Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

501(c)(3) organizations improving educational outcomes for children and youth, including those offering staff professional development in Virginia, can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports pilot programs, proof-of-concept projects, and capacity building such as professional development, strategic planning, and leadership development, with some multi-year support available.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community-based services. Eligible U.S. organizations must request cash support only and demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial backing in their project budgets and operations.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit and social enterprise organizations in Virginia working on youth education, health, or family economic stability projects may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support or scale their programs, as part of a broader U.S. focus. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving urban low-income children and families.

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 Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Virginia schools, nonprofits, governments, and VCA teaching artists can access funding for short-term, artist-led residencies and workshops through the Arts in Practice Grants; awards up to US $2,000 reimburse up to 50% of fees. These projects can include community arts activities or professional development for arts educators in ADA-compliant Virginia facilities.

Virginia nonprofit or government arts presenters that regularly book touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation to support participation in the Jazz Touring Network and related jazz touring activity, with awards up to US $3,000. Eligible presenters must be 501(c)(3) organizations or public units in the mid-Atlantic region seeking to develop or expand jazz programming and professional capacity.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital funding for arts, education, environment, historic preservation, social services, or community development projects can apply for US $50,000 - US $500,000 in challenge or matching grants. Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports organizations across the Commonwealth that meet its eligibility criteria and board giving expectations.

Virginia health and human service nonprofits can receive support to expand access to care for uninsured and medically underserved residents through Virginia Health Care Foundation. Funding can develop or grow primary care, mental health, dental, telehealth, and coordinated systems of care, including accelerating licensure for behavioral health professionals and addressing COVID-19-related mental health needs.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year funding for programs such as education, poverty relief, health, animal welfare, disaster relief, veterans’ services, and spiritual endeavors. The Robinson Foundation provides support to southern U.S. charities whose projects show tangible, meaningful impact, which may include staff or leadership development within these service areas.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for community-based programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to fund projects such as education, cultural activities, health facilities, and environmental initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation considers IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, including museums, schools, youth and senior services, disability programs, and workforce training efforts.

Virginia schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and local or tribal government units can apply for Virginia Commission for the Arts Lifelong Learning Grants, awarding up to US $4,000 for sequential, hands-on arts education programs. Funding supports multi-session instruction, workshops, and training for teaching artists and arts educators in Virginia, including professional development and arts integration initiatives.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year funding. The Dr Scholl Foundation provides annual grants primarily to U.S. applicants, which may include staff training or other professional development within eligible projects.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets between $100,000 and $4 million can access multi-year capacity-building, visibility, and fundraising support through the Catalogue for Philanthropy network. Focused on strengthening nonprofit effectiveness, Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington invites locally headquartered organizations serving the greater Washington region, including parts of Virginia, to apply for marketing support, professional development workshops, and donor outreach opportunities.

Virginia schools, nonprofits, and local or tribal governments can receive $1,000 - $5,000 to run hands-on arts education residencies and professional development programs across Virginia. With a mission to expand arts learning opportunities, Virginia Commission for the Arts supports new or expanded artist residencies, in-school and out-of-school arts education, and training for artists and educators, with a required 1:1 cash match.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, higher education institutions, and tribal governments in Virginia can receive US $3,500 - US $15,000 for public humanities projects such as forums, exhibitions, media, and professional development programs. Virginia Humanities supports humanities-focused initiatives statewide, and nonprofits outside Virginia may apply if projects center on Virginia topics and audiences.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Virginia and nearby Mid-Atlantic states can seek up to US $7,500 for historic preservation planning and education projects that protect natural and cultural resources. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help fund professional expertise, community forums, and public outreach that build preservation leadership and engage new audiences.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can access funding through National Trust for Historic Preservation. Grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 support planning, professional expertise, organizational capacity building, and innovative public education or outreach that advance battlefield preservation efforts.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Virginia can receive up to US $99,000 to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development funds projects such as leadership and entrepreneur training, business counseling, feasibility studies, and long-term strategic planning, which may include professional development activities for staff supporting rural economic development.

Virginia nonprofits that provide educational programming and employ teaching artists, as well as individual teaching artists, can access professional development support through the Virginia Commission for the Arts Teaching Artist Roster in Virginia. This opportunity identifies and promotes highly qualified teaching artists for school and community arts education programs and residencies.