Best STEM Education Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying colleges or universities within the AEP service territory can apply for American Electric Power Foundation support to advance STEM education and related programs. Funding may also assist basic needs, social justice, environmental, housing, hunger, and cultural initiatives that meet the foundation’s priorities.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through the Costco Foundation for monetary program support. Organizations offering STEM or broader education initiatives may be eligible if they demonstrate community need, evidence-based outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding, with applications typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Virginia may be eligible for support, especially smaller or evolving organizations. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches across areas like health, community development, literacy, and public safety; STEM education initiatives that address social issues in new ways may fit their priorities.

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.

Virginia STEM and STEAM education nonprofits and NGOs using technology-driven programs for underserved communities can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation. Global Impact Cash Grants support innovative, early-stage solutions in education, crisis response, and economic empowerment worldwide, with awards up to US $100,000 and a year-round LOI-based application process.

Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with STEM/STEAM-focused arts and science education programs, including those serving Virginia, with awards of more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help STEM education organizations that reach large populations and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact, especially in K–12 arts education and science skill development.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations offering STEM education, health, or community programs in Virginia can apply for funding to support their work. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives like STEM programming, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle research, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood or youth STEM/STEAM education, especially for low- and moderate-income families, can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support classroom programs, educator development, and family engagement. The program also backs broader community economic development, including housing, small business support, arts, and neighborhood revitalization where PNC has a significant presence.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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 STEM and higher-education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation for STEM education, business and finance education, economic and community development, and human services projects. Organizations serving communities near Steel Dynamics facilities, with strong local support and impact, may be especially competitive for these grants.

Herndon Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for STEM education, early childhood learning, and related enrichment programs, offering up to US $25,000 for program, operating, or limited endowment support. Nonprofits, especially in the metro Richmond area, may also receive support for health and human services or cultural and environmental education initiatives.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects offering STEM education, digital skills, or related community programs in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, or Louisa can apply for grants up to US $300,000. The Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region also funds sustainability, community development, cultural heritage, and health and wellbeing initiatives that promote opportunity for underserved residents.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and schools offering STEM, leadership, entrepreneurship, or mentorship programs for girls and young women in Northern Virginia can use this grant to start, expand, or enhance eligible programs. Grants from The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia help Virginia STEM education initiatives serving K–12 and college-age girls in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and nearby cities.

Virginia nonprofits supporting underserved youth or adults with STEM and broader education programs can access funding through Carmax Foundation’s Home Office Giving Program. Eligible organizations must serve Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, or Richmond and focus on education and workforce success, health and wellness, or resilient communities, including STEM/STEAM initiatives in out-of-school or classroom settings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Virginia can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit STEM and STEAM education initiatives connected to community or environmental priorities.

Virginia STEM / STEAM education organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and qualified local government entities can access funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes programs within 30 miles of its manufacturing facilities that strengthen long-term community well-being and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports, and workforce readiness for at-risk youth. The TJX Foundation also considers programs promoting safety from domestic violence and broader education and training that help vulnerable families and children build better futures.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia offering STEM or broader educational programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support schools, skills-training, youth education, and related initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, and Virginia programs with STEM components may be competitive within its wider education and community focus.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support programs in hunger relief, housing, economic stability, and cultural enrichment. Organizations in Virginia may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and those near key Ameriprise employee centers.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children with physical, medical, or educational challenges can seek funding for K–12 programs, with an emphasis on STEM education, in the Virginia Natural Gas service area. With a mission to support STEM learning, Virginia Natural Gas provides charitable support to eligible organizations across listed Virginia counties and cities.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues may be eligible for national recognition and funding through the Community Partnership Award. Mutual of America Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits that collaborate with public, private, or social sector partners to improve lives and model innovative, scalable solutions.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000, including organizations based in Virginia. With a mission to help people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides smaller organizations with support that may complement STEM and other educational programming.