Best Grants for Community Centers in Virgin Islands

The NIH's Investigator-Focused Award (Parent R35) aims to support research programs for investigators at all career stages, including Early Stage Investigators. This funding provides stability and freedom in research, allowing for innovative and ambitious studies without the constant pressure of securing new grants. Key benefits include flexibility in research direction, opportunities to tackle significant questions, and a greater potential for scientific breakthroughs, fostering a robust research environment.

The 6th Legislature's Bill #2699, Act 1556 established VICA on January 25, 1966. In 1987 the Reorganization Act 5265, Section 405, confirmed the original act established in 1966. This Act established VICA within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

VICA's mission is to enrich the cultural life of the Virgin Islands through leadership that preserves, strengthens and makes accessible, excellence in the arts to all Virgin Islanders. The Council consists of a nine member Board of Directors which is appointed by the Governor of the Virgin Islands and confirmed by the Legislature. There are four members from St. Croix, four from St. Thomas and one from St. John.

What We Do

Over the past 50 years the Council has continued to secure federal and local funds to be re-granted Territory-wide. Schools, churches, craft artisans, culture bearers, authors, CD, DVD and film productions, individual visual and performing artists and art organizations (to name a few), have been recipients of VICA funding. The Council also orchestrates opportunities for Virgin Islands artists to participate in exhibitions and festivals; thus far VICA has coordinated events in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Ghana, West Africa, New York, Washington, D.C. and Venice, Italy.

Through a competitive grant review process, each year VICA's Board of Directors awards an average of one hundred and fifty grants totaling approximately $400,000.00. In addition, the Council spearheads special projects such as Poetry Out Loud, The Big Read, The Congressional Arts Competition, Audience Development and Artists in Residency Program. These projects affords students to represent the Territory in national events and provide opportunities for the elderly, the disabled and at risk youth to view, enjoy or participate in living theatrical performances, musical concerts, operas, dance and ballet and other art activities that they would not normally be able to attend.

Virgin Islands Arts in Underserved Communities Grant

Purpose - The Arts in Underserved Communities Program is designed to increase access to the arts by supporting planning, presentation, professional development, capacity building, and collaborative projects for individual artists, new and emerging arts organizations, and communities with limited access to arts programming. The program seeks to encourage participation in the arts, foster creative growth, and strengthen the cultural infrastructure of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellowship, awarded by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding achievements in organic chemistry. This two-year fellowship provides $85,000 annually to early-career researchers, promoting innovative research in sustainable organic chemistry. Candidates, nominated by their mentors, must demonstrate excellence and a commitment to inclusivity in research. The fellowship encourages participation in ACS activities, fostering career development and collaboration within the scientific community.

The 6th Legislature's Bill #2699, Act 1556 established VICA on January 25, 1966. In 1987 the Reorganization Act 5265, Section 405, confirmed the original act established in 1966. This Act established VICA within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

VICA's mission is to enrich the cultural life of the Virgin Islands through leadership that preserves, strengthens and makes accessible, excellence in the arts to all Virgin Islanders. The Council consists of a nine member Board of Directors which is appointed by the Governor of the Virgin Islands and confirmed by the Legislature. There are four members from St. Croix, four from St. Thomas and one from St. John.

What We Do

Over the past 50 years the Council has continued to secure federal and local funds to be re-granted Territory-wide. Schools, churches, craft artisans, culture bearers, authors, CD, DVD and film productions, individual visual and performing artists and art organizations (to name a few), have been recipients of VICA funding. The Council also orchestrates opportunities for Virgin Islands artists to participate in exhibitions and festivals; thus far VICA has coordinated events in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Ghana, West Africa, New York, Washington, D.C. and Venice, Italy.

Through a competitive grant review process, each year VICA's Board of Directors awards an average of one hundred and fifty grants totaling approximately $400,000.00. In addition, the Council spearheads special projects such as Poetry Out Loud, The Big Read, The Congressional Arts Competition, Audience Development and Artists in Residency Program. These projects affords students to represent the Territory in national events and provide opportunities for the elderly, the disabled and at risk youth to view, enjoy or participate in living theatrical performances, musical concerts, operas, dance and ballet and other art activities that they would not normally be able to attend.

Virgin Islands Arts in Education Grant

Purpose  - The AIE program provides technical, financial and project support for education based, in and after school programs.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

The NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program aims to support exceptionally creative scientists who propose innovative research projects with the potential to significantly impact biomedical sciences. The program encourages bold ideas that diverge from existing research trajectories and welcomes applications across all areas of the biomedical field. As part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, this award fosters pioneering efforts that may lead to transformative advancements in health and medicine.

The MPS Materials Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, aim to enhance the understanding of materials and their diverse applications. These programs cover areas such as biomaterials, ceramics, condensed matter physics, and electronic materials. With an emphasis on transformative research, NSF MPS encourages proposals that are innovative and foundational, without the necessity for immediate commercial outcomes, fostering long-term advancements in materials science.

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award encourages exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research immediately after completing their doctoral degree or clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independent research careers while supporting innovative projects across all areas of biomedical sciences. It is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, aiming to foster groundbreaking discoveries.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Arconic Foundation, aims to expand STEM education in public and charter schools across several states. This grant will help cover costs for necessary equipment and training, focusing on high-need student populations. Eligible schools must implement PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course by the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to ignite student interest in engineering and increase enrollment in STEM disciplines.

The National Endowment for the Humanities offers the Collaborative Research grant, aiming to enhance humanistic knowledge through collaborative projects. This program supports groups of scholars in developing manuscripts, digital projects, or international collaborations. Projects should focus on significant research questions related to American history, culture, or Western civilization, fostering meaningful interpretive products that contribute to the field.

This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy aims to enhance oil and gas recovery and improve produced water management through innovative research and development projects. With a focus on unconventional reservoirs, the initiative seeks to deploy advanced technologies that can significantly increase recovery efficiency, which currently averages below 10%. Additionally, it supports the validation of water treatment technologies to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure safe water management practices.

The PLTW Engineering grant, supported by the Arconic Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education by funding the implementation of PLTW Engineering courses in schools. This initiative prepares students for future careers by igniting their passion for engineering. Grants will cover startup costs for new programs or expansions of existing ones. Eligible schools must offer PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course for the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring access to essential resources and training for educators.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program. Grants of up to $16,000 are available, with $12,800 allocated for the first year and $3,200 for the second. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Engineering courses for three academic years. Eligible schools include public, private, and charter institutions located in the U.S., U.S. territories, or DC. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in engineering.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program by the NSF aims to support transformative research in wave-based computing, fostering significant advancements in foundational engineering knowledge. With funding opportunities including EAGER awards and four-year grants up to $2 million, EFRI-WBC encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to address strategic technology priorities. Proposals should articulate their potential long-term impacts on national science and technology missions, promoting a new era in computing methodologies.

The FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program aims to enhance the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections by eligible government entities. With $9 million available, the program supports innovative drone technologies and prioritizes projects that improve safety and operational efficiency. Grant funds can be used for purchasing drone systems and contracting services. The federal share may reach up to 75% in certain cases, fostering collaboration and technological advancement in infrastructure management.

Lockheed Martin is funding PLTW grants to schools for adding or expanding PLTW Engineering programs. This initiative aims to meet the growing need for engineers and technology professionals by providing students with essential skills in engineering and computer science. Since 2007, over 300 PLTW programs have been launched, benefiting more than 77,000 students nationwide. Schools can apply for funding to either start new programs or enhance existing ones, promoting innovation in education.

The Puffin Foundation's Environmental Artistic Activism Grant Program supports artists addressing environmental issues through diverse artistic genres such as film, music, and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, fund projects that prioritize sustainability and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and current DACA recipients. The foundation emphasizes projects that avoid contributing to environmental harm while fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Harold Balazs Creating Wonder Scholarship

The Creating Wonder Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors in Spokane County who are planning to attend a post-high school program at full-time status. Applicants must pursue one of the following fields: Art, Art Education, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Advertising, Marketing, Photography, Cinematography, Publishing or Graphic Arts. Samples of artwork are required for the scholarship program.

This is not intended for performing art students. Talent, discipline, commitment, passion, experience and ability to express through art are primary factors for consideration. Financial need and academic achievement are also considered. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.