Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Virginia

The BJA FY 2026 Investigating and Prosecuting Sexual Assaults in Confinement Facilities Program aims to enhance state, local, and tribal capacities to investigate and prosecute sexual assault incidents within confinement facilities. This funding opportunity is designed for law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to effectively address and reduce sexual assault occurrences while improving prosecution success rates. Applications are due by September 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine Travel Grant

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation brings our mission directly to patients in rural and underserved regions of the United States and abroad by offering small travel grants to hospital-based clinicians and practice administrators involved in this work. The Foundation also aims to amplify the stories of inequitable patient care and celebrate hospital medicine professionals enhancing outcomes.

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation awards travel grants of up to $2,000 per person for travel to qualifying relief programs. Travel grants will be awarded to support travel for work conducted through established nonprofits, such as Doctors Without Borders, or a program run by a nonprofit academic health center.

The AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA) aims to bolster cardiovascular and brain health research at smaller educational institutions that lack significant NIH funding. With a budget of $100,000 annually over two years, the award supports various research areas, encourages student involvement, and strengthens institutional research environments. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. non-profit institutions with specific funding limitations, ensuring that deserving projects receive vital support for advancing health-related research.

The Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant supports youth-led projects for Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day. Open to U.S. and Canadian youth aged 5-25, grants of $250 or $500 are available, depending on volunteer engagement. Projects should address community needs and foster inclusivity among diverse youth volunteers. Successful applications will partner with local organizations and focus on relationship-building. A total of $50,000 in grants will be awarded, encouraging meaningful community service.

The Robert Whitney Erie County Farm Bureau Agricultural Scholarship supports children and grandchildren of Erie County Farm Bureau members in good standing, who have paid dues for at least two consecutive years. This scholarship is aimed at students pursuing post-secondary education, including vocational schools, with a preference for those majoring in agriculture-related fields. It provides financial assistance to eligible candidates committed to furthering their education.

The Bob Clark Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support local students pursuing degrees in criminology or law enforcement. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors from Greensburg, North Decatur, or South Decatur High School, selected based on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Applicants must submit a personal statement detailing their career aspirations. Notably, past recipients may reapply, although members of the Clark family are ineligible.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.

The Attie M. Austin Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports Greensburg Community High School seniors pursuing vocational or career training. Applicants must provide a personal statement and the scholarship is available for up to two years. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of education, fostering community generosity and impact.

The Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award, established by the Decatur County Community Foundation, honors Joanie Bostic's passion for youth and Greensburg athletics. This scholarship recognizes a senior who exemplifies outstanding school spirit through participation in or support of athletics or music. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School and submit a statement detailing their school experience and encouragement of Pirate spirit.

The Junior League of Sioux Falls Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from accredited high schools or home school programs residing in Minnehaha or Lincoln counties. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record, with ACT scores of 23 or higher or SAT scores of 1060 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship supports higher education aspirations by supplementing other financial aid.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Fredrick E. and Mary Meyer Scholarship

Applicant must demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a degree to become a registered nurse (RN). The scholarship is renewable. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 average in order to have their scholarship renewed.

The Kristin Lee Burry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports North Decatur graduates pursuing degrees in special education, pediatric medicine, or Christian ministry. This scholarship honors Kristin's legacy and her family's deep roots in the community, as her mother and brother are NDHS alumni. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship aims to ease the educational burden for deserving students and contribute to a brighter future.

The CSA Angels Project, initiated in 2006, provides critical conservation and curatorial support to small institutions with costume collections in proximity to the CSA National Symposium. Each year, one grant is awarded to enhance collection care, encourage volunteer engagement, and ensure preservation of these important cultural artifacts. Institutions must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a non-profit organization with a limited budget and staff, to qualify for this valuable assistance and training opportunity.

The Creative Capital Award, established in 1999, provides unrestricted project grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for innovative artistic works in various disciplines. It supports artists in visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature through a democratic, open-call process. Awardees receive professional development resources and mentorship over a five-year relationship. Additionally, recipients are automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, which offers a $10,000 grant to one artist from each U.S. state.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, supports charitable organizations that enhance society, focusing on democracy and civil liberties. The fund prioritizes projects that ensure equal citizen participation in the democratic process and protect civil liberties, especially those implemented nationally or across multiple states. It operates by invitation only and emphasizes flexible, informed grantmaking to qualified projects that align with its mission and values.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The National Institute on Aging, in collaboration with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at exploring the link between olfactory decline and aging, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. This research could reveal olfactory dysfunction as a health indicator in older adults and identify new targets for therapeutic strategies. While applications are not currently being accepted, interested researchers are encouraged to prepare for future submissions.

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.

Amyloidosis

Help with healthcare costs for amyloidosis

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

Amyloidosis is characterized by a build-up in amyloid protein in specific organs or throughout the body. It is a rare disease that affects multiple systems. Subtypes include hereditary amyloidosis, light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis), and amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis (secondary amyloidosis).

The Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund and Youth World Awareness Program, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports young individuals (ages 14-22) from Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties. It provides grants for international travel experiences aimed at promoting peace and justice. Since 1995, this initiative has encouraged students to engage in humanitarian work abroad, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth while addressing social injustices.

The African-American Community Foundation - Colbert Family Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to support graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools who plan to pursue a nursing degree. Administered by The Dayton Foundation, which has a rich history of community philanthropy, this scholarship focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students in need. It promotes inclusivity and addresses regional challenges while fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals in Greater Dayton.

The NIH grant focuses on elucidating the role of transporters in key perinatal barriers such as the placenta and blood-brain barrier. By establishing a multi-barrier transport network, the initiative aims to enhance understanding of maternal and infant health regarding nutrient and medication transport. This research will create essential resources and standards, fostering future studies on perinatal exposure and intervention strategies. Ultimately, it aims to advance knowledge in pediatric pharmacology and neurodevelopment.

Margot Eiseman Scholarship Fund

Established to carry on Margot Eiseman's legacy as an artist and educator by helping young artists pursue their dreams of an education and career in art.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$3,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The African-American Community Foundation - Waverly Glover Scholarship, offered by The Dayton Foundation, supports African-American students pursuing higher education at Central State University or Wilberforce University. Eligible candidates must be business or accounting majors with junior or senior status, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship honors Waverly Glover's legacy, promoting educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders in the community.

The IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, supports up to $5,000 for initiatives focusing on ocean engineering, including ocean protection and renewable energy. This grant aims to empower educators and professionals to engage pre-university students in STEM fields. With multiple funding levels available, this program encourages community outreach and aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators through hands-on learning and collaboration.

Richard L. Averitte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the Coming Together Project in memory of Richard L. Averitte, who was a music educator with Akron Public Schools for 31 years before becoming the first executive director of the Coming Together Project. The fund provides scholarships to Akron-area seniors who have participated in a music program.

Amount: Varies

• $500-$1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship supports emerging writers focusing on music criticism. This fellowship encourages applicants to submit writing samples that critically analyze live or recorded music. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents, 18 or older, and have less than two years of publication experience. The award includes unrestricted funds to advance their careers, alongside opportunities for publication and public speaking at the Democracy Center.