Best Grants for Science Research in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through the Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Organizations conducting science-related education or health programs for children may be eligible if they demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Virginia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including STEM and academic programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations address auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and pathways to college and career success.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting health, education, or community programs in Virginia can apply for support from Labcorp Charitable Foundation. The foundation funds efforts such as healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, food pantries, and research or screening that promotes healthy lifestyles, which may include science and health-related research activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Charlottesville working on youth services, education, health, or financial literacy may be eligible for this local funding, which can complement science and health-related research efforts in Virginia. With a mission to advance health and healthy communities, Manning Family Foundation provides support to programs serving at-risk and disadvantaged residents.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education, health, or family economic stability projects for urban low-income children in Virginia and other U.S. locations can seek project or scale-up support. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds initiatives over $50,000 that improve outcomes for children and youth in urban poverty.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Virginia communities where PNC has a significant presence can apply for this funding. PNC Foundation supports programs for young children, low- and moderate-income families, affordable housing, small business support, and related services that may complement science or STEM-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or cultural projects in Virginia and worldwide can seek philanthropic support to advance programs, especially those in science and education. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver innovative, sustainable initiatives that may include youth STEM activities, community science outreach, and related research-linked programming connected to local Roche affiliates.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations conducting health, education, or humanitarian programs in Virginia and worldwide can seek support for work with marginalized communities. With a mission to promote health, education, and disaster relief, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, disease prevention, child welfare, and related human and social services that may include applied health research components.

Virginia science research organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work conducted in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law (and California law where applicable) and demonstrate strong management, broad service reach, and substantial impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs addressing housing, jobs, hunger, arts and culture, the environment, and inclusion. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s U.S. sponsorships may benefit institutions whose science research or STEM-related initiatives also advance workforce development, neighborhood preservation, or other community development goals.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official economic development authority and has offices in Virginia, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Since 1995, VEDP has served as a professional, nonpartisan public authority with a long-term focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy across administrations. Working with state, regional and local partners, VEDP supports business expansion, attraction and investment through services that span site readiness, incentives, global trade and strategic planning. 

Virginia Investment Performance Grant

The Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP) encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies, resulting in added capacity, modernization, increased productivity, or the creation, development, and utilization of advanced technology. The program targets existing manufacturers or research and development services supporting manufacturing. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project, and matching local financial participation is expected.

The amount of each VIP grant is determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based in part on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Return-on-Investment analysis and recommendation, and is subject to the approval of the Governor.

Highlights

Company must be an existing Virginia manufacturer or research and development service that supports manufacturing, and the project must result in capital investment of at least $25 million.

VIP grants are paid in five equal annual installments beginning in the first year after the capital investment and job creation or retention are achieved.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting science research and related work in Virginia can access funding via the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, which supports science alongside education, health, the environment, and the arts. Projects that strengthen communities or benefit future generations may be eligible, with support available locally and beyond within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting community or environmental programs in Virginia can apply for flexible project support, which may include science-related research or education. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding for efforts that respect people, life, and the environment, so Virginia groups with research components in biology, earth science, or related fields may be eligible.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports community initiatives that may complement science and health-related research or education efforts serving vulnerable families and children.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations conducting community-based programs, including those connected to science education or research, may be eligible for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in support in Virginia and nationwide. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and related initiatives.

Virginia universities, research institutions, and other eligible organizations conducting science and engineering research can access funding through the US DOD for projects in hydraulics, coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, oceanography, and related fields. This Broad Agency Announcement from the Engineer Research and Development Center accepts pre-proposals year-round for diverse research and development topic areas.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, and federally recognized tribes conducting health equity research can apply for Health Resources in Action’s Jeffress Trust Awards, offering US $150,000 over two years for partnership and collaborative planning. Funding supports policy, systems, environmental strategies, and community-based program or general research that advances health outcomes for Virginians.

Virginia university faculty and Virginia-based startups developing cybersecurity products and services can receive up to US $75,000 to advance commercialization-ready technologies. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative supports translational cybersecurity projects through its CATAPULT and ASCEND funds, pairing funding with a five-month accelerator that provides mentorship, market discovery, and business development support in Virginia.

Research institutions and organizations in Virginia conducting science-based projects on health disparities and social determinants of health can apply for the Jeffress Memorial Trust’s Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity, offering up to US $600,000. Funding supports collaborative research, including policy, systems, and environmental change analyses that advance health equity statewide.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for recognition and awards supporting collaborative social-impact work. Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award honors partnerships that measurably improve lives, scale across communities, and may benefit Virginia organizations conducting science research within broader community initiatives.