatives, and community enhancement efforts in areas served by the funder’s local offices.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in Northern Virginia offering charitable or educational programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship for girls and young women may be eligible for this grant, which can support, expand, or launch programs. Grants from The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia may benefit church-based or faith-affiliated programs serving girls in these focus areas.

Virginia Christian and other nonprofit organizations planning charitable or educational projects that benefit residents of the McLean Planning District can access funding through McLean Community Foundation. Grants may support tangible assets, seed money, or challenge grants, and Northern Virginia groups outside McLean may qualify if their projects significantly serve McLean residents.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving low-income communities with affordable housing, economic development, financial health, or workforce readiness programs can access major multi‑year support through the Community Progress Makers Fund. Grants from Citi Foundation help eligible organizations in select Virginia localities, including churches with community-serving projects, with US $1,000,000 in unrestricted funding plus technical assistance and peer learning.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s US $10,000 - US $250,000 grants to support community services, education, health, environment, and arts programs. Faith-based nonprofits with eligible programs may benefit.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of eligible Northern Virginia counties can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time capital, equipment, or other direct-service needs. Faith-based nonprofits, including Christian organizations with community programs, may be eligible if they align with the Fund’s health, education, arts, or community endeavors focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing charitable or educational services in Northern Virginia can receive US $15,000 - US $30,000 in general operating support for organizational strengthening, capacity building, and immediate client needs. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia funds prior Community Investment or COVID-19 Fund grantees, including those serving youth, seniors, housing, poverty alleviation, and related community programs.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, safety, education, literacy, recreation, or social services to Newport News residents can apply for Newport News Community Support Agency grants for program expansion, new services, or capital projects. Faith-based organizations that are not controlled by a church and avoid religious or political advocacy may be eligible if they meet all city requirements.

Charitable organizations and city boards in Suffolk, Virginia can seek funding for community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents, including housing, economic opportunities, and neighborhood revitalization. Focused on anti-poverty and homelessness efforts, the City of Suffolk invites eligible applicants to propose projects that create jobs, improve facilities, and leverage additional public or private investment.

Charitable organizations and City-established boards providing community, human, or social services to Suffolk residents in Virginia can request General Fund local contributions or Community Development Block Grant support for their programs. The City of Suffolk Virginia accepts these requests as part of its FY 2025–2026 operating and capital budget process.

Virginia human and social service nonprofits can access funding through Loudoun County to deliver core safety net services for vulnerable and disadvantaged residents. 501(c)(3) organizations serving Loudoun County in prevention and self-sufficiency, crisis intervention, long-term support, or improving human services quality may receive US $5,001 - US $135,000, including operating support, if they demonstrate data-driven need and positive outcomes.

With a mission to strengthen community services, the City of Portsmouth provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with capital equipment grants over US $10,000. Eligible nonprofits must deliver significant, measurable direct services to Portsmouth residents. Faith-based organizations may qualify if they are not controlled by a church or sectarian society and meet all local requirements.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations serving Northern Virginia can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 for programs or general operating support that protect, restore, or improve the natural environment. Grants from The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia help Virginia groups, including faith-based nonprofits with eligible environmental initiatives, advance education, public awareness, and citizen engagement around environmental health.

501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations in Northern Virginia can apply for The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts; awards Up to US $20,000 for program or general support. Virginia churches with qualifying nonprofit status and arts programming may be eligible if they serve the listed Northern Virginia localities.

Property owners, churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and local governments in Virginia caring for historic African American burial grounds can apply for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ African American Cemetery & Graves Fund. Grants support basic and extraordinary maintenance, including vegetation management, marker care or replacement, and approved preservation planning or ground penetrating radar surveys.

Arts and cultural organizations offering new or expanded arts programming for underserved residents in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church can apply for Arts Access project support, with awards of US $1,000 - US $25,000. Focused on increasing arts engagement, Arts Fairfax invites projects that reduce cost or distance barriers to high-quality arts experiences.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital support for charitable, religious, or educational projects can apply for the William H.-John G.-Emma Scott Foundation’s grants. Funding focuses on alleviating human suffering, improving the lives of families and children, supporting churches, and strengthening private elementary and secondary education, especially Church Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.