Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The VCA Arts in Practice Grants program aims to enhance access to high-quality artist-led residencies across Virginia. Starting July 1, 2025, this rolling grant allows eligible organizations to receive up to 50% reimbursement of residency fees, with a maximum of $2,000. Activities must engage Virginia's communities through dynamic educational programming, supporting diverse learning environments for all ages. Interested applicants should apply at least two weeks prior to their scheduled activities.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

In July 1973, Virginia took measures to ensure that the Commonwealth and its residents would be protected from the effects of disasters, both natural and human-caused. Just 13 months after Hurricane Agnes caused record-breaking flooding, the Virginia Office of Emergency Services was created. The office was renamed the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) in 2000 (Va. Code Ann. § 44-146.18). Today, VDEM works with with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide crucial resources during all hazard disasters.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The NGSP, via State Administrative Agencies (SAA), provides funds to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack to meet the following three objectives throughout the period of performance:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.
• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.
• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

Given the evolving threat landscape, it is incumbent upon DHS/FEMA to continuously evaluate the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile, the following National Priority Areas (NPAs) shape current and future guidance:

• Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places.
• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers
• Enhancing Cybersecurity
• Enhancing Election Security
• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

Likewise, there are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise. The following are second-tier priorities that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:

• Effective planning;
• Training and awareness campaigns; and
• Exercises

Effective August 13, 2020, FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards to:

• Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system;
• Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system; or
• Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

Virginia Applicants

Up to $3,381,162 will be available for Virginia applicants in 2025. Of that amount, funding will be split across two applicant groups: NSGP-Urban Areas (NSGP-UA), and NSGP-State (NSGP-S).

NSGP-Urban Areas (NSGP-UA)

Up to $981,162 will be available for applicants located in a designated Urban Area by DHS. Individual awards may be up to $200,000. In Virginia, the UASI-designated areas are the Hamptons Road Area (with an allocation of $554,191) and the Richmond Area (with an allocation of $426,971). 

The VHCF Health Access Grants aim to enhance healthcare access for uninsured Virginians and those in underserved areas. This funding supports initiatives to expand care capacity, establish broader services, and address the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations include public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The program prioritizes projects that create coordinated systems of care to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Arts Access

Arts Access projects strengthen arts engagement by allocating resources to underserved and economically disadvantaged communities and districts. These projects provide arts programming and reduce the costs of or distance to high-quality arts experiences (theater productions, concerts, presentations, exhibitions, learning, workshops, etc.) in communities where limited arts access has been documented. Arts and cultural organizations located in these communities as well as organizations from throughout Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church may apply.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The Herndon Foundation, established in 1965, supports diverse local causes in the metro Richmond area, focusing on education, health, and cultural preservation. They prioritize programs that ensure educational advancement, meet basic human needs, and enhance access to arts and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation particularly favors programmatic support that demonstrates a significant impact. Grant requests submitted through their website are given priority.

The Hughes Memorial Foundation, established by John Edward Hughes, focuses on aiding children and youth in Virginia and North Carolina. Originally created as an orphanage, it now awards grants and scholarships to support projects that benefit children in need. Since 2000, it has distributed over $5.1 million to nonprofit organizations, emphasizing prudent stewardship and a commitment to helping those "most in harm's way". The Foundation also encourages matching funds from organizations to amplify their impact.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to help communities prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water access. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can fund projects like water transmission line repairs and construction of water sources, with amounts reaching up to $1 million. This initiative supports rural areas in restoring access to reliable drinking water after disasters.

The Commonwealth History Fund, established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, aims to enhance history education and preservation projects across Virginia. With annual grants of approximately $400,000, totaling nearly $2 million in its first five years, the Fund supports diverse initiatives that focus on underserved communities and significant historical narratives. Managed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, it emphasizes project urgency, community impact, and the qualifications of applicants.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Virginia provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports local governments, nonprofits, and tribes to enhance public health and environmental sustainability by ensuring access to reliable water infrastructure. Funds can cover construction, legal fees, and other necessary costs, helping communities thrive.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers the Special Interest Grants: Developmental Disabilities through two funds—the Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund and the Laura Turner Fund. These grants support organizations that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Gray Fund provides $5,000 to $10,000 for training programs for those with intellectual disabilities, while the Turner Fund offers $1,000 to $2,000 specifically for services to adults with cerebral palsy, promoting better living conditions in southeastern Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is inviting applications for the 2026 Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program, a continuation of the prior year's initiative. This program aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system through funding for localities and organizations involved in law enforcement, crime prevention, and victim services. The grant period will last 12 months, from January 1 to December 31, 2026, without extensions.

The Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Limited Competition Grant Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in Virginia. Managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, this program is open for applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle, focusing on initiatives that improve access to justice for survivors of violence. Eligible projects must create new officer positions within law enforcement to support these objectives.

The Unmanned Aircraft Trade and Replace Program, funded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provides one-time grants to local first responder agencies in Virginia for replacing unmanned aircraft. This initiative targets aircraft manufactured by foreign adversaries, ensuring that eligible agencies can enhance their operational capabilities. The program underscores the commitment to safety and efficiency in public service, while adhering to the National Defense Authorization Act's requirements regarding unmanned aircraft.

The Virginia Touring Grants program supports high-quality arts performances by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50% of performance fees for artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. Designed to expand access to the arts, these grants are available to Virginia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and federally tax-exempt schools. Presenters must secure a 1:1 cash match and ensure programs are publicly accessible, fostering increased community engagement with the arts throughout Virginia.

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lifelong Learning Grants

To facilitate and support arts learning for students, educators, youth, and adult citizens, reaching those who are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented, by providing opportunities to work with highly qualified professional teaching artists in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.

Description

Lifelong Learning Grants fund sequential hands-on learning programs and experiences designed to encourage artistic skills, processes, and creativity. Artistic and/or cultural discipline(s) may include, but are not limited to dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and visual arts. Arts learning programs include specific objectives, outcomes and methods of evaluation that are well defined and relevant to the learners involved.

The Community Conservation Program, funded by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, supports conservation initiatives in specific Virginia counties and cities. Focused on water quality protection, land conservation, and environmental literacy, the program encourages proposals that demonstrate measurable results, with funding starting at $50,000. Organizations are advised to seek informal reviews of their proposals before submission. VEE favors projects that leverage matching funds, thereby enhancing community engagement and environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding initiative by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation aims to foster conservation practices among youth in South Hampton Roads. It emphasizes education about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, encouraging hands-on experiences and action plans for watershed preservation. By equipping students with knowledge and skills, the program seeks to enhance environmental stewardship and ensure a healthier future for the region's natural resources.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation offers Vibrant Places grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. This initiative supports transformative projects in health, environmental stewardship, education, culture, and economic stability. The foundation encourages applications that incorporate green building practices to enhance sustainability and reduce operational costs for local nonprofits. Grants may not exceed 5% of a $1 million campaign goal, and organizations receiving funding must meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Environment Fund, launched in 2018 by The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, aims to protect and enhance the natural environment of Northern Virginia. It fosters collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions to promote awareness and citizen engagement in environmental protection. In 2025, funding will support nonprofit organizations providing educational programs in conservation, energy efficiency, sustainability, watershed management, and workforce climate initiatives, specifically targeting areas within Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The VCA Education Impact Grants aim to enhance arts education across Virginia by funding hands-on programs and residencies that engage students and communities. Eligible applicants include Virginia schools and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on professional development for artists and educators. A 1:1 cash match is required for funding, ensuring that projects are sustainable and impactful. This initiative fosters creativity and collaboration, enriching the educational landscape in both traditional and non-traditional settings.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Virginia provide essential support for small rural businesses, focusing on those with fewer than 50 workers and under $1 million in revenue. The program encourages applications of $99,000 or less, prioritizing projects that address key priorities such as food systems and poverty. Funded projects can include technical assistance, land development, and community economic initiatives, helping enhance business viability and promote sustainable growth in rural areas.