Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Virginia

The Blocker Foundation offers Discretionary Grants to empower the Hampton Roads community by funding organizations that tackle immediate needs. Grants up to $25,000 support projects focused on wholesome nourishment, safe shelter, educational opportunities, and economic growth. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and serve specified areas within the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Service Area. These grants aim to create impactful, sustainable solutions while fostering collaboration among diverse community partners.

The Obici Healthcare Foundation offers Community Engagement Grants to support nonprofit initiatives that enhance the health of local residents. These one-time grants, ranging from $500 to $5000, are intended for programs that address community health needs, promote wellness, and improve health awareness. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the Foundation prioritizes collaborative projects that innovate and sustain long-term health improvements in Virginia and North Carolina.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Cameron Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-Cities area by funding initiatives that address health care access, human services, economic development, education, and cultural preservation. Grants support organizations serving low-income populations and emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. By focusing on innovative approaches and inclusivity, the Foundation seeks to create lasting impacts that empower residents and foster vibrant communities.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Blocker Foundation Grant aims to empower the Hampton Roads community by providing support for nonprofit organizations. With a focus on wholesome nourishment, safe shelter, educational and economic opportunities, the Foundation seeks to create impactful solutions to community challenges. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Service Area, which includes various cities and counties in Virginia and North Carolina.

100WomenStrong Grants, established in 2008, empower community members to impact Loudoun County through collective giving. This grant cycle prioritizes projects addressing shelter, health, hunger, and education. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with two years of operation, focusing on local needs. Grants support operational and project funding from May 2025 to April 2026, emphasizing innovative solutions and community benefits, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Pathways Out of Poverty Grant, established by the Herb Block Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged youth and adults in the greater Washington, DC area through education and vocational training. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will support projects that enhance student achievement, provide literacy and GED preparation, and promote job placement. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting the underserved and improving community outcomes.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, which emphasize challenge or matching support. Funding focuses on facilities and infrastructure for community development, social services, cultural arts, education, environment, and historic preservation, with preference for organizations in the Richmond metropolitan region that can leverage broad community giving.

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3) in four key areas: human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, with two application cycles each year. Notably, funding is unavailable for organizations without 501(c)(3) status or those located outside Dominion's service areas. This foundation aims to enhance community welfare through targeted support for impactful programs.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The ESVCF Community Grants Program supports capital projects and ongoing programs that positively impact residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for initiatives in areas such as arts, education, health, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that directly benefit local communities, with a focus on sustainable outcomes and collaboration. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and innovative solutions.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The Downtown Investment Grants (DIGs) program, operated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, supports Main Street organizations in revitalizing historic commercial districts. By providing funding for projects that require a 2:1 match, DIGs aim to enhance economic improvement, foster community investment, and empower local leadership. Projects funded through DIGs should align with the Main Street organization's mission and address specific transformation strategies to ensure sustainable development and community engagement.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

The Community Foundation of the Virginias, Inc. supports philanthropic efforts through grants and scholarships in Mercer County, West Virginia, and Tazewell County, Virginia. Funding is available for non-profit organizations in various categories including Education, Health, Human Services, and the Arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or public institutions, and must acknowledge the Foundation's support if funded. The Foundation does not fund individual support or ongoing operating expenses.

The SCF Community Grants support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Focusing on arts, civic affairs, environment, education, health, and social welfare, the Shenandoah Community Foundation welcomes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations. These grants aim to strengthen community engagement and address local needs, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions for diverse challenges faced by residents.

The William H.-John G.-Emma Scott Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, and educational initiatives primarily in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1956, it focuses on funding capital projects that alleviate human suffering and improve the lives of families and children. The foundation emphasizes support for Church Schools of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and other private educational institutions. Grants are not given to individuals or governmental entities, ensuring assistance reaches those in need.

The Pacific Life Foundation Grants aim to positively impact communities through strategic funding in areas such as arts, education, and health. Nonprofits with tax-exempt status can apply for grants up to $15,000 for program support or $25,000 to $100,000 for capital projects. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative solutions to meet community needs while honoring the legacy of Pacific Life and its employees.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities running community development, education, or local service projects in Virginia and other eligible rural regions can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen community vitality. Land O'Lakes Foundation funds efforts like city improvements, schools, economic development, and fire/ambulance departments in its East and West dairy member communities.

The Loudoun Impact Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, supports organizations that positively impact vulnerable populations in Loudoun County. Grantmakers prioritize projects aiding at-risk children, people with disabilities, and older adults. With donor contributions pooled, the fund aims to address essential needs, health services, and educational support. Interested applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or faith-based organizations committed to serving diverse communities.

The Suffolk Foundation's Community Impact Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations in Suffolk and Western Tidewater, Virginia, focusing on local projects in health, education, arts, and more. Grants prioritize organizations with strong local presence and leadership, funding direct project costs to enhance community impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt public charities serving residents in these areas. Exclusions apply for non-tax-exempt entities, individuals, and projects outside the service area, ensuring funds directly benefit the community.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.