Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Virginia

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including those in Virginia, can apply for McGraw Foundation’s general operating, project, or occasional capital support grants. Awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger grants possible for unusually promising, high-impact efforts.

With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Cameron Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with project, operating, and capital support ranging from US $10,000 - US $200,000. Eligible small nonprofits must primarily serve the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties and work in areas such as health, human services, education, arts, community development, or conservation.

Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access scholarship funding to advance their work. Virginia small nonprofits that partner with or support such students may also benefit. American Water Works Association offers the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, providing US $3,000 for impactful, actionable water industry research.

Virginia environmental and conservation nonprofits and public agencies can receive support for water quality, land conservation, environmental education, and climate adaptation projects in Virginia. Virginia Environmental Endowment provides funding for initiatives improving local rivers, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, advancing sustainable land use, boosting environmental literacy, and addressing emerging issues like coastal climate resilience and invasive species control.

Virginia small nonprofits supporting underserved youth or adults through education, workforce success, health, or resilient community programs in Greater Richmond can access funding through Carmax Foundation. Eligible organizations serve Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, or the city of Richmond and must demonstrate clear community need for their services and programs.

Small 501(c)(3) public charities serving vulnerable residents in Northern Virginia can seek funding for community services, education, arts, environment, and health programs. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $250,000 to organizations working in Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church to improve regional quality of life.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Virginia can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects improving soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, and qualified municipalities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Virginia can seek support for local programs in areas like affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, and human services. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides flexible, locally guided grants of more than US $1,000 to high-impact initiatives.

Virginia agricultural and forestry producers seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can receive technical and financial assistance to improve soil, water, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship. Focused on land and habitat conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Virginia invites eligible operations to enroll entire farms or forests in five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts with annual payments.

Small nonprofits serving women, children, and families in Virginia can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for programs that build self-sufficiency and resilience. Organizations working on homelessness, education, employment readiness, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, or related humanitarian aid may be eligible.

With a mission to support permanent, capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with semi-annual challenge or matching grants for facilities, renovations, and major infrastructure. Small nonprofits across Virginia, especially in the Richmond metro area, may be eligible for projects in cultural arts, community development, education, historic preservation, environment, health, and social services.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, environment, human services, arts, or community development programs can apply for Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation grants; awards US $1,000 - US $15,000 for specific projects. Eligible organizations must operate where Dominion Energy provides service or has significant facilities, with applications accepted during spring and fall cycles.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia focused on human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture can seek approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Focused on community well-being, Venable Foundation invites organizations in Northern Virginia localities such as Fairfax and Arlington Counties to apply.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Virginia conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. Eligible colleges and universities must award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; small nonprofits that operate such institutions or programs may be eligible.

Early-career medical and health researchers at small Virginia or other low- and middle-income country academic or research institutions can seek support for mentored clinical research careers. Focused on global health and diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health conditions, the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Early-career health researchers at small academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can pursue mentored career development and research support through this award, including scientists with Virginia affiliations. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award offers approximately US $140,000 over three to five years for health-related research aligned with home-country priorities.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering educational, youth, arts, community, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support new or enhanced initiatives. John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prioritizes education-focused projects and prefers proposals that launch or stabilize programs, provide matching funds, or complete capital campaigns.

Health-focused nonprofits and institutions in Virginia can seek corporate sponsorship to support congresses, events, or similar initiatives that offer Biogen tangible benefits like exhibit space, banners, or marketing. Grants from Biogen Foundation help organizations working in areas such as neurological diseases, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related conditions fund programmatic events rather than general operations.

Small 501(c) or 170(c) nonprofits in Virginia working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Accredited educational institutions nationwide are also eligible, with awards up to US $1,000 per retiree per year.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for education, basic human needs, health, and arts and culture programs, including general operating or limited endowment support. Herndon Foundation prefers programmatic requests, prioritizes organizations in the Richmond metro area, and typically awards up to US $25,000 to efforts that demonstrate substantial community impact.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Grant supports programs that engage members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. Managed by Serve Virginia, these grants can provide up to $27,000 per full-time AmeriCorps Member Service Year, with no cap on the number of members. AmeriCorps focuses on enhancing educational outcomes, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing community health needs, thereby fostering a culture of service and volunteerism across Virginia.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grant supports developing frameworks for AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. With awards ranging from $75,000 to $240,000, these grants provide essential resources and technical assistance to organizations looking to enhance their service delivery. AmeriCorps programs focus on various areas, including disaster services, education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, and support for veterans. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits and government bodies to strengthen community impact.

The Data Center Community Grants Program (US-CBF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance their local communities surrounding Google data centers. Funding is available for projects focused on education, economic opportunity, bridging the digital divide, sustainability, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, prioritizing measurable community benefits and innovative approaches. Eligible projects must demonstrate long-term impact, while operational expenses are generally ineligible. This initiative aims to empower underserved groups and foster collaboration within local ecosystems.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.