Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Virginia

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites applications for longitudinal cohort studies focusing on HIV and substance use. This initiative aims to foster multidisciplinary research addressing HIV-associated co-morbidities and substance use disorders. The program encourages collaboration with a NIDA-funded Coordinating Center to enhance research agendas that align with NIH-HIV priorities, ensuring impactful policy and practice outcomes in the field of HIV/AIDS and substance use.

The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Shields Research Grant supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology research. Offered by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation and the Child Neurology Society, this grant provides $150,000 over two years. Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree and have not received independent funding. The grant emphasizes clinical research, fostering advancements in the treatment of pediatric neurological conditions.

The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Elterman Research Grant, established by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation in partnership with the Child Neurology Society, supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology. Eligible candidates can receive $150,000 over two years to conduct clinical or basic science research. This initiative aims to foster the development of researchers focused on pediatric epilepsy and related conditions, enhancing the field through innovative studies and collaboration.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The COPIC Medical Foundation Grants aim to improve healthcare outcomes by funding programs that enhance patient safety and reduce medical errors. With over $10 million awarded since its inception in 1991, the foundation focuses on scalable solutions to address healthcare fragmentation. This final grant cycle emphasizes innovative approaches that can be replicated across the healthcare community. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified or have a fiduciary partner to qualify for funding.

The Indigo Oak Fund, a Colorado-based private foundation, focuses on empowering women and children through various initiatives. By funding organizations that address issues such as domestic abuse, food insecurity, and gender equity, the Fund aims to improve lives and foster lifelong learning. Their mission emphasizes recognizing individual potential and ensuring equal opportunity for all, making a significant impact in communities across Colorado and the Bay Area.

The Dr. Alice M. Hudder- Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, established by Richard Molder, supports Erie County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Two awards will be granted: one for students focusing on science, math, or business, and another for those studying art or music, emphasizing financial need and a strong work ethic.

The Avant Garde Award supports innovative research on HIV and substance use disorders, encouraging creative scientists to explore high-risk, high-reward approaches. While applications are not currently being accepted, this initiative by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) aims to stimulate collaborations and impactful research. Early-stage investigators are particularly encouraged to consider this opportunity as they develop their proposals for future funding. The program uses the DP1 activity code, fostering transformative advancements in biomedical and behavioral science.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.

The Wild Felid Legacy Scholarship, established by the Wild Felid Research and Management Association in 2009, supports graduate students researching wild felids in the Western Hemisphere. It awards one to three scholarships ranging from $1200 to $1500, based on financial need and research impact. To date, 38 scholarships totaling over $44,000 have been awarded in memory of dedicated biologists who contributed to wildlife conservation. Recipients are recognized in the WFA's newsletter, the Wild Felid Monitor.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

About Samba RecoverySamba Recovery is dedicated to empowering individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction by restoring confidence and fostering resilience. Through a foundation of compassion, support, and holistic care, we guide individuals toward renewed health and wellness, meaningful relationships, and the discovery of their inner strengths—assisting them to achieve their fullest potential.Hope for Addiction ScholarshipSamba Recovery’s Hope for Addiction Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award dedicated to encouraging more young people to join the fight against addiction by pursuing degrees that directly support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

We welcome applications from all eligible students, with special encouragement for those who are in recovery themselves or who have been impacted by addiction within their families.Application requirements:

• Proof of college enrollment or acceptance
• Pursuing a degree with the goal of working with individuals and/or families impacted by addiction
• Completed application form
• An original 500 to 1000 word essay on how you are planning to use your degree to help individuals and families struggling with addiction, and why helping those affected by substance use disorder is important to you

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers financial support through undergraduate scholarships for up to 100 eligible college students each year. Applicants must be members of PC(USA) pursuing their first associates or bachelor's degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education while fostering a commitment to service within their communities.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative research in neurocognitive healthcare, with funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. This grant aims to address critical challenges in mental health by fostering cutting-edge research and transformative technologies. Applicants, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations, can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, with a focus on projects based in Southern California and the Greater Boston area. The Foundation is committed to catalyzing advancements in understanding the brain and delivering effective treatments.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

The Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program, managed by the TREE Fund and UAA, offers $50,000 in funding for 2024 to support vital research in utility tree care. The program prioritizes proposals focusing on employee safety, service reliability, and regulatory compliance. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, with the aim of addressing pressing issues in vegetation management. Applications are welcomed from those aligned with these priorities, promoting safety and efficiency in the utility industry.

The Susie Kubié Symphonic Music Scholarship, established in 2017, provides financial support to talented young musicians from the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program (AYSP). Each year, up to $4,000 is awarded to new or renewing scholars pursuing a music degree. Applicants are required to submit a personal essay, letters of reference, and a video performance. This scholarship not only aids students in their educational pursuits but also honors Susie Kubié's legacy of dedication to music education.

The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students from Madison and Culpeper County public high schools. It is awarded to high school graduates or current college students pursuing an Arts Major, defined as visual arts, music, theater, or culinary arts. Emphasizing academic merit and financial need, this scholarship honors the legacy of Lynne Goldsborough Yowell, a dedicated community advocate.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Investigator Sponsored Studies Program

Alkermes seeks to support research designed and conducted by independent clinicians and scientists through our Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISS) program. Alkermes may occasionally announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for research in clinical areas where gaps in data have been identified. 

The ISS research Alkermes supports must be based in the United States and is typically conducted by experienced researchers who have an established history of successfully completing research with independent funding. Alkermes can provide its marketed products to the ISS programs it supports. In addition, there may be financial support available, but please note that study budgets cannot exceed $300,000 (inclusive of overhead).

• ISS Areas of Interest
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Schizophrenia & Bipolar I Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

The AWWA Scholarships Program, led by the American Water Works Association, aims to support the future of the water industry by investing in students. The Mueller Water Products Continuing Education Scholarship awards $5,000 to an undergraduate student employed by a water utility, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in education. This scholarship not only aids financial needs but also encourages students to pursue careers in water supply, fostering growth in this vital sector.

This funding opportunity aims to address health disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America. The initiative encourages collaborative research that evaluates public health policies and improves health outcomes among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. Applications are welcomed from multi-disciplinary teams, with a requirement for collaboration with Latin American institutions. Key deadlines for submission are outlined, with a focus on innovative approaches to tackling critical health issues across the region.

The Health & Wellness Agency Grant, offered by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged communities by providing access to heart and mental health education. This grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission to enhance the well-being of African American children and families. Eligible applicants can receive funding to implement impactful health initiatives, while ineligible expenses include scholarships and operational costs.

The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) aims to assist veterans experiencing homelessness by providing tailored employment services. This federal initiative focuses on helping veterans transition to stable employment through job training, case management, and connections to local supportive services. HVRP aligns with national priorities to enhance career outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary tools and resources for sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives:

• Habitat Reclamation: Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

• Regenerative Agriculture: Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

• Renewable Energy: We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

• Soil: Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

• Tree Planting: Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions. 

• Water: We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

Tree Canopy Improvement Grant

Funding for projects in tree canopy improvement efforts:

• Increasing tree species diversity
• Planting in urban and suburban areas and green spaces