Best Grants for Charities in Virginia

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The NRA Foundation: Virginia Grants are designed to promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports, adhering to IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and government agencies with an EIN. The foundation supports educational programs, research in firearms safety, and community benefits, while excluding commercial ventures and fundraising activities. Grant requests should align with the foundation's mission to foster safety and education in the shooting sports and related activities.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing environmental education and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay area. Funded activities include educational training for educators, increasing public involvement in restoration activities, and projects that mitigate pollution and restore habitats. The grant favors proposals that demonstrate clear objectives, community engagement, and practical benefits to the Bay, ensuring a positive impact on local environmental challenges.

Member One Federal Credit Union – Henry Lee Memorial Scholarship

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

Amount

• $1,500

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Moss-Henderson Scholarship

The Moss-Henderson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support the postsecondary educational pursuits of qualifying graduates of Mathews County public schools who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in the state of Virginia with a preference for those students planning to enroll at the University of Virginia. Students interested in any area of study are encouraged to apply, however, preference will be given to students interested in teaching children with learning disabilities. 

The MagMutual Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and diversity. It funds initiatives like pro-bono medical care for underserved populations, scholarships for minority medical students, and support for healthcare workers facing challenges. The foundation aims to maximize its positive influence in communities by advocating for policyholders and promoting meaningful changes in medical practices. Eligible applicants must have a policyholder's recommendation and be a registered non-profit.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarship

The purpose of the Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to adult students, seeking career readiness skills, connecting them to family sustaining career opportunities.

Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarships, awarded by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, will support adult learners in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and surrounding Virginia counties, pursuing post-secondary education in the form of credentials specific to the following industries:

• IT/Tech
• Healthcare
• Skilled trades

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The purpose of the grant program is to “support a continuum of evidence-based or promising programs that are trauma informed, reflect the science of adolescent development, and are designed to meet the needs of youth.” Funding is available for programs that address youth delinquency, including community-based services, mentoring, and school-based programs. 

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Maxwell Dudley Davidson Scholarship, offered by the Bedford Community Health Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing nursing degrees, including RN, BSN, or Nurse Practitioner programs. Recipients can receive up to $2,000 per academic year for three years. Eligibility requires residency in Bedford, Virginia, and enrollment in an approved health-related program with a minimum 'C' average. This scholarship aims to enhance community health services through education.

Virginia Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Intervention Summer Grant Program 

The purpose of this grant program is to fund effective diversion and prevention programs designed to provide enrichment opportunities for youth during the summer months. These federal funds are available under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act Title II Formula Grants Program from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Title II grants are intended to “support a continuum of evidence-based or promising programs that are trauma informed, reflect the science of adolescent development, and are designed to meet the needs of youth.”

Eligible projects must fall within the following priorities:

• Reducing disproportionality in the juvenile justice system;
• Addressing behavioral health needs of youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system;
• Serving youth and system-involved youth in their home communities; or
• Increasing family engagement and community involvement for youth.

Programs must be evidence-informed (research and data driven). Applicants seeking to expand or replicate an existing project must be able to demonstrate progress and success in what has been done through the life of the project. Projects should demonstrate that programming is approached through a trauma-informed lens.

Expected Total Amount of Funding

DCJS anticipates $200,000 in federal funds will be available for awards under this funding opportunity.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Twin County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Carroll and Grayson Counties and Galax by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives that improve health, education, and general welfare. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, the foundation strives to create meaningful and measurable impacts that uplift the region's residents and enhance their overall well-being.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

About DHR

What is DHR?

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, And People of Color Historic Preservation Grant Program

Chapters 185 and 186 of the Acts of Assembly of the 2022 Session of the Virginia General Assembly established in Code the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund (BIPOC). The purpose of the legislation is to create a grant program to protect and support Virginia’s historically underserved and underrepresented communities and the cultural and historical sites associated with them. This fund will provide grants for the acquisition, protection, and rehabilitation of historic and archaeological sites of significance associated with Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is implementing a new online grant management system called WebGrants for all its grant programs. WebGrants will enable DHR to more efficiently publish grant opportunities, administer projects, and process claims. You will need to register in WebGrants to apply for this grant opportunity. To do so, click this link.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

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 Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Comprehensive Community Corrections Act & Pretrial Services Act Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provide essential funding to local governments for community-based probation and pretrial services. These grants aim to offer alternatives to incarceration, enhance efficiency within the criminal justice system, and promote collaboration between agencies and community organizations. Eligible applicants must have an active Community Criminal Justice Board to ensure effective local oversight and support.