Best Women's Shelters Grants in Virginia

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.

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.

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.

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) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing supportive housing and shelters in Virginia can apply for TruStage Foundation grants to advance economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. Grants from TruStage Foundation help fund K–12 literacy, mentoring, tutoring, affordable and supportive housing, homelessness services, and rental assistance, with a national focus that includes organizations working to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities.

The Norfolk Southern Grant aims to support nonprofits in the Hampton Roads community, distributing $1 million each year for five years. It focuses on critical areas such as education, community enrichment, and sustainability, encouraging organizations to address issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and workforce development. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, operational since at least January 1, 2023, and serving the South Hampton Roads area. This grant fosters impactful community initiatives.

The Sue Cook Winfrey Fund, managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, supports organizations aiding abuse survivors, focusing primarily on domestic violence and providing essential services for both children and adults. Established in a region with a rich philanthropic history, the Fund prioritizes residential facilities for children, ensuring they receive the care and support needed. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation, active since 1950, has contributed over $344 million to local nonprofits, showcasing its commitment to community welfare.

The City of Suffolk's CDBG Program provides annual funding opportunities for non-profit organizations and city boards that serve local residents. Aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and enhancing economic opportunities, the program prioritizes projects benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific criteria, ensuring that funding supports community-focused initiatives. With a focus on collaboration, the program fosters partnerships to maximize impact and improve community facilities and services.

UWNSV Impact Grants

The Challenge

Nearly 4 in 10 households in the Northern Shenandoah Valley cannot afford the basics: housing, food, childcare, transportation, and healthcare.

And instability does not stop at one family’s doorstep. It ripples across classrooms, workplaces, clinics, and neighborhoods. We all feel the cost.

Impact-Driven Funding Opportunities. Hyper-Local Focus.

We live in the communities we serve, working alongside local leaders and residents. Together, we use local data and lived experience to design solutions tailor-made for the challenges right here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

It is all rooted in United Way values and proven strategies, but never a one-size-fits-all approach. Every dollar you give stays local, drives measurable results, and fuels change where it matters most — in your own community.

Our Response: Building Stability

United Way NSV invests in more than quick fixes. We create long-term stability:

• $535,000 invested through Community Impact Grants, endowed funds, and supplemental awards, strengthening 50+ nonprofit partners across the region raised during the 2024-2025 campaign season. 
• Nearly 1,000 volunteers at 80+ sites during 2024’s Day of Caring, completing painting, repairs, garden builds, and cleanups. This saved agencies thousands of dollars and strengthened community infrastructure, with even greater impact expected in 2025.
• 211 and other community initiatives connecting families to critical resources before crisis becomes catastrophe.
• $50,000 transferred annually to nonprofit partners through designated funds received during workplace giving campaigns.

Impact: Together, these efforts reached 11,000+ households and 27,628 individuals — nearly one in ten people in our region.

Our Priorities: Impact for People

We fund programs and partnerships that create lasting change:

• Education → Children succeed in school and beyond.
• Financial stability → Families avoid eviction, debt, and crisis.
• Health access → Neighbors receive care regardless of income or ZIP code.
• Community resilience → Families gain stability through food, housing, and other basic needs support.
• Collaboration → Shared solutions emerge that no one sector could achieve alone.

To ensure fairness across communities, investments were distributed regionally:

• City of Winchester – Housing stability, food access, youth enrichment
• Frederick County – Housing, crisis response, and family support
• Clarke County – Food security and youth development
• Warren County – Health clinics, shelter, and family resilience
• Shenandoah County – Rural health, education, and crisis care
• Page County – Domestic violence prevention, housing, and community care

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD) aims to enhance housing stability and well-being for American citizens residing in affordable housing. By funding Community Action Agencies and tribes, the initiative fosters public welfare engagement and service enrollment. The program addresses diverse needs, offering referrals, case management, and direct services in education, childcare, mental health, and more, ultimately supporting economic mobility and reducing dependency among vulnerable populations.

The Street Outreach Program (SOP) offers vital street-based services to runaway and homeless youth at risk of sexual abuse and trafficking. By focusing on areas where these youths gather, the program aims to empower them with healthy choices, access to shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and information on available services, ultimately promoting their safety and well-being. Funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, this initiative plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations.

The FY2026 Runaway Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center (RHYTTAC) aims to enhance the capacity of youth-serving professionals across the nation. Through targeted technical assistance, evidence-based training products, and best practices dissemination, RHYTTAC will support existing RHY award recipients. This initiative seeks to address the pressing challenges faced by runaway and homeless youth, ensuring better outcomes for vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Pool invites eligible nonprofits to apply for funding to deliver essential health, housing, and human services to residents across various regions of Fairfax County. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and support local organizations in addressing critical needs. Nonprofits interested in contributing to this mission are encouraged to participate in the proposal process.