Best Grants for Immigration Nonprofits in Virginia

Virginia Department of Education

The Virginia Department of Education is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. VDOE works in partnership with Virginia’s 132 school divisions to support and improve teaching and learning, set high expectations for all students, and promote student safety, wellbeing, and health.

Virginia Adult Education Competitive Grant Program

Purpose of WIOA Title II

In accordance with the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, the purpose of this funding opportunity is to assist eligible providers in developing, implementing, and improving adult education and literacy programs to provide concurrent services that focus on the following:

• Assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
• Assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and skills that are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;
• Assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
• Assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English; mathematics skills; and acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

This grant funding includes opportunities 1.0 – Adult Education Regional Programs, 2.0 – Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), and 3.0 – Corrections Education and Other Institutionalized Individuals (C&I).

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE)

The IELCE program enables adult English Language Learners (ELL), including professionals with degrees and credentials in their native countries, to increase their proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension skills in English and mathematics using standards-based instruction in order to understand and navigate American systems of government, individual freedom, and responsibilities of citizenship while preparing them for unsubsidized employment for in-demand industries that leads to a family-sustaining wage. All IELCE providers must offer at least one IET; not all IELCE participants must be enrolled in this component. 

IELCE Funds

IELCE grants are not allocated within the regional structure of adult education. Rather, they are competed and awarded based on demonstrated local need to develop education and training opportunities for local immigrant and refugee populations and the applicant’s past effectiveness in delivering such services. Eligible applicants for regional adult education providers, as well as other eligible applicants, including a consortium, may submit a single application for a local IELCE award.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

The DOJ FY 2026 BIDEN Program provides funding to support state and local agencies in addressing immigration-related crime. This initiative enables law enforcement to apprehend criminal illegal aliens, analyze gang activity, and enhance court operations related to trafficking crimes. The program facilitates temporary detention and transportation of offenders, promoting collaboration with Homeland Security Task Forces. Applications must be submitted via JustGrants by specified deadlines, with rounds of funding released throughout 2026.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration Grant Program funds innovative research on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and immigration. It aims to explore how these factors influence social, economic, and political outcomes for various populations, including immigrants and U.S.-born minorities. Projects should focus on original data collection, rigorous research designs, and address critical questions regarding diversity, policy impacts, and intergroup relations. Funding caps are set at $200,000, promoting multifaceted approaches in social science research.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants

The Botts family has been supportive of and advocates for the immigrant community for many years. Susanna taught English as a Second Language in Stafford County schools for eleven years until her retirement in 2010. Since that time, she has continued to work part-time with county ESL students; in addition, she has worked with immigrant families in their homes. Bill provided legal assistance to lawfully represent immigrants in civil matters for many of his 40 years as a legal aid attorney. In 2002, while Executive Director of Rappahannock Legal Services (now Legal Aid Works), he encouraged the Board of Directors to give up all federal funding for the legal aid program so that the organization could represent undocumented immigrants as well. Since 2016, he has served as a volunteer attorney for Baptist-based LUCHA Ministries Immigration Legal Services.

Bill and Susanna have also worked together through Catholic Charities to assist endangered children to come to the United States as refugees from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. They have worked through their church, Fredericksburg United Methodist, tutoring ESL students at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. All of their efforts have been informed and inspired by their experiences on over a dozen church mission trips to Central America and Mexico.

The Botts believe supporting the educational dreams of immigrant youth will serve not only the immigrant community, but also the community at large. The William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants will award at least two annual scholarships of $1,000 to support high achieving and or/highly motivated immigrants or refugees in our community. 

The Amalia Scholarship Fund for Higher Education, managed by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports current or former clients of the US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany. This scholarship enables students residing in the Greater Capital Region to pursue higher education, whether through a 2- or 4-year college, university, or a technical/trade school professional certificate program. Empowering individuals since 1968, the foundation promotes educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

The New World Fund Scholarship, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, provides financial support to new immigrants pursuing degrees at Berkshire Community College. This scholarship honors Gerald Dickler, who overcame adversity to succeed as a New York City attorney. Eligible students must have been in the U.S. for five years or less, demonstrate leadership potential, and exhibit financial need. By fostering academic success and community involvement, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship

The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship (supported by the George W. Bush Foundation) provides one or more annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to lawful permanent residents of the United States, U.S. citizens or refugees who were born in North Korea pursuing an educational program in the United States or its possessions. North Korean-born individuals pursuing a degree in accredited colleges and universities in the United States with South Korean citizenship are eligible to apply.

This scholarship may be renewed on an annual basis by completing the scholarship application in full. Renewal applications will be reviewed alongside first-time applicants.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants support innovative research in Behavioral Science and Decision Making. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, inviting insights from economics, psychology, sociology, and law to enhance our understanding of decision-making processes across various societal contexts. Applications are open to scholars with a doctorate, focusing on critical issues such as policing, housing, and immigration, while encouraging a blend of theoretical and empirical research to inform public policy.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants program focuses on Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research on the changing demographics of the U.S. population. This initiative encourages innovative collaboration among social scientists to enhance research quality and support the ideals of a pluralistic society. By building on insights from previous programs, it seeks to address critical questions concerning race and ethnicity within the context of immigration.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

The 2025 Vilcek Foundation Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations that celebrate immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences. The foundation invites applications from organizations operating under U.S. IRS Section 501(c)(3) that promote diversity and inclusivity. Grants will be prioritized for new partners and those in states without prior funding. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering appreciation for immigrant communities and their impact on society.

The Russell Sage Foundation offers Dissertation Research Grants to support innovative research addressing key social science questions. Focus areas include behavioral science, immigration, and economic inequality, particularly benefiting underrepresented doctoral students. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for projects that demonstrate rigorous methods and relevance to U.S. social conditions. The foundation prioritizes diverse applicants and those lacking funding resources to ensure impactful research outcomes.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The PCC Rapid Response Grants provide support for cultural initiatives that aim to shape narratives during critical cultural moments. These grants prioritize projects that engage communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized groups, focusing on intersectionality, gender justice, and social equity. Eligible projects include pop culture campaigns, research, and public spectacles that respond to urgent political and cultural events, aiming to reach mass audiences and disrupt harmful narratives.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

Growing Justice Fund Program

The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement is a multi-donor pooled fund driven by the wisdom and experience of funders, farmers and other workers in the food value chain with shared values and vision.

Awards Nearly $5M to 38 Community-Led Initiatives Supporting Values-Based Good Food Purchasing.

While community-serving institutions–such as schools, hospitals, and senior centers–spend billions annually on food purchasing, the benefits of these contracts have been largely bypassed by small- and mid-size producers, especially Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant producers. 

For the 2025 grant cycle, the Growing Justice Fund awarded a mix of Planning Grants and Implementation Grants, with grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. These investments support projects that strengthen engagement with community-serving anchor institutions—including schools, hospitals, and elder care facilities—that hold significant purchasing power and can drive meaningful economic and social benefits for historically marginalized communities.

Priority Areas

Infrastructure:

Building and strengthening systems that enable equitable food purchasing, including support for historically disadvantaged producers, food hubs, and institutional partnerships.

Policy and Organizing:

Supporting grassroots organizing, educational policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that align institutional food purchasing practices with community-defined priorities.

Traditional Food Pathways:

Advancing food sovereignty within Tribal Nations by supporting traditional foodways, local food economies, and community-led approaches to Native food systems.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Patrick Dillon Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified 

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington, is either a first-generation immigrant to the United States or is the child of a first-generation immigrant, and who attends, or will attend, an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

The Home Study and Post-Release Services program, led by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, provides critical support for unaccompanied alien children in the U.S. It ensures safe placements with sponsors by conducting thorough home checks and offers ongoing assistance to help children adjust and thrive. This program is vital for the well-being of vulnerable youth navigating complex immigration processes, fostering healthy connections within the community and ensuring their safety during this transitional period.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.