Best Grants for Charities in Virginia

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

The Women's Research Mentorship Grant by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation supports women in interventional radiology research, enhancing opportunities for medical students and residents. With a funding limit of $25,000, this grant encourages collaborative projects between faculty researchers and trainees, promoting a culture of inclusion. The Pre-Review process is recommended for applicants to receive feedback before final submission. Key deadlines include September 20, 2024, for Pre-Review applications and January 15, 2025, for final applications.

South Florida Forensic Engineering 

South Florida Forensic Engineering was founded to provide specific building inspection services, inherent to the unique South Florida location. Our broad-ranging experience and innovative building science research enable us to maintain expert status on the forefront of the modern field of Forensic Engineering. The applications include storm damage assessments, complex plumbing leaks, property dispute resolution, site turnover studies, and building certifications.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scholarship

We offer one annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) scholarship.

Auger & Auger Disabled Scholar Award (Undergraduate Students)

The accident and injury lawyers at Auger & Auger are proud to support the disabled students of America with the launch of their Annual Auger & Auger Disabled Scholar Award, awarded in the Fall Semester each year to one high-achieving, bright student intending to pursue an undergraduate college degree.

As a personal injury law firm, our attorneys frequently represent families who are coping with the aftermath of serious injuries and disabling impairments. We observe firsthand the unique challenges that disabled men and women face and see the strength and perseverance necessary to overcome expectations. As part of our efforts to give back to the disabled community, Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship, given once a year, to assist with tuition and expenses at a qualifying undergraduate institution.

The Disabled Scholar Award is just a part of our efforts to be good members of the community and to give back to our fellow citizens. Our participation in Walk Like MADD’s 5K Fun Run helped raise awareness about drunk driving and with the Disabled Scholar Award, we hope to both raise awareness about the challenges disabled young people face while also helping one special young person to achieve his/her goals and dreams.

Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application and essay they provide.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Marshfield Lions Club Edward W. Heller Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student studying communication or journalism attending school full-time. Preference to a student entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate school OR a student attending a graduate school. Scholarship is renewable for a total of 4 years. Only one scholarship awarded per year.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

James Brasington Theater Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student wo is attending school full-time pursuing an undergraduate degree intending to study theater arts. Preference to a student who shows interest in and affinity for the art of acting and shows financial need. This scholarship can be renewed 3 additional years.

Special Achievement Scholarships

These scholarships are intended for graduating seniors from each Greene County high school who intend to enroll as full-time students at an accredited college or university. The Special Achievement Scholarships were established by the Greene County Foundation Board of Directors to honor the special achievements of graduating high school seniors. One award shall be given for each Greene County high school.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Heck P.E.O. - AJ and LeGrand Scholarship

This scholarship is for a non-traditional female student, who, having been in the workforce, is attempting to better their career standing, or change careers by pursuing an academic or trade degree full or part time at a university or tech school.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Fighter Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of The Fighter Foundation Scholarship is to honor those with similar adversities as Krisha Lee Davis. Having served in the United States of America military and survived cancer, she has overcome many adversities and has never given up on herself. The Fighter Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating or continuing student at a High School in Carroll County Maryland pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university who meets the criteria established for the fund.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Everybody's Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship

The purpose of the Everybody’s Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship is to provide a scholarship for a student who is a resident of Carroll County, Maryland, graduating from a Carroll County High School, a private High School or a student who is Home Schooled who has been accepted at an accredited College or University and who will be pursuing studies in the field of Textile Arts and meets all the criteria established for the fund.

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. 

Community Grants (restricted)

TCFHR manages a number of funds that make grants ONLY to organizations working primarily in specific fields.

Valley Arts & Culture Fund

This permanent fund provides program, project and seed funds to small and medium sized nonprofit organizations promoting performing and visual arts and interpreting the culture and traditions of and in the Shenandoah Valley.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Dennis E. Bangart Agricultural Scholarship

This scholarship is for students in the Marshfield Community Foundation Service Area, must be a fulltime student with dairy science as the area of study. Preference to incoming college freshman and to those who participated in 4H, FFA, Junior Holstein. Student financial need is considered.

The Summer Research Education Experience Program (R25) is designed to enhance educational activities in biomedical and clinical research. This program aims to provide high school and undergraduate students, as well as science teachers, with immersive research experiences during summer breaks. Applications for standard and renewal submissions are due on March 18, 2025, and consecutive years thereafter, while AIDS-related applications are due on May 7 in the same years. Letters of Intent are encouraged.

This funding opportunity aims to support innovative mechanistic research that enhances precision probiotic therapies. It encourages studies that identify person-specific features influencing probiotic responses, focusing on the variability among individuals. The goal is to develop strategies to improve probiotic clinical outcomes by understanding the biological patterns linked to probiotic effectiveness. Applications should demonstrate rigorous mechanistic studies and preliminary data supporting the correlation between host biology and probiotic response.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to nurture new independent investigators. This program is pivotal in providing early-career researchers with the necessary NIH support to establish their research programs in pain management. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027, including provisions for renewals and resubmissions, ensuring ongoing support for innovative research in this critical area.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) aims to develop a new generation of independent investigators in patient-oriented research focused on pain management. This K23 award provides essential funding to support early-career researchers, enabling them to establish independent research programs aligned with the NIH HEAL Initiative. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027, ensuring opportunities for renewals and resubmissions. This program is vital for advancing pain management research.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to support emerging independent researchers in pain management. This program aims to develop a new generation of skilled investigators by providing essential NIH research funding during their early careers. Notable deadlines for grant applications range from October 2024 to June 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for applicants to submit their proposals and enhance their research capabilities.

The National Cancer Institute's Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25) aims to enhance educational opportunities in biomedical research for underrepresented students in grades 6-12 and undergraduates. By fostering diverse participation, the program seeks to inspire interest in cancer research careers and strengthen essential research skills through hands-on experiences. This initiative aligns with the NIH's mission to support education and training in health sciences, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive research community.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Lloyd Crossman Scholarship (2025)

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Nursing Scholarship

To support future nurses who exemplify kindness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for others, honoring MaKenzi Rae Cash’s legacy of empathy and her dedication to standing up against bullying in our community.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

William G. & Marion E. Stuckle Scholarship

The fund was also established to provide scholarships and assistance with training for individuals pursuing, or wishing to pursue, a career in nursing. William Stuckle, and his late wife, Marion, have long recognized the importance of encouraging individuals in selecting nursing as a profession in our society and the need for constant updates in their training. The scholarship awards will be based on character, including the caring, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship of the individuals.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Walt & Jackie Redmond Education Fund

Walter and Jacqueline Redmond made a generous contribution to the Battle Creek Community Foundation to be used for scholarships for Battle Creek area students who are seeking education beyond high school. Involvement in Junior Achievement programs will be considered as a favorable factor in the selection process.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing academic financial support to graduating seniors of Battle Creek Public Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities. Crystyl Arnita Rucker (1951-2021) was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of John J. Pershing High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, at Michigan State University. She began her teaching career with the Battle Creek Public Schools, at Northwestern Junior High School. Affectionately known as "Ma Ruck" at Northwestern, she taught seventh and eighth grade journalism and English. She believed in connecting with each student to push his or her academic and personal potential, while having lots of fun. Outside of Northwestern, she taught and mentored Battle Creek students in the "Dreamers" Program and spearheaded academic after-school and family scholarship programs at the Battle Creek YMCA. She retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 2003.

The Patient-Centered Clinical Research Young Investigator Award (PCC-YIA) supports early-career scientists conducting innovative research in bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial cancer. This award facilitates studies focusing on patient-centered outcomes, quality of care, and health disparities. Eligible applicants must be within six years of their professional degree and have mentorship from an approved institution. The award promotes transformative research aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes in clinical settings.

The Bladder Cancer Research Innovation Award, funded by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Inc, promotes innovative, high-risk projects aimed at advancing bladder cancer research. This two-year grant encourages novel methodologies and interventions that tackle critical barriers and knowledge gaps in the field. Eligible projects should demonstrate direct relevance to bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma, fostering breakthroughs that could significantly enhance understanding and treatment of this disease.