Best Grants for Science Research in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through the Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Organizations conducting science-related education or health programs for children may be eligible if they demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Virginia can seek support for new or expanded initiatives. Creag Foundation supports creative, early-stage or evolving efforts across areas like health, community development, and social services; interested groups may begin with a letter of inquiry for invitation-only consideration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting youth-focused science or environmental programs in Virginia can seek up to US $15,000 to support research, education, and enrichment activities. With a mission to advance youth health, education, development, and welfare, Dan Paul Foundation provides funding for scientific endeavors, clean air and water, and related educational initiatives worldwide.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting health, education, or community programs in Virginia can apply for support from Labcorp Charitable Foundation. The foundation funds efforts such as healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, food pantries, and research or screening that promotes healthy lifestyles, which may include science and health-related research activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Charlottesville working on youth services, education, health, or financial literacy may be eligible for this local funding, which can complement science and health-related research efforts in Virginia. With a mission to advance health and healthy communities, Manning Family Foundation provides support to programs serving at-risk and disadvantaged residents.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or cultural projects in Virginia and worldwide can seek philanthropic support to advance programs, especially those in science and education. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver innovative, sustainable initiatives that may include youth STEM activities, community science outreach, and related research-linked programming connected to local Roche affiliates.

Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations conducting health, education, or humanitarian programs in Virginia and worldwide can seek support for work with marginalized communities. With a mission to promote health, education, and disaster relief, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, disease prevention, child welfare, and related human and social services that may include applied health research components.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs addressing housing, jobs, hunger, arts and culture, the environment, and inclusion. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s U.S. sponsorships may benefit institutions whose science research or STEM-related initiatives also advance workforce development, neighborhood preservation, or other community development goals.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting education or science-related programs in Virginia can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support their work. Hansen Family Foundation funds initiatives for children, education, the environment, humanitarian needs, animals, and arts and culture, with a preference for communities in Virginia and Arizona and smaller-budget organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting science research and related work in Virginia can access funding via the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, which supports science alongside education, health, the environment, and the arts. Projects that strengthen communities or benefit future generations may be eligible, with support available locally and beyond within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting community or environmental programs in Virginia can apply for flexible project support, which may include science-related research or education. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding for efforts that respect people, life, and the environment, so Virginia groups with research components in biology, earth science, or related fields may be eligible.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports community initiatives that may complement science and health-related research or education efforts serving vulnerable families and children.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations conducting community-based programs, including those connected to science education or research, may be eligible for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in support in Virginia and nationwide. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and related initiatives.

Virginia universities, research institutions, and other eligible organizations conducting science and engineering research can access funding through the US DOD for projects in hydraulics, coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, oceanography, and related fields. This Broad Agency Announcement from the Engineer Research and Development Center accepts pre-proposals year-round for diverse research and development topic areas.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting science-related work in education, health care, environment, or civic and cultural fields can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. This U.S.-focused program offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, primarily supporting organizations with at least three years of financial activity and broad community impact.

Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, and federally recognized tribes conducting health equity research can apply for Health Resources in Action’s Jeffress Trust Awards, offering US $150,000 over two years for partnership and collaborative planning. Funding supports policy, systems, environmental strategies, and community-based program or general research that advances health outcomes for Virginians.

Virginia university faculty and Virginia-based startups developing cybersecurity products and services can receive up to US $75,000 to advance commercialization-ready technologies. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative supports translational cybersecurity projects through its CATAPULT and ASCEND funds, pairing funding with a five-month accelerator that provides mentorship, market discovery, and business development support in Virginia.

Research institutions and organizations in Virginia conducting science-based projects on health disparities and social determinants of health can apply for the Jeffress Memorial Trust’s Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity, offering up to US $600,000. Funding supports collaborative research, including policy, systems, and environmental change analyses that advance health equity statewide.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for recognition and awards supporting collaborative social-impact work. Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award honors partnerships that measurably improve lives, scale across communities, and may benefit Virginia organizations conducting science research within broader community initiatives.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.