Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Hampton Roads MSA can receive up to US $25,000 for small, time-limited projects in areas like nourishment, shelter, education, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment. Focused on community development, the Blocker Foundation invites Virginia groups addressing immediate local needs to apply on a rolling basis.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community-serving projects in Suffolk and Western Tidewater, Virginia can seek Community Impact Grants to support local health, education, arts, human services, environmental, animal welfare, and youth or senior programs. Focused on broad community development, Suffolk Foundation prioritizes locally led groups with projects benefiting residents in its defined service area.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar community organizations can apply for Baltimore Life Foundation’s community grants, awarding US $500 for specific projects that enhance family life, safety, or community development. Programs such as child safety education, neighborhood watch, or community clean-ups with strong volunteer involvement may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access recoverable grants in Virginia and nationwide to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund provides US $10,000 - US $50,000 for economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases, which may help community-focused efforts challenging systemic harms and advancing community development outcomes.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia, can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s US $10,000 - US $250,000 grants to support community services, education, health, environment, and arts programs. Virginia community development and service organizations may be especially competitive if they reach vulnerable or underserved residents.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities in parts of Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., metro area can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time capital, equipment, or other direct-service needs. Community development, parks, playgrounds, housing, and family-strengthening projects in Virginia may be especially competitive.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Cameron Foundation provides Virginia community organizations with project, operating, and capital grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $200,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties may receive support for community development, human services, health, education, arts, conservation, and other local service projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Hampton Roads region in Virginia and nearby North Carolina can receive funding for community development, basic needs, education, and economic opportunity projects from the Blocker Foundation. With a mission to expand opportunities for disadvantaged communities, the foundation provides project, program, core operating, and capital support for up to five years.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community-focused human services, legal aid, education, health, workforce, or arts programs in Virginia localities served by Venable offices can apply for Venable Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Community development and revitalization efforts supporting economically disadvantaged residents may be competitive.

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.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital funding for community development, social services, arts, education, environment, or historic preservation can apply for US $50,000 - US $500,000 in challenge or matching grants. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports projects enriching community life across Virginia, including community service initiatives and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

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.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible K-12 schools, colleges, and universities can seek support for community projects that protect watersheds, conserve water, or expand equitable access to water-based recreation. Focused on water and environmental initiatives, American Water Charitable Foundation invites projects completed within 12 months and located in its Virginia service areas.

Community development and revitalization organizations in Virginia can seek funding for unique, one-time downtown projects that advance local revitalization goals. Grants from Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development help Virginia community development and revitalization efforts by supporting Main Street organizations leading collaborative projects with downtown partners, boards, committees, and volunteers, with awards up to US $75,000.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive up to US $7,500 for historic preservation planning and public education projects. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help groups protect cultural and natural resources, develop preservation plans, and run outreach or community forums that strengthen local livability and community development.

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

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations and public institutions in Mercer County, West Virginia and Tazewell County, Virginia can apply for grants supporting education, health, human services, and arts and humanities projects. Community Foundation of the Virginias provides Virginia community-focused groups with funding that may benefit local community development and service initiatives.

Virginia community service and nonprofit organizations serving Shenandoah County can access funding through Shenandoah Community Foundation for arts, civic affairs, environment, education, health, and social welfare projects. 501(c)(3) charities, including those in the broader Shenandoah Valley that benefit county residents, may receive US $250 - US $10,000 to strengthen local programs and services.

501(c)(3) public charities in Virginia seeking capital funding for charitable, religious, educational, and community service projects can apply for the William H.-John G.-Emma Scott Foundation’s support. Grants prioritize programs that alleviate human suffering and improve the lives of families and children, including private elementary and secondary education, churches, and select arts and humanities initiatives in the Richmond-area counties.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Virginia communities with large-scale community development, education, health, human services, arts, or environmental programs can seek program or capital funding, including multi-year support, from Pacific Life Foundation; awards US $15,000 - US $100,000. Grants from Pacific Life Foundation help Virginia community development and revitalization efforts addressing significant local needs.

Virginia nonprofits running established K–12 education programs for Native American children on reservations can access funding through the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. Grants, totaling approximately US $77,000, support year-round, direct-service projects with measurable outcomes, strong financial accountability, and collaboration that benefit underserved communities and advance community development goals.

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.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public or nonprofit schools, and faith-based organizations can apply for the Loudoun Impact Fund Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for services in Loudoun County. Funding from the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties supports projects aiding vulnerable children and youth, people with disabilities, and older adults, including basic needs, health, education, and support services.