Best Women's Shelters Grants in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations providing supportive housing, shelters, or related human services can apply for funding from the Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust. Grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 support programs in the Greater Richmond area, including housing, food, education, healthcare, and quality-of-life services for vulnerable women and families.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Virginia that are registered nonprofits can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant to purchase food or provide shelter. Eligible programs must operate in approved UNICO states, meet health regulations, and show a track record serving low-income or otherwise vulnerable people in the U.S.

Supportive housing and reentry service providers in Virginia can use this state-funded opportunity to deliver prerelease and post-incarceration case management, transitional housing, and employment readiness for people leaving local and regional jails. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services limits eligibility to the nine existing PAPIS programs that are in good standing with state agencies.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing supportive housing, shelters, or related human services can apply for Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation grants, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for programs and specific projects. Organizations serving basic human needs, community development, or health and human services, including women’s shelters, may be eligible if located in Dominion Energy’s Virginia service areas.

Focused on community development, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development invites Virginia localities to apply for competitive CDBG Project Grants, awarding US $40,000 - US $3,500,000 for housing rehabilitation, infrastructure, economic development, and public services. Local governments planning supportive housing or shelter-related projects may be eligible and are encouraged to seek technical assistance if projects span multiple categories.

Homeless service providers and Continuum of Care partners in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Homeless Reduction Grant to support emergency crisis response and housing-focused programs. Projects that coordinate with local assessment systems and prioritize youth and families experiencing homelessness may be especially competitive, including those operating women’s shelters and supportive housing.

Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Grant Fund 

The Virginia Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund, was a result of Senate Bill 350, introduced by Senator Lucas, and went into effect on July 1, 2020.

Funding Intent

Moneys in the fund shall be used solely for the purposes of providing matching funds to localities to install, maintain, or repair permanent infrastructure related to standby backup energy generation for emergency shelters, including solar energy generators, and to improve the hazard-specific structural integrity (wind retrofit) of shelter facilities owned by the locality.

Funding Priorities

• Project supports/protects vulnerable and marginalized populations
• Project is a long-term and permanent risk based solution
• Localities that submit applications for their primary shelter solutions will have priority. This will be verified by Local Capabilities Assessment Report (LCAR) submissions.
• Project identifies alternative solutions Grant Policy Guidance Application

Funding Limits

For FY27, there is $2,500,000 appropriated by the General Assembly to this fund.

Local governments are limited to one shelter upgrade application per year. However, the one application may include more than one site.

Limit of $450,000 (state share) for any single grant award.

Shelter Upgrade Fund may match any existing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants to upgrade shelters.

Local governments can only receive and implement one shelter upgrade grant at a time. Construction on any previous awards must be complete at the time of application. If a current Shelter Upgrade Grant project is in progress, the local government may still apply and receive the award after the conclusion of the current project.

With a mission to support capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with challenge or matching grants for permanent facilities and infrastructure. Organizations offering supportive housing, shelters, health clinics, or related social services, especially in the Richmond metro area, may secure funding for building acquisition, renovation, or equipment needs.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) Program

The ASNH funding program opens applications twice a year - in the fall and spring to fund both rental and homeownership projects. To be eligible for ASNH funding, all projects must be new construction or substantial renovation of affordable housing units, or the adaptive reuse of buildings to create new affordable housing units for lower income homeowners or renters. Acquisition-only projects, public housing, and public facilities including emergency shelter, hospitals, nursing homes, or intermediate care or assisted living facilities are not eligible for ASNH funding. 

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation help Virginia supportive housing and shelter nonprofits fund programs that move individuals and families toward financial independence, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Organizations serving homeless populations, providing social services, or offering housing support in Manchester, southern New Hampshire, or the New Hampshire Seacoast may be eligible.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program aims to support organizations providing safe, high-quality care for children in federal custody due to immigration status. This initiative requires providers to be licensed and available 24/7, ensuring children's well-being while they await permanent placements. Special emphasis is placed on facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the need for immediate and responsive care options for vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit organizations providing supportive housing, shelters, or related social services in Virginia can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation, with typical awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Programs addressing homelessness, housing, youth, health and human services, veterans, or broader community support may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit organizations in Martinsville, Roanoke, Salem, and surrounding Virginia counties can apply for Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia’s Community Wellness Grants to support basic human needs programs. Funding may benefit women’s shelters through food assistance, safe and affordable housing initiatives, homelessness prevention, temporary shelters, and essential supplies for vulnerable individuals and families.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering supportive housing, shelters, or services for homeless women and families can seek project, operating, or endowment support, typically under $15,000, from the Chapman Foundation. Focused on community-based work where its board and members live, it also supports related programs in education, family services, and substance abuse prevention.

Nonprofit and local government organizations providing education, health, housing, shelters, or related services can apply for funding from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund supports supportive housing, shelters, public safety, addiction treatment, and other charitable activities, including programs that may benefit women’s shelters in Virginia through eligible Native American organizations.

LSC-funded legal aid organizations providing civil legal services to low-income disaster survivors in Virginia and other U.S. areas can apply for Legal Services Corporation’s Disaster Grants Program to support emergency response and preparedness. Funding covers disaster-related legal aid projects, incurred costs, and coordination efforts that may benefit organizations operating supportive housing and shelter programs for affected women and families.

About the Community Foundation

Our Mission

Our Mission is to Grow Community Giving. We build local endowment by fostering a community of grantmakers, promoting strategic local leadership, and investing in partnerships for the benefit of the community of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier.

Loudoun Community Response Fund - Phase Two - Community Stability and Assistance Grants 2026

About the Fund

The Loudoun Community Response Fund was launched in 2025 to strengthen our community’s capacity to meet the growing needs of individuals and families striving for financial stability, well-being, safety, and long-term security. As more Loudoun residents seek assistance, the Loudoun Community Response Fund helps ensure that local nonprofits have the resources and support needed to deliver essential services and promote lasting stability. Funding for the Loudoun Community Response Fund is made possible through a one-time investment from the County of Loudoun.

Phase One funding was granted to local nonprofits in December 2025 through the Community Response Grant Round One and Housing Displacement Support Grant programs. The Community Foundation then conducted a community input process in 2026 to assess community needs, especially in the context of federal funding and policy shifts that may impact local residents and service delivery, as well as to inform the funding strategy for Phase Two. The community input process included data and literature review, in addition to focus groups and interviews with nonprofit, government, and funding partners, as well as community members. The Community Foundation now announces the opening of its Phase Two funding opportunities, informed by the community input process findings.

Collaborative Community Solutions Grants: Eligibility and Priorities

The Loudoun Community Response Fund announces the opening of its second phase of community response grants with two grant programs in 2026:

Community Stability and Assistance Grants Priority

The primary area of focus for this grant program is financial stability and emergency financial assistance for Loudoun residents. Proposed projects must address this area of focus to be considered.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing supportive housing, safe shelter, or related services can seek up to US $25,000 for small, time-limited projects through the Blocker Foundation’s discretionary grants. Focused on nourishment, shelter, education, and economic opportunity, this rolling program may benefit women’s shelters and other organizations serving low-income or otherwise disadvantaged communities in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing supportive housing, shelters, or related services in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region can apply for flexible funding to strengthen programs, projects, operations, or capital needs. With a mission to expand opportunity, the Blocker Foundation supports efforts that advance safe shelter, wholesome nourishment, education, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment for low-income and disadvantaged residents.

Virginia supportive housing and shelter-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Union Home Foundation for programs in financial literacy and housing stability. Grants of more than US $1,000 are awarded to organizations in eligible counties, with applications accepted quarterly and an eligibility quiz required as part of the process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible public entities working on supportive housing, shelters, or basic human needs in Virginia and other AEP service areas may be eligible for grants supporting housing and hunger. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation also fund STEM education, social justice, environmental, health, safety, and cultural programs.

Virginia supportive housing and shelter nonprofits can seek funding for STEM education, environmental sustainability, or communities in crisis programs that address basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. Focused on these areas, Avnet invites eligible U.S. organizations operating three or more years to apply; grants are reviewed quarterly and may benefit women’s shelters.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.