Best Norfolk Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program

Treating ash trees for this destructive non-native insect increases the chance of preserving genetic material of ash trees throughout the state. The Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost-Share Program can help landowners and organizations offset up to 70% of costs for treatment of ash trees through stem injections with emamectin benzoate insecticide. Payment may not exceed $10.50 per inch diameter at breast height or $2,000 in cost-share payments to landowners or $10,000 in cost-share payments per organization.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. More than 100 years later, we still fight wildfires and plant trees, but the agency has grown and evolved to meet the needs of Virginians and the forestry community.

The agency’s mission is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

Logger Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program

The Importance of Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The implementation of forestry best management practices (BMPs) during timber harvests is essential to protect water quality in Virginia. BMPs keep sediment movement on site to a minimum with the ultimate goal of keeping sediment associated with the timber harvest from moving to a watercourse. 

Cost-Share Program

This program focuses cost-share funding provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF)to assist in those areas of a timber harvest that can potentially deliver sediment to a stream. The Logger BMP Cost-Share Program helps cover the cost of implementing best management practices on stream crossings, including labor, equipment, and material costs on timber harvests in Virginia.

Program funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The program runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.

The cost-share will provide up to 75% of the actual cost, not to exceed $8,000, for BMP implementation at the stream crossing and, if the crossing requires the purchase of a portable bridge, the maximum increases to $16,000. A logger can have two projects per program year, only one of which can be a bridge purchase; total cost-share not to exceed $24,000 per program year per tax identification entity.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Facility Grant

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

An AFID facility grant is awarded to a political subdivision for the benefit of the company, with the expectation that the grant is critical to the success of the new or expanding facility. In order to qualify for an AFID Facility grant, the benefiting project should:

• be a facility that produces "value-added agricultural or forestal products," meaning any agricultural or forestal product that (i) has undergone a change in physical state; (ii) was produced in a manner that enhances the value of the agricultural commodity or product; (iii) is physically segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural or forestal product; (iv) is a source of renewable energy; or (v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural or forestal product.
• demonstrate that a minimum of 30% of the agricultural or forestal products to which the facility is adding value will be grown or produced within the Commonwealth of Virginia on an annual basis in normal years. 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Planning Grant Program

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

The Governor’s AFID Planning Grant Program is designed to encourage local governments to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their overall economic development and job-creation efforts. The AFID Planning Grant Program can also support innovative efforts by localities to assist their agriculture and forestry-based businesses and encourage the participation of local farm and forestland owners in these efforts. Maximum grant amounts are:

• Single locality applicant - An individual applicant may apply for up to $20,000 per grant application.
• Multi-locality applicant - Applications made on behalf of more than one locality may apply for up to $35,000 per grant. 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Infrastructure Grant Program

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

Projects receiving funding through the AFID Infrastructure Program must be infrastructure development projects that directly support local food production and sustainable agriculture/forestry and demonstrate a broad community benefit. Grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures. Priority Project Types Consideration will be given to the following project types:

• Processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including commercial kitchens, packaging and labeling facilities, animal slaughtering facilities, or other facilities, and that are primarily utilized for the processing of meats, dairy products, produce, or other products
• Farmers markets
• Food hubs and other agricultural aggregation facilities 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Blue Catfish Grant Program

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

Projects receiving funding through the AFID Blue Catfish Program must directly support local food production, enhance environmental sustainability, and demonstrate a broad community benefit. Grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures. Priority Project Types Consideration will be given to the following project types:

• projects that create processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure capacity in proximity to small-scale blue catfish watermen
• processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including packaging, freezing, and labeling facilities that are used for processing blue catfish
• projects that involve or incorporate existing seafood processors and businesses
• projects located in the localities of the Rural Coastal Virginia Community Enhancement Authority (§ 15.2-7600) or in Planning District 23
• projects providing a local match, if any 

The USEA Foundation has established the TEAPRO Grant (Training and Education in the Art of Pace and Riding in the Open), which is available to organizers, trainers, education groups and others to support opportunities for riders and horses to practice galloping, trot sets, and other forms of riding in the open as well as learn about fitness and conditioning for both horse and rider. The aim is to further education in these skills and to support many of the sport's stakeholders in doing so— riders, horses, trainers, organizers, coaches, clinicians, etc. Examples include funding for: a clinician to conduct a session on how to gallop horses in the open; a clinic where riders work to develop a feel for pace at walk, trot and canter over terrain; a seminar to educate riders on how to safely and effectively build the fitness level of their horse and themselves; portable steeplechase jumps that will be used to create a steeplechase course at one or more facilities; offsetting costs for the equipment required to accurately measure and set up a galloping or trot set track.Grant Funding: Grant funds will be awarded to address specific funding needs up to a maximum of $3,000 per applicant. Total awards per year shall not exceed $8,000.

The Bee Foundation For Brain Aneurysm Prevention (TBF) invites proposals that further the mission of reducing the number of deaths caused by brain aneurysms. Proposals directed at understanding the early detection, pathophysiology, genetic predisposition, or treatment will take priority. Proposals from a variety of disciplines (including but not limited to translational Neurosciences, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiology, Genetics) are encouraged and multidisciplinary proposals that illustrate a multi-faceted approach will be weighted highly.The purpose of this program is to promote novel approaches to the early detection and prevention of ruptured cerebral aneurysms, or early emergency and critical care treatment (excluding device therapies). We invite proposals that test an innovative hypothesis or develop new outcomes via interdisciplinary or translational research. Applications with more than one investigator must indicate how the different expertise of the co-investigators will contribute to the overall goals of the project.  Grant Funding:

• $20-25,000 total amount to be distributed, but not limited to only 1 awarded applicant
• Applicants may request up to $25,000

Elizabeth Ratta, a brain aneurysm survivor and a Bee Foundation ‘share your story’ contributor is passionate about spreading brain aneurysm awareness and particularly in the populations they disproportionately affect- those who are Black, Hispanic and women. This research grant is named for Elizabeth’s grandma, Rita who had an unruptured brain aneurysm, but at a time when there was limited treatment and support.About Rita Skertich GrantThe Rita Skertich Grant is specifically intended to fund research topics that focus on prevention and treatment of brain aneurysms in the Black and Hispanic population and women; the populations most affected by brain aneurysms. African Americans and Hispanics are twice as likely to have a rupture compared to white Americans. Women are more likely than men (3:2 ratio) to have a brain aneurysm and 1.5 times more at risk of rupture than men. The research funded by this grant will support efforts to improve outcomes, accessibility and a greater understanding of discrepancies in the statistics for these populations with a focus on prevention. The preference is that this grant will be given to a Black, Hispanic and/or female researcher with other underrepresented research groups also considered.Grant Funding: 

• $15,000 total amount to be distributed, but not limited to only 1 awarded applicant
• Applicants may request up to $15,000

Department of Wildlife Resources 

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

Virginia Wildlife Grant Program 

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It provides funding to organizations with a common mission of connecting people to the outdoors and supports outdoor recreation activities such as archery, boating/paddling, fishing, hunting/recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.

Priorities

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will prioritize the following opportunities:

• Inclusion of underrepresented, underserved, and underinvested populations
• Support of the following DWR initiatives:
• R3 Plan
• Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan
• Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan

Award Areas: Start-up and Growth

Start-up Stage

This award area is for new or emerging programs (less than 2 years) that are establishing themselves and looking to add new programs or opportunities to get people outdoors.

Department of Wildlife Resources 

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

Virginia Wildlife Grant Program 

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program is a joint effort of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV). It provides funding to organizations with a common mission of connecting people to the outdoors and supports outdoor recreation activities such as archery, boating/paddling, fishing, hunting/recreational shooting, and wildlife viewing. The grant prioritizes programs that are aligned with DWR’s R3 Plan as well as the Inclusive Excellence Plan.

Priorities

The Virginia Wildlife Grant Program will prioritize the following opportunities:

• Inclusion of underrepresented, underserved, and underinvested populations
• Support of the following DWR initiatives:
• R3 Plan
• Virginia Wildlife Viewing Plan
• Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan

Award Areas: Start-up and Growth

Growth Stage

This award area is for developed or established programs or organizations (2+ years) that are looking to add new programs or initiatives to support the work they are already doing to connect people to the outdoors.

Burger Family Foundatio

Our Mission

Inspired by our daughter Penelope and the powerful symbolism of the extra 21st chromosome, our foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, we’re building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.

Pens Pearls

Named after Penelope, Pens Pearls is the financial support arm of our foundation, providing direct assistance to families navigating the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. From therapy grants to life-changing opportunities, we’re here to lighten the load and ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Through Pens Pearls, eligible families can apply for funding to help cover essential needs, services, or opportunities that make a meaningful impact in their lives. The Burger Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and this program is one of the ways we work to create lasting change—one story at a time.

Qualifications for Pens Pearls Grant Program, are deemed by the strict bylaws of the Burger Family Foundation. Funds are paid directly to provider.