Best Grants for International Development in Virginia

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The FY 2023 Disaster Supplemental grant aims to support communities affected by major disasters, such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, by funding both construction and non-construction projects. This initiative focuses on long-term economic recovery strategies to address the challenges faced in areas with federal disaster declarations. Additionally, the Economic Development Administration has launched the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) platform to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the grant management process.

The Robert Kellogg Memorial Fellowship, offered by the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation, supports one graduate student from Iceland or the University of Virginia to conduct research or study. The fellowship covers up to $25,000 in project costs, including travel expenses. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program, demonstrate English proficiency, and have a defined research project. This prestigious fellowship honors Robert Kellogg's legacy in education and literature.

The NEA Foundation's Student Success Grants support educators in creating innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural understanding among students. This initiative encourages project-based and personalized learning, enabling students to engage with real-world challenges. Applicants must be members of the National Education Association and can use grant funds for educational materials and experiences. The focus is on enhancing academic skills, communication, and collaboration, ultimately promoting joy in learning.

The Bernau Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance individual lives and foster positive leadership through funding initiatives that provide long-term solutions. Grants are awarded to IRS-designated public charities or nonprofits, emphasizing projects that promote civic responsibility, education, and mentor programs. The foundation prioritizes smaller organizations that encourage meaningful community engagement and constructive change, ensuring a lasting impact on society.

The John M. O'Quinn Foundation Grant, established in 1986, has contributed over $192 million to various charitable activities, focusing primarily on Houston and its surrounding areas. The Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations and governmental units, emphasizing conservation, education, healthcare, and programs for underprivileged youth. Grants are not available for type III supporting organizations, individuals, or foreign charities, ensuring a targeted impact within the local community.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the PROSPECT Program to enhance education in critical technologies, targeting an investment of up to $100 million. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce across the critical minerals and materials sector, supporting the entire value chain from resource extraction to recycling. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and national laboratories, the program seeks to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and energy security.

The Indigo Oak Fund, based in Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing education, the arts, and social justice, particularly through its Equal Justice Under the Law Grant Program. This initiative supports organizations that promote fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation, and civic engagement. By funding programs focused on personal empowerment and equal opportunities, the fund aims to foster lifelong learning and improve lives, particularly for women and children in need.

The Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation Grant supports qualified Jewish organizations and charities in the United States, focusing on arts, education, health, human services, public benefit, and religion. Established by Dennis Schuman, the foundation continues his philanthropic legacy, providing funding exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Organizations must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for funding.

The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund Grant, established in 2024, supports innovative floriculture research and education. This partnership between the Gloeckner Foundation and AFE aims to enhance advancements in floriculture through substantial funding. Grants are available for university and college projects, emphasizing significant research importance and public accessibility. Projects can include funding for research assistants and must be accompanied by detailed outlines. Indirect costs and salaries are not covered.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The Spight Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the well-being of families and support environmental initiatives that benefit future generations. They welcome charitable organizations that align with their mission, regardless of location, with a primary focus on Northern California. By funding various projects, the foundation seeks to foster community health and sustainability, making a lasting impact on both local and global scales.

The East Texas Estate Planning Council Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing careers in accounting, law, finance, banking, investments, insurance financial planning, or philanthropic planning. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students in East Texas. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with FAFSA required, and can attend any college in the United States for one year.

The Boxley-Fox Endowment Fund, established by Robert and Genevieve Fox Boxley, supports cultural life and historical preservation in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are available for nonprofit organizations that promote the region's environmental beauty and artistic endeavors. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and serve designated areas. The fund encourages proposals that foster community engagement through diverse artistic projects, ensuring the preservation of the Valley's rich heritage.

Who We Are

OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places skilled individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds at nonprofits and agencies throughout the state of Texas. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for one year on capacity-building projects to advance your organization’s anti-poverty mission.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places community-driven individuals with nonprofits & agencies throughout Texas on transformative projects focused specifically on building organizational capacity and infrastructure to alleviate poverty. Get the support you need to accelerate your efforts in volunteer management, marketing, community outreach, fundraising, program development, and more!

Capacity building activities include:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Fundraising & Development
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Program Development

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

The ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants, funded by The Mellon Foundation, aim to enhance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice. These grants support projects that engage with historically marginalized communities, including people of color and those with disabilities. By providing resources and coaching for sustainable project development, the program promotes inclusion in the digital humanities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping digital knowledge and cultural heritage.

The Trent R. Dames & William W. Moore Fellowship, established by Dames and Moore in 1990, supports graduate studies for practicing engineers or earth scientists who are ASCE members. This fellowship aims to advance engineering science and enhance societal welfare through innovative applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences, addressing social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Annually, two recipients are selected to further their academic pursuits in these critical fields.

The Resilient Student Scholarship, established in 2023 by AIAA and Club for the Future, aims to support high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. institutions. This $10,000 scholarship is designed for students facing unique challenges, including disabilities or socioeconomic hardships. Recipients will receive mentorship from AIAA professionals to guide them toward successful careers in aerospace, fostering a new generation of innovators in the field.

The Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant supports scientific research in acoustics and related fields, promoting high standards of research. Eligible applicants include public charities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in acoustics. The Foundation emphasizes careful stewardship of resources and maintains relationships within the private foundation community to enhance collaboration. Proposals are reviewed through a letter of inquiry and full proposals are by invitation only, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission and objectives.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Community Service Award

Presented to an advisor who has made an outstanding impact on a community through leadership contributions to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. He or she has not only contributed to the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit, but also has an established record of motivating and inspiring others. This includes serving with distinction as a fundraiser, board member, or other executive position.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Emerging Impact Award

Presented to an advisor 45 years of age or younger who is making a mark in their community through their outstanding commitment of time, talent, and resources to a nonprofit over a period of at least 3 years, demonstrating exceptional promise in what they have already contributed and paving the way for the future.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Volunteer of the Year Award

Presented to an advisor who has made a significant impact on a nonprofit as a volunteer of at least 3 years by working hands-on and giving of their time, talent, and energy to make a lasting impact on the organization, those it serves, and the community at large.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to an advisor who has made a profound contribution to a non-profit organization through an established history of distinguished service, where he or she exhibited leadership, provided inspiration, and gained recognition and respect from peers and the community over a period of at least 20 years, helping the organization evolve and creating a lasting impact on the future of the organization.

The BC Ricci Institute–Harvard-Yenching Institute Joint Visiting Researcher Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for full-time faculty from Asia-based institutions to conduct research at two prestigious institutes in Boston during the 2026-2027 academic year. This six-month fellowship emphasizes the study of East Asian culture and provides access to extensive library resources. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and focus on interdisciplinary approaches within the humanities and social sciences.