Best STEM Education Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying colleges or universities within the AEP service territory can apply for American Electric Power Foundation support to advance STEM education and related programs. Funding may also assist basic needs, social justice, environmental, housing, hunger, and cultural initiatives that meet the foundation’s priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Virginia may be eligible for support, especially smaller or evolving organizations. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches across areas like health, community development, literacy, and public safety; STEM education initiatives that address social issues in new ways may fit their priorities.

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 Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Virginia can seek funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives, including K–12 STEM and higher education programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support STEM/STEAM education, academic performance, and pathways for college and career success, alongside related community-focused projects across the U.S.

Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with STEM/STEAM-focused arts and science education programs, including those serving Virginia, with awards of more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help STEM education organizations that reach large populations and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact, especially in K–12 arts education and science skill development.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations offering STEM education, health, or community programs in Virginia can apply for funding to support their work. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives like STEM programming, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle research, with requests reviewed in March and September.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Virginia STEM and other educational, scientific, medical, and charitable 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs serving people in the U.S. Eligible tax-exempt nonprofits with broadly beneficial, well-managed services may be competitive, as long as all grant funds are used within the country.

Virginia STEM and higher-education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation for STEM education, business and finance education, economic and community development, and human services projects. Organizations serving communities near Steel Dynamics facilities, with strong local support and impact, may be especially competitive for these grants.

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.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children with physical, medical, or educational challenges can seek funding for K–12 programs, with an emphasis on STEM education, in the Virginia Natural Gas service area. With a mission to support STEM learning, Virginia Natural Gas provides charitable support to eligible organizations across listed Virginia counties and cities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek support for education and youth or family services projects that create tangible, meaningful impact. The Robinson Foundation provides single-year funding to public charities serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line, which may benefit STEM and broader education initiatives, but does not fund facilities or other capital projects.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues may be eligible for national recognition and funding through the Community Partnership Award. Mutual of America Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits that collaborate with public, private, or social sector partners to improve lives and model innovative, scalable solutions.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000, including organizations based in Virginia. With a mission to help people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides smaller organizations with support that may complement STEM and other educational programming.

Herndon Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for STEM education, early childhood learning, and related enrichment programs, offering up to US $25,000 for program, operating, or limited endowment support. Nonprofits, especially in the metro Richmond area, may also receive support for health and human services or cultural and environmental education initiatives.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects offering STEM education, digital skills, or related community programs in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, or Louisa can apply for grants up to US $300,000. The Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region also funds sustainability, community development, cultural heritage, and health and wellbeing initiatives that promote opportunity for underserved residents.

Nonprofit organizations and schools offering STEM, leadership, entrepreneurship, or mentorship programs for girls and young women in Northern Virginia can use this grant to start, expand, or enhance eligible programs. Grants from The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia help Virginia STEM education initiatives serving K–12 and college-age girls in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and nearby cities.

Virginia nonprofits supporting underserved youth or adults with STEM and broader education programs can access funding through Carmax Foundation’s Home Office Giving Program. Eligible organizations must serve Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, or Richmond and focus on education and workforce success, health and wellness, or resilient communities, including STEM/STEAM initiatives in out-of-school or classroom settings.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Virginia can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit STEM and STEAM education initiatives connected to community or environmental priorities.

Virginia STEM / STEAM education organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and qualified local government entities can access funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes programs within 30 miles of its manufacturing facilities that strengthen long-term community well-being and sustainability.