Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Virginia

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Appalachian Virginia and neighboring states can receive technical assistance funding to build capacity for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice work. Appalachian Community Fund supports training in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, legal issues, and community organizing that strengthens long-term environmental justice and broader social change efforts.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program support in communities where Costco operates. Organizations working on environmental justice alongside these priorities may be eligible if they meet the focus and outcome, collaboration, and budget criteria reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits tackling major social or environmental challenges in Virginia can access funding via Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, which supports scalable solutions for underserved communities. Eligible organizations are post-pilot, under 10 years old, and aiming to reach at least 10,000 people; awards up to US $300,000 over three years include intensive capacity-building support.

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.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations focused on environmental justice, environmental education, or food and farm initiatives can apply for grants up to Up to US $35,000 to foster just and sustainable communities, including in Virginia. Grants from Harris and Frances Block Foundation help small grassroots groups advance environmental justice and food justice through community-based programs.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Virginia can seek funding for impactful cultural programs, capital projects, or limited general support that engage broad audiences. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations with budgets over $2 million, especially museums, performing arts institutions, and STEAM-focused programs that demonstrate strong, sustainable results.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Virginia LGBTQ and social justice nonprofits can access funding through Appalachian Community Fund to build capacity, strengthen organizing, and support organizational development in Central Appalachian communities. 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups working on systemic change, especially new or youth-focused LGBTQ efforts, may be eligible for up to US $2,000 to advance community-led justice initiatives.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Environmental and community-focused charities in Virginia can seek philanthropic support for humanitarian, science education, community development, and contemporary arts projects. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities worldwide deliver sustainable development initiatives, disaster response, youth STEM education, and cultural programming, which may include work benefiting communities facing environmental burdens and inequities.

Rural, grassroots community groups in Virginia working on social, economic, environmental justice, education reform, immigration rights, or voter engagement can access funding through the Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund, with awards up to US $3,500. Grants may support community organizing, capacity-building technical assistance, or travel for conferences and civic engagement activities.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for environmental or community programs may be eligible for support from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. The foundation funds environmental and wildlife protection activities, as well as museums, education, health facilities, and community-based services that can benefit local environmental justice efforts.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for environmental, economic, racial, or social justice in Virginia and nationwide can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable funding for case expenses. The Impact Fund provides support for out-of-pocket litigation costs like experts and discovery in class actions and other systemic cases.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, including organizations in Virginia. Funding supports hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, employment and job readiness, and community development, which may benefit environmental justice efforts that also advance economic stability and neighborhood revitalization.

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.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, or Falls Church in Virginia can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support community services, education, health, arts, and environmental programs. Virginia organizations advancing environmental justice and advocacy within these localities may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations with early-stage projects in environment, heritage conservation, or social justice can receive up to US $175,000 in flexible, three-year support. Focused on catalytic, high-impact ideas, the J.M. Kaplan Fund invites innovators nationwide, including Virginia-based environmental justice efforts, to propose game-changing pilots or prototypes addressing clearly defined needs.

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.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing in Virginia and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Focused on social, economic, and environmental justice, Southern Partners Fund backs efforts that build local leadership and power, which may include environmental justice and advocacy work.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year funding for environmental conservation, nature and wildlife, or related humanitarian programs through the Robinson Foundation. The family-operated funder supports Southern-region charities whose projects show tangible, meaningful impact, including work that may advance environmental justice for vulnerable communities.

EV Charging Assistance Program (EVCAP)

The Virginia Department of Energy is offering the EVCAP subaward program to work at the community level to understand and address issues surrounding the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The focus is on specific underserved communities, and the results will inform current and future EV charging deployment.

The grants are open to EV charging vendors or for collaborations between governments and technology providers.

The second round of EVCAP focuses on community-level solutions that expand charging access in historically underserved areas, including historically economically disadvantaged communities, environmental justice communities, and brownfield sites, including previously mined lands. Virginia Energy is seeking projects that not only install charging equipment, but also demonstrate project readiness, improve accessibility, report on charger usage and community impact, and help overcome barriers to electric vehicle supply equipment deployment in Virginia.

Total Funding Available:

• Up to $510,000

Proposal Amount:

• Subawards up to a maximum of $510,000. The Virginia Department of Energy may elect to partially award proposals at its discretion.

EVCAP Round 2 is funded through the federal U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program (SEP) Formula Grant authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Virginia Energy is administering these funds as a competitive subaward program.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia working through strong cross-sector partnerships to address social issues may be eligible for recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide program honors exemplary collaborations that improve communities, demonstrate measurable impact, and offer models that can be replicated, including efforts tied to environmental justice and advocacy.

Water quality monitoring groups and individuals in Virginia can receive up to US $11,000 to support citizen water monitoring, including equipment, volunteer training, lab analysis, and outreach. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality supports water resource management and citizen science projects that generate usable data, educate communities, and can benefit environmental justice efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding in Virginia can seek support for their programs and initiatives. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit groups advancing environmental justice and advocacy as part of their broader mission, including work with impacted communities and ecosystems.

Virginia nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities near a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Virginia community organizations working on environmental justice or advocacy may be eligible if their projects align with Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s focus areas and serve communities within 30 miles of a GP facility.