Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Virginia

The ADEAGies Foundation Grant supports oral health innovations and the development of future leaders in academic dentistry. Funded by the ADEAGies Foundation, the program offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for various dental programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals each March, aiming to fully fund as many projects as possible while reserving the right to offer partial funding. Grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Downes - Jay and Rheba Downes Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

In memory of James Ed (Jay) Downes, an Alice businessman and civic leader, and his wife, Rheba. Mr. Downes founded and served as chief executive of Energy Dynamics, an oilfield equipment and service provider in the domestic and international markets. He was named 1995 Citizen of the Year by the Alice Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its Hall of Honor. He served on the Alice Industrial Foundation Board, the Alice/Jim Wells County Transportation Committee and served as president of the Jim Wells County Master Planners Association in 1993-1994. Jay was an avid golfer and understood the value of a university education. He died unexpectedly in 2000. His wife, Rheba, passed away in 2013.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

John B. Grubb Scholarship

Open applications for Danville and Pittsylvania County graduates.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship

Open applications for Pittsylvania County Public Schools graduates, preferably students pursuing the fields of education, health-related careers, or business careers. Must attend a Virginia public or private institution.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

George A. Grekos Scholarship

 Open applications for Danville/Pittsylvania County graduates, with a preference for Chatham High School graduates who plan to attend or are attending Christopher Newport University.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Hardin County Bar Association Scholarship

The applicant must be a resident of Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements

• An essay expressing how you are an example of a good citizen, how you exhibit a keen sense of justice and fair play in your attitude towards others, why the financial assistance is important to you and any interest you have in a legal career
• Letter of recommendation from guidance counselor or principal

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

Frank S. Dillon Scholarship

Open applications for graduates in Danville, Pittsylvania, Halifax or Caswell County pursuing training recognized as career, technical, or vocational education.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Brice Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements:

• A list of all athletic involvement
• A list of all extra-curricular activities
• Letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or sponsor

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Brianna Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements:

• A list of all athletic involvement
• A list of all extra-curricular activities
• Letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or sponsor

The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation's President's Grants support educational projects that enhance health professional training. The foundation prioritizes diversity, collaboration, and ethical navigation in clinical learning environments. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis, primarily aligning with these priorities, and are capped at $25,000, including a maximum of 10% for indirect costs. Applications are accepted year-round from tax-exempt institutions focusing on medical and nursing education.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Becca Bohannon Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a female graduating senior from Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Meade or Nelson County

Additional documentation requirements: An essay describing how service to others has been an important part of your growth and development.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

The Robert Winters and Sydney Waskey Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students who plan to major in education at Central Bucks High Schools and Council Rock.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

The David Perrine Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students graduating from Central Bucks School District. Eligibility is based on the criteria set forth by David’s family.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

Frank, Mary and Ray Compton Scholarship

 Open applications for Pittsylvania County graduates who have a need for financial support

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Steven Pannepacker Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students at Council Rock North and South High Schools who excel in academic studies and participates in extracurricular activities and community service.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Robert Winters Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students who plan to major in education at Council Rock and Central Bucks High Schools.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

First Responder-Hero Education Scholarship

Open applications for Danville, Pittsylvania, and Caswell County graduates whose parents are armed forces members or veterans, law enforcement officers, or fulltime or volunteer firefighters, with a preference for graduates whose parents were killed or wounded while performing their duties.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

Diane Marie Gross Scholarship

Open applications for Danville and Pittsylvania County graduates attending Washington and Lee University or the College of William and Mary.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Maurice Neinken Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students with financial needs, preferably to those from families with a historical connection to the garment manufacturing industry in Upper Bucks or Eastern Montgomery County- primarily the Quakertown, Pennridge, Palisades, and Souderton school district regions.

The Tri Kappa Scholarship - Women's Giving Circle, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enhance life quality in South Lake County by providing financial assistance for various community needs. This non-renewable scholarship is open to residents over 21, with the next awards ceremony scheduled for May 7, 2026. The initiative reflects a commitment to maximize charitable impact while honoring donor intentions.

The Sue & Ken Dyer Foundation Travel Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial support of up to $2,500 for students from select schools in South Central Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to assist juniors and seniors with travel costs for educational or service-related trips. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and submit a report detailing their travel experiences. The fund supports the foundation's mission to enhance community development and educational opportunities.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship

Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.

Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”

The Take Note! Antonia Brancia Memorial Scholarship, established in 2007, honors the legacy of Antonia Brancia, a dedicated pediatric audiologist and music lover. Offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship supports students from multiple towns who actively participate in music and pursue post-secondary studies in related fields. With an approximate award of $1,000, it aims to foster future talent in music education and performance.

The Smith Literary Scholarship, established in memory of Margaret P. Smith, supports literary and historical research for students majoring in History or English Literature. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000, with funds disbursed to colleges by August 1. This scholarship is available to residents within the Community Foundation's 42-town service area, promoting educational opportunities for aspiring writers and researchers.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Cave Spring Lions Club Scholarship Fund

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors currently attending a high school in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton or home schooled students in these areas. The following criteria will be used as the basis for the scholarship awards: applicant’s prior academic performance; applicant’s performance on accepted tests designed to measure aptitude and ability for college work; and applicant’s prior leadership performance.

ESSAY TOPIC: Explain your view on leadership/volunteerism and the role that it has played in your life. (Maximum two pages)