Best Human Rights Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community programs. Eligible projects should address documented community needs, show measurable outcomes, and demonstrate collaboration and a broad base of financial support, which may include human rights and social justice initiatives serving children and families.

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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Virginia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, and job training, which may benefit organizations advancing social justice and human rights locally.

Grassroots, tax-exempt nonprofits working on environmental justice, food justice, or related community initiatives in Virginia can apply for grants up to US $35,000 to foster just and sustainable communities. Grants from Harris and Frances Block Foundation help small and emerging organizations advance social and environmental justice, including work connected to human rights and equity.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Virginia and across the U.S. can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support arts and science programs, with many grants over US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses above $2 million and strong, measurable impact may benefit, including those serving underserved communities and advancing social justice or human rights through cultural work.

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.

Virginia 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations seeking support for health, education, or community initiatives can apply for grants that fund food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides these opportunities, which may benefit groups advancing social justice and human rights for underserved populations.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations supporting urban low-income children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability in Virginia and across the U.S. can seek project or scale-up funding of more than US $50,000. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation prioritizes measurable impact for children and youth living in urban poverty, which may include human rights and social justice efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development in Virginia communities where PNC operates can apply for PNC Foundation’s grants. Funding may support early learning for children birth to five, services for low- and moderate-income families, affordable housing, small business support, arts, or neighborhood revitalization that can advance social justice and human rights outcomes.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or human rights-related services can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support programs that significantly benefit their target populations. Grants are for tax-exempt nonprofits using funds within the U.S., including groups advancing social justice and human rights.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to share their impact through storytelling. Human rights and social justice organizations whose work fits these pillars may be eligible for Storytelling Grants of more than US $50,000.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for social, economic, environmental, or racial justice can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable funding for out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund provides Virginia and other U.S. human rights advocates with support for class actions and major systemic reform cases.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can receive single-year funding for human services such as poverty relief, children and family support, education, disaster relief, and medical assistance. The Robinson Foundation provides support to Southern-region charities whose programs show tangible, meaningful impact, which may benefit groups advancing social justice and human rights locally.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Virginia can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation funds charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, so Virginia groups with human rights or social justice components in their work may be eligible.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can access funding through the Georgia-Pacific Foundation for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Programs that strengthen quality of life in GP-served communities may be eligible, including efforts connected to social justice or human rights.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or safety from domestic violence may be eligible for funding if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. The TJX Foundation supports programs providing food, clothing, shelter, enrichment, workforce readiness, and services for vulnerable children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Virginia seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants from the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Funding can cover general operating or program costs, and human rights or social justice initiatives may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, and other community-based initiatives that may advance social justice and human rights.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, youth programs, health, environment, or arts initiatives can apply for Venable Foundation grants; awards approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects. Organizations based in or impacting Northern Virginia communities may be eligible for support that benefits economically disadvantaged people and advances social justice and human rights.

Virginia nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving local communities and underserved individuals may be eligible, including those advancing human rights through poverty alleviation, homelessness services, health access, literacy, or related programs.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

Focused on community well-being and opportunity, Hampton Roads Community Foundation invites Virginia nonprofits to seek flexible general operating support for education, workforce development, housing stability, public health, mental health, arts, safety, and environmental resilience. 501(c)(3) organizations serving South Hampton Roads communities may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $100,000 awards.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.