Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Virginia

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fund, managed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $1.25 million in CDBG assistance for impactful economic projects. Eligible recipients are non-entitlement local governments, which may partner with nonprofits and other entities. These projects must create jobs or support significant business expansions. Interested applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from DHCD staff to enhance their proposals, ensuring the strongest competitive applications.

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.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

CDBG Project Grants

CDBG Project Grants are awarded competitively to aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. There are four primary project types under this funding source: Housing Rehabilitation, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services.

Localities with potential projects that have activities applicable to more than one of these project types should contact DHCD for technical assistance

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.

The Camp-Younts Foundation Grant, established in 1955, focuses on supporting organizations that assist poor and needy individuals in Virginia and Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Preference is given to religious, educational, cultural, and civic organizations with outreach programs. The foundation only considers operating and non-capital grants, with average sizes ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Metro Atlanta.

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 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.