Best Grants for Youth Programs in Virginia

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.

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.

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 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.

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) 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.

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.

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.

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) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Nonprofits, Tribes, and public schools or districts running youth food and nutrition programs in Virginia can apply for Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation, awarding up to US $100,000. Funding supports Indigenous food justice, nutrition education, and school food projects that help kids access, learn about, and enjoy healthy, culturally relevant meals.

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 GLCF: Youth Philanthropy Council Grant, offered by the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, empowers high school seniors to engage in philanthropy by granting $10,000 to local organizations serving youth needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits within the Lynchburg area. This initiative fosters community awareness and involvement among youth, encouraging them to address local challenges through meaningful contributions. With a focus on volunteerism and charitable giving, the program aims to inspire the next generation of community leaders.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant for Read for Success empowers local organizations to enhance literacy by providing matching funds for books and resources. Since 1966, RIF has partnered with communities to foster a culture of reading among children in need, offering diverse books that reflect their lives. This grant matches local investments dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of funding for educational programs. Eligible applicants include schools and youth-serving organizations across the U.S., supporting children from birth through grade 12.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The Grief Reach Grants: Community Education Cycle, funded by the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG), aims to empower organizations that support grieving youth. With $10,000 grants available, the initiative enhances access to essential bereavement resources and education, addressing the needs of children coping with loss. This program is crucial as 1 in 12 children will experience the death of a loved one by age 18, highlighting the urgent need for support in diverse communities.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.