Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on literacy, children, the arts, social justice, environmental programs, or disaster relief and humanitarian aid in Virginia can seek project or program funding, including some general operating support. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation provide up to US $5,000, with preference for local groups in select Virginia counties such as Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Virginia and the broader Southern region can seek support for disaster relief and humanitarian aid projects, excluding capital facilities. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced, fiscally responsible charities address emergencies alongside related needs like poverty relief, medical assistance, and services for children, families, and veterans.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing emergency needs from disasters in Virginia can seek up to US $5,000 for unplanned, crisis-related expenses. The Rosendin Foundation supports one-time emergency requests tied to emotional, occupational, and nutritional health, and reviews qualifying applications on an as-needed basis in its Virginia service areas.

State, local, tribal, and territorial governments in Virginia can use this program to fund hazard mitigation projects that reduce future disaster-related losses, including infrastructure retrofits and drainage improvements. With a mission to strengthen disaster preparedness, Virginia Department of Emergency Management provides support for projects like building retrofits, property acquisition, slope stabilization, and development of hazard mitigation plans following presidential disaster declarations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing environmental initiatives, emergency services, disaster preparedness, human services, or community development can apply for Essential Foundation support in Virginia communities served by Aqua or Peoples. Grants from Essential Foundation help programs that enhance quality of life, address food insecurity, and provide other essential resources for life across its multi-state service footprint.

Virginia localities facing serious, immediate threats to health and safety can access funding for long-term recovery projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Virginia disaster preparedness and relief agencies may be eligible to partner with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, which offers up to US $2,500,000 through its CDBG Urgent Need Fund Grants.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations in Virginia can access funding through planning grants to design AmeriCorps programs addressing disaster services and related community needs. Grants from Serve Virginia support developing evidence-based AmeriCorps projects that strengthen local capacity in areas like disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience, positioning applicants for future operational AmeriCorps funding.

Nonprofit, faith-based, and Tribal organizations in Virginia can apply for AmeriCorps operational funding to run member-based programs in disaster services and other priority areas. Grants from Serve Virginia help applicants engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions, with awards up to US $25,200 per Member Service Year to strengthen community resilience and service.

HRSA provides Virginia health centers with advance funding to cover unforeseen, in-scope costs for maintaining access to comprehensive primary care after Hurricane Helene. Eligible centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas may request a portion of their anticipated FY 2025 Health Center Program award to support disaster-related service continuity and clinic operations.

K-12 public school libraries in Virginia that have suffered significant damage from natural disasters, fires, or federally recognized terrorism incidents can seek disaster relief funding to rebuild collections and equipment. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation support schools within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and with pre-existing libraries.

Virginia nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies working on safety, education, or community development can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for initiatives including disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery. Eligible projects may also address home and auto safety, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, affordable housing, food insecurity, and STEM or academic success.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia and across the U.S. and Canada can seek McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000 for disaster preparedness, disaster relief, and related health equity programs. Funding may also support cancer prevention and care, food and medicine access, and workforce or STEM education initiatives serving vulnerable and underserved communities.

Nonprofit and municipal organizations planning backup power projects to maintain essential services during emergencies can apply for the Powered & Prepared Initiative, which offers US $300,000 for disaster preparedness and relief efforts. Focused on resilient infrastructure, Hillman Family Foundations invites eligible 501(c)(3) and local government agencies in southwestern Pennsylvania to strengthen community continuity during power outages.

Public entities and regional organizations in disaster-impacted areas, including Virginia, can apply for Economic Development Administration FY25 Disaster Supplemental funding; awards up to US $50,000,000 for economic recovery and resilience projects. Funding supports planning, construction, and industry-focused initiatives that help communities recover from 2023–2024 natural disasters and improve long-term economic outcomes.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities addressing disaster relief, preparedness, or other critical community needs in Virginia communities with International Paper operations can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Focus areas include humanitarian aid, health and wellness, hunger, education, environmental stewardship, and projects engaging International Paper employees.

Focused on disaster preparedness and relief, nonprofits in the ARH service region, including parts of Virginia, can seek up to US $5,000 for projects improving health, safety, and quality of life for women and children. Appalachian Regional Healthcare supports health education, emergency readiness, human services, and other community-based initiatives with clear, measurable goals and strong collaboration.

Nonprofit institutions and 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia working on disaster preparedness, disaster relief, or related global challenges can seek support for Japan–U.S. collaborative projects through the Japan Foundation. Funding backs joint policy-oriented research and dialogue that builds resilient, inclusive societies and addresses issues like climate change, disaster prevention, and post-disaster recovery.

Nonprofit organizations working on disaster preparedness, disaster relief, or humanitarian aid in Virginia and across the U.S. or Canada can apply for McKesson Foundation grants over More than US $25,000 to advance health equity. Funding supports crisis response, medicine and food access, and related health-focused programs serving vulnerable and underserved communities.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

Centre for Effective Altruism USA provides Virginia disaster preparedness and risk-mitigation projects with US $1,000 - US $500,000 through its Long-Term Future Fund. Individuals, nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities worldwide may be eligible, especially those addressing global catastrophic risks such as AI, biosecurity, forecasting, or related long-term resilience efforts.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.