Best Grants for Gun Violence Prevention in Virginia

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Virginia

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Organizations working on violence and gun violence prevention in Virginia can seek funding for comprehensive group violence intervention strategies, law-enforcement and prosecutor training, and equipment. Grants from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services help support Operation Ceasefire and Operation Bold Blue Line by backing law enforcement agencies, localities, social service providers, and nonprofit partners; awards up to US $500,000.

Nonprofit and public safety organizations working on gun violence prevention in Virginia can seek funding for evidence-informed awareness, prevention, intervention, and reduction initiatives. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services offers US $2,000,000 through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program to support eligible projects across the Commonwealth.

Local government agencies in Virginia can seek funding for firearm violence intervention and prevention programs that interrupt and reduce local cycles of violent crime. Focused on community and public safety, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services offers US $25,000 - US $350,000 to support effective, sustainable, stakeholder-driven strategies serving those at highest risk.

Virginia gun violence prevention nonprofits can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to support firearm violence intervention and prevention programs. Grants of US $25,000 - US $250,000 fund community-based efforts that interrupt local cycles of violent crime and provide support and intervention for those at highest risk of firearm-related harm.

The Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL 2.0) initiative aims to provide multiyear funding for state and local health departments to implement violence prevention strategies for adolescents and young adults. Key focuses include enhancing data-driven decision-making, building capacity for evidence-based strategies, integrating youth mental health support, fostering multisector collaborations, and prioritizing the prevention of various forms of violence, ensuring comprehensive support for youth development.

The BJA FY 2026 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative aims to support law enforcement agencies in establishing and expanding Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs). This initiative encourages interagency collaboration for the effective management and analysis of crime gun evidence, enhancing the ability to swiftly identify crime guns and their sources. In partnership with the ATF, this program seeks to reduce firearm-related crime and improve prosecution outcomes.

Rapid Response Grants 

Emergency funding after mass tragedies.

In the wake of tragic mass events, such as shooting, speed matters. Our Rapid Response Grants provide expedited funding to victims and their families when time is of the essence. These grants ensure that families aren’t left waiting for critical support when they need it most.

• Awarded swiftly after mass casualty events
• Designed to provide urgent, compassionate support in crisis situations

Research institutions and similar organizations working on gun violence prevention in Virginia can access funding through the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to rigorously evaluate innovative strategies. Grants up to US $650,000 support studies on preventing firearm-related injuries, deaths, and crime, including mass shootings, suicides, assaults, unintentional injuries, and defensive gun use.

Nonprofits, research institutions, and other eligible organizations conducting healthcare research on firearm violence or firearm suicide in Virginia and nationwide can apply for Kaiser Permanente’s Category 2 pilot or formative research grants, offering up to US $250,000. Funding supports evidence-informed clinical care models and health system strategies that prevent, treat, and heal firearm-related harms.

Organizations or institutions conducting healthcare research on gun violence prevention in Virginia and nationwide can apply for capacity-building grants from Kaiser Permanente. Funding up to US $100,000 supports developing research infrastructure to study clinical and health system approaches to preventing, treating, and healing firearm-related harms, with a focus on engaging communities most impacted by firearm violence.

Virginia advocates and women leaders working on national-level Second Amendment, shooting sports, or firearms education initiatives may be eligible for the NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award. This national honor from the NRA Foundation recognizes women for competitive shooting, hunting ethics, education, legal or legislative work, or volunteer promotion of NRA programs.

Students in Virginia who are at least 18, enrolled in high school, college, or graduate programs, and personally impacted by gun violence can join a one-year advocacy and leadership fellowship. With a mission to elevate survivor voices, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund provides training to share stories and advance gun violence prevention nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community safety and gun violence prevention in Virginia and the greater DC region can apply for flexible general operating support from the England Family Foundation. Funding prioritizes groups serving Washington, DC and nearby counties, with a special initiative committing resources to end gun violence and promote safe, thriving neighborhoods.

Nonprofit public charities working on national democracy, civil liberties, and gun violence prevention efforts in the U.S., including Virginia, may be eligible for funding to advance these priorities. Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund supports projects that protect voting rights, reduce money in politics, and strengthen policy and education to prevent gun violence.

Virginia healthcare institutions and research-focused organizations working on gun violence prevention can access funding through Kaiser Permanente Advisory Services to study healthcare approaches to community gun violence and firearm suicide. Eligible projects may build research capacity or expand evidence-informed clinical care models, with awards up to US $300,000 available across the U.S.

Virginia gun violence prevention organizations and justice system agencies can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to reduce firearm and gang violence. Grants of US $25,000 - US $200,000 support group violence intervention, gun and gang crime task forces, firearms analysis, and prevention or reentry programs across the Eastern District of Virginia.

Nonprofit public charities with 501(c)(3) status supporting Jewish community life or advocacy may be eligible for funding, including work that addresses gun violence prevention, in Virginia and nationally. Focused on a vibrant, inclusive, and safe Jewish community, the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund supports education, civic engagement, and innovative, experiential Jewish projects through an LOI and invitation-only proposal process.