Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Virginia

Grassroots 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits working in education, human services, conservation, or health can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support impactful community programs, McGraw Foundation provides operating, project, and occasional capital support, which may benefit Virginia organizations whose work aligns with its focus areas.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving Virginia’s Tri-Cities region can seek project, general operating, or capital support from the Cameron Foundation, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $200,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cameron Foundation provides funding for health, human services, education, arts, conservation, housing, workforce, and community and economic development initiatives.

Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship to support impactful water-related research. Offered by the American Water Works Association, this US $3,000 award backs projects that deliver actionable, timely solutions to current challenges in the water industry.

Virginia grassroots nonprofits supporting underserved youth and adults through education, workforce success, health, or resilient community programs in Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, or the city of Richmond can access funding through Carmax Foundation. Eligible projects include tutoring, STEM, financial literacy, housing and homelessness services, food access, mental health, disaster relief, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Virginia grassroots and other nonprofit or governmental organizations can access funding for environmental projects through Virginia Environmental Endowment. The Virginia Program supports water quality and river restoration, Chesapeake Bay recovery, land conservation, environmental education, climate adaptation, and related emerging issues. Applicants must provide matching funds equal to or exceeding the grant request.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, or Falls Church can seek funding to improve health, education, housing, environment, arts, and community services. Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation supports comprehensive, culturally competent programs, capacity building, and systemic change efforts, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Virginia can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia supports projects improving soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Producers and land managers in Virginia seeking support to enhance conservation on working agricultural or forest lands can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which offers technical and financial assistance for whole-operation stewardship. Focused on environmental conservation and land stewardship, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia supports practices that improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall farm resilience.

Grassroots and other eligible charities in Virginia communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek support for local programs in areas like affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, and human services. With a mission to strengthen community quality of life, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 to impactful, well-supported initiatives.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Virginia supporting women, children, and vulnerable families can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for self-sufficiency and humanitarian programs. Funding may support adult readiness, child welfare, homelessness, education, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, disaster relief, and related services that build long-term resilience.

With a mission to support permanent, capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with semi-annual competitive challenge grants for facilities, renovations, equipment, and other long-term needs. Grassroots organizations may be eligible for projects in areas like cultural arts, community development, conservation, higher education infrastructure, historic preservation, and social services, with preference for the Richmond metro region.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs in education, environment, arts, community development, or health and human services can apply for Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation grants; awards range from US $1,000 - US $15,000. Funding supports specific programs and projects in areas where Dominion Energy provides electric or natural gas service.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia working in human services, legal services, education, workforce development, youth, health, environment, or arts and culture can seek general operating or project support, typically around Approximately US $10,000. Focused on equity and opportunity, Venable Foundation prioritizes organizations serving economically disadvantaged residents in Northern Virginia communities including Fairfax and Arlington counties, Alexandria, and Falls Church.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Virginia conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. Eligible colleges and universities must grant baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; grassroots-serving campuses may benefit by engaging undergraduates in research across public health, mental health, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and related fields.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored health research and career development. Focused on global health and disease research, the National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 to build independent research careers, including for collaborations with Virginia grassroots partners.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Early-career research scientists in health-related fields at low- or middle-income country institutions can apply for approximately US $140,000 in career development and research support, including those based in or collaborating with Virginia. The National Institutes of Health Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award backs mentored projects addressing LMIC health priorities across areas like cancer, mental health, and cardiovascular disease.

John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides Virginia grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations with US $5,000 - US $20,000 for education-focused programs and related community initiatives. Nonprofits working on tutoring, literacy, youth development, arts education, libraries, shelters, or environmental and historic preservation projects may be eligible, with a preference for new or enhanced programs and short-term or matching support.

Grassroots organizations and other entities in Virginia planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship that offers Biogen Foundation tangible benefits like exhibits or recognition. Grants from Biogen Foundation help support programs focused on neurological diseases, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, ALS, and related biomedical areas.

Grassroots 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Virginia working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations from recent Regions Bank retirees, up to US $1,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Regions Bank provides matching gifts that amplify individual contributions within its service footprint.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can seek funding for education, health and human services, and cultural or environmental programs, including general operating support and limited endowments. Herndon Foundation supports initiatives across the state, with preference for impactful programmatic work and agencies in the Richmond metropolitan region, awarding up to US $25,000.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grant supports developing frameworks for AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. With awards ranging from $75,000 to $240,000, these grants provide essential resources and technical assistance to organizations looking to enhance their service delivery. AmeriCorps programs focus on various areas, including disaster services, education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, and support for veterans. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits and government bodies to strengthen community impact.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Grant supports programs that engage members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. Managed by Serve Virginia, these grants can provide up to $27,000 per full-time AmeriCorps Member Service Year, with no cap on the number of members. AmeriCorps focuses on enhancing educational outcomes, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing community health needs, thereby fostering a culture of service and volunteerism across Virginia.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

The Williamsburg Community Foundation (WCF) offers community grants to support initiatives benefiting residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 through a streamlined application process that covers multiple funding opportunities. WCF prioritizes areas such as arts, culture, health, and community wellness, ensuring assistance reaches those in need. The foundation encourages first-time applicants to reach out for guidance before submission.