Best Grants for Youth Programs in Virginia

High school seniors in Orange, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, or Fredericksburg pursuing college in Virginia can receive scholarship support for higher education and youth development activities. Grants from Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region help Virginia youth engaged in academics, employment, community service, water ski clubs, and other positive social programs pursue excellence.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek funding for literacy, children’s programs, arts, social justice, or environmental initiatives, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help cover project-based programming and, when tied to programs, general operating needs for eligible youth-focused nonprofits.

Child and youth care agencies in Virginia can seek support for youth services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and child care programs through the Thanksgiving Offering Fund, administered by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Focused on youth-serving agencies, this funding is distributed based on donor designations and a formula for undesignated contributions.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving needy and necessitous children can access funding for program, general operating, or capital support, especially in western Virginia and the Roanoke Valley. Grants from the Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children range from US $3,000 - US $20,000 to support care, education, health, and welfare services for children.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia and other Peoples Bank communities can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs for low- to moderate-income children and families. Funding may also benefit groups working in education, human and social services, economic development, environment, or arts and culture within the foundation’s multistate footprint.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations improving youth, education, health, safety, or community wellness can apply for Encova Foundation of West Virginia grants. Funding supports programs that help children succeed, strengthen families and communities, and promote wellness and public safety; applicants with active Encova associate involvement may receive preference.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families in Virginia and the broader Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support for programs such as education, youth services, poverty relief, and humanitarian aid. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced organizations (3+ years) create tangible, direct impact through single-year, non-capital projects.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region can seek funding for children’s critical needs, medical support, and educational programs. Focused on vulnerable children, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homeless, orphaned, foster youth, and victims of sex trafficking through its Dover Grants program, which supports non-capital, project-based youth services.

Youth-serving and environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions to support programs for children and environmental stewardship. Grants from Sprague help fund impactful local projects, with awards typically ranging from US $250 - US $10,000 across its operating areas, including Virginia.

Youth-serving nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations in Virginia can access planning support through AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grants to design future service programs in areas like education, youth services, health, and environmental stewardship. Grants from Serve Virginia help organizations build evidence-informed AmeriCorps program frameworks before seeking full operational funding.

Nonprofit, faith-based, Tribal organizations, and state service commissions in Virginia can apply for AmeriCorps operational grants supporting youth and community service programs. Grants from Serve Virginia help Virginia youth services, education, health, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and veterans-focused programs engage AmeriCorps members, with awards up to US $25,200 per Member Service Year for cost-reimbursement operational grants.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in Virginia and other eligible regions can receive in-kind toy donations to support children’s play and well-being. With a mission to bring comfort and joy through play, The Toy Foundation provides vetted nonprofits with quarterly toy pickups from regional facilities for distribution to the children they serve.

Virginia children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant supports event costs like space, food, entertainment, photos, and formal wear near Dunkin’ locations.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Virginia can seek funding for pediatric gaming and virtual engagement programs; awards US $25,000 - US $65,000 support equipment, staffing, and connectivity. Grants from Joy in Childhood Foundation help youth programs enhance coping, cognitive skills, and joy for hospitalized kids, especially teens.

Virginia youth-serving organizations addressing juvenile justice, delinquency, or related prevention programs can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Support is available for evidence-based or promising, trauma-informed diversion, intervention, and prevention efforts, including community-based services, mentoring, and school-based programs for youth involved in or at risk of delinquency.

Local units of government in Virginia can seek funding for evidence-informed summer diversion and prevention programs for youth, including those involved in the juvenile justice system. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services supports projects that reduce system disproportionality, address behavioral health, keep youth in home communities, and strengthen family and community engagement.

Virginia youth-serving and educational nonprofits can seek funding to support enrichment programs, veterans’ families, and low-income communities through the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company. Grants from Employees Community Fund Of The Boeing Company help Virginia youth programs, schools, and community organizations in the Potomac Region advance education, housing stability, and support for local heroes and their families.

Future of Work Accelerator

A program of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

In an increasingly digital world, people without access to technology and the skills to use it are often locked out of economic opportunity. The Accelerator helps scale the impact of organizations that are working to change this.  

Since 2022, the Accelerator has served 35 nonprofit organizations across 13 countries, helping them reach an additional 11.3 million people. 

As a joint program of HP and the HP Foundation, the Accelerator offers selected organizations USD$100,000 in funding, HP technology & solutions (~USD$100,000 value), and a six-month, virtual program designed to strengthen capacity and scale impact.  Exciting changes are ahead for the 5th year of the Accelerator. 

The Hopewell Retired Teachers Association’s Charles W. Smith Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports continuing education for Hopewell High School seniors pursuing careers in education. Established in 1990, this scholarship honors Charles W. Smith, a dedicated educator and community leader. It aims to assist students with financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Priority is given to those aspiring to become educators. The application process requires various documents, emphasizing the importance of academic and community engagement.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The John and Wilber Traylor Scholarship Endowment, established in 2002, aims to support students in continuing their education at higher institutions. This scholarship is designed for individuals demonstrating financial need and academic success, particularly seniors from local high schools. The application process includes required documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, with awards announced each spring. The foundation prioritizes confidentiality and fairness, ensuring all applicants are considered for funding based on established criteria.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The John, Shanda and Doreatha Jackson Scholarship Endowment was established to support students from Petersburg, Prince George, and Hopewell High Schools who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. This scholarship honors the legacy of Doreatha Thorne Jackson and her family, promoting higher education and community engagement. Applicants must submit a completed application and required documents, showcasing their commitment to education and personal growth.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia that are 501(c)(3)s or Canadian-registered charities running youth programs can seek AE Foundation Community Grants to support teens’ and young adults’ mental health and well-being. Focused on youth services and wellness, AE Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for programs that empower authenticity and a better future.

Registered charitable organizations improving conditions for children and young adults through direct-service youth programs, health, disability support, housing, or education in Virginia and across the U.S. may be eligible; funds must show immediate impact and stay in the U.S. The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation supports projects delivering measurable results within nine months.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.