Best Grants for Charities in Virginia

The AKC Rescue Grant, offered by the AKC Humane Fund, provides essential financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on canine rescue and welfare. Grants cover significant expenses such as veterinary care, spaying, and essential supplies. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs and 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to dog rescue. This grant aims to facilitate specific projects and operational needs while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for awarded funds.

The Lingnan W.T. Chan Fellowship Program provides transformative educational experiences for Chinese students in the U.S. through service learning and intercultural exchange. Inspired by Professor Wing-Tsit Chan, this program emphasizes a commitment to service, personal growth, and leadership development. Fellows engage with non-profit organizations, gaining practical experience while living with American families and participating in seminars and reflection meetings, fostering intercultural understanding and professional skills.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Virginia and Richard Matz Scholarship

Sidney High School past graduates who are pursuing an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need, demonstrated community and school service, recommendations, and academic ability.

Awards

• Two $4,500 scholarships.

About Us

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst in maximizing the skills and creativity of educators at the K-12 levels and in cultivating pioneering approaches to teaching that result in dynamic student learning.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation sponsors proposals that enhance student learning and educational quality, paying particular attention to those that best serve the at-risk and under-funded, including:

• Curriculum that excites and challenges
• Inquiry projects that promote reflection and growth
• After-school programs that enrich and inspire

The Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for America’s youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding includes scholarships that provide far more than just tuition and books; grants that benefit the lives of more than just those who receive them; and results that reach far beyond the classroom in which the projects are introduced.

Student Teaching Scholarships/Mentoring

Designed to instill a lifelong, passionate commitment to education and learning at the highest level, McCarthey Dressman scholarships offer financial and mentoring support to educators who will be student teaching in their final year of a qualified teacher education program. Foundation mentors offer one-on-one guidance and attention to nurture the next generation of teachers. Scholarship recipients acquire and strengthen exemplary teaching practices that promote learning by their own students.

The Foundation awards one-year scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each to college students enrolled in teacher education programs at New Mexico State University; the University of California, Santa Cruz; The University of Texas at Austin; and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Consider applying for this scholarship if... 

• you are interested in maximizing your student teaching experience
• you believe that working with a mentor would add to your training experience
• you can provide documentation of financial need for the year in which you will be student teaching

The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Fellowship, hosted by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, offers fully-funded two-week or one-month residencies for African American and Latin American visual artists. This opportunity provides artists with personal studios, private accommodations, and meals in a collaborative environment. The fellowship aims to support diverse perspectives in the arts, encouraging applications from both emerging and established artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and photography.

The Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week fully-funded residency at Mt. San Angelo for writers of creative nonfiction. Established in 2000, this fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, encouraging diverse perspectives in various disciplines. The residency includes private accommodations, studio space, and meals, fostering a vibrant community of cross-disciplinary artists.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

East Spokane Kiwanis Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from West Valley, Central Valley, or East Valley School Districts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.

Community involvement is also considered. 

The Rotary Club of Portsmouth's Helping Professions Grant provides essential financial support to residents of the Seacoast looking to enter or advance in direct care professions. With scholarships and grants of up to $5,000, this initiative aims to address the growing shortage of skilled caregivers, ensuring quality care for families and individuals in the community. Eligible applicants can pursue training in various in-demand roles, enhancing their skills and career prospects.

The Alison Lurie Memorial Fellowship for Female-Identifying Fiction Writers, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week residency for a female-identifying fiction writer. This fully-funded opportunity includes a private bedroom, individual studio, and meals in a creative community. Supported by Edward Hower in memory of his wife Alison Lurie, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, this fellowship aims to foster artistic growth and diverse perspectives in writing.

The Shepard Family Scholarship, administered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students residing in NCCF's service area who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate education. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,500, this scholarship is also available for individuals in non-degree, adult education, or private primary and secondary programs. It reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community engagement.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare in the U.S. It aims to maximize the benefit to animals through education, spay and neuter initiatives, and positive advocacy. The foundation focuses on impactful programs, encouraging grants that align with their mission to end animal overpopulation and cruelty. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while individuals and political lobbying efforts are excluded from funding.

The NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs program seeks to enhance access to computational resources essential for AI-driven scientific exploration. By forming flexible consortia among government, academia, and industry, these hubs aim to foster innovation and workforce development in AI. The initiative aligns with national R&D priorities, emphasizing the critical role of AI in advancing scientific discovery and expanding infrastructure to support this mission across various disciplines.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Cultivating Potential Scholarship Fund

This program provides assistance to individuals in Innovia service region in Eastern Washington who, through uncertain circumstances, have struggled and want a better life, but lack the resources to get started. Students must be nominated in order to apply and will receive a scholarship to their accredited school and program of choice to help offset tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, housing and other related costs associated with supporting their educational endeavors. Program requires a mentor and mentor/applicant participation in a cohort of scholarship recipients.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

The Health Policy Research Scholars program, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, aims to develop leadership among doctoral students from diverse, nonclinical disciplines. This four-year initiative focuses on aligning research with community health needs, emphasizing equity and collaboration across sectors. Scholars will receive $30,000 annually for up to four years, complemented by mentorship and training. The program targets second-year doctoral students who are committed to influencing health policy and fostering a Culture of Health in their communities.

The National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers funding to support administrative expenses that bolster CDC's mission. This initiative enhances partnerships to address health threats both domestically and globally. Projects funded through this grant align with CDC's strategic goals, focusing on measurable outcomes such as program support and participation from various CDC Centers and Offices. Importantly, this grant only supports non-research activities.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

David L. and Frances G. Ray Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence (minimum GPA 2.5) and must also be good citizens of the community, as demonstrated by participation in community activities, school activities or employment.

Preference will be given to students who are pursuing education in medical or medical-related fields and those with limited financial assistance from other sources. Previous David L. and Frances G. Ray Scholarship recipients who maintain a 3.2 college GPA (4.0 scale) may re-apply to the program. 

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Traverse City Administrators’ Association Scholarship Fund (Central, West, TC High)

Available to a worthy senior who is pursuing a career in education.

One scholarship is awarded annually at each Central, West, and Traverse City High School.

The KONG Toy Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation in collaboration with KONG, aims to enhance the adoptability of shelter pets by providing enriching toys. This initiative supports animal shelters and adopters throughout North America, helping to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy. By focusing on pet enrichment, the grant seeks to increase the chances of successful adoptions, thereby reducing the euthanasia of adoptable animals. Organizations that are Petfinder.com members can apply for these valuable resources.

The Petfinder Foundation's Disaster Response and Recovery Grants provide crucial support to Petfinder members affected by natural disasters. These grants assist organizations in recovering from events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, ensuring that adoptable pets receive necessary care. Eligible applicants must be active Petfinder members and demonstrate a need due to disasters occurring within the past 60 days. The initiative aims to enhance the resilience of shelters and rescue groups in challenging times.

The Helen and Mario Garbin Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. With an average award of $500, this scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering education and community engagement. The foundation emphasizes attentive grant-making and collaboration to address local needs, ensuring that donors and organizations effectively work together for impactful results.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Dr. Mark Paxton Dental Scholarship

Applicants must pursue a career in the field of dentistry limited to dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dental lab technician and be a resident in one of the following counties: Spokane, Lincoln, Adams, Whitman, Pend Oreille, Stevens or Ferry. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship committee will consider the applicant’s experience participating in school or community activities and job or volunteer activities, as well as his or her commitment to academic excellence. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Glen Hawk Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship benefits a Shasta County graduating high school senior who is pursuing a vocational or technical certification at an accredited technical school or community college.

The Glen Hawk Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Helen Hawk, in memory of her husband. Glen Hawk Sr. served on the Shasta High School Board of Directors from 1979-1989.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Track Club Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors or current college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau County. Eligible students will have demonstrated involvement with running, as a high school or college athlete or through participation in organized running events.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Stan and Martha Scarborough Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to individuals, up to 24, from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County who have aged out of foster care.