Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Virginia

FY 2027 Victim Witness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications through the On-line Grant Management System (OGMS) (www.ogms.dcjs.virginia.gov/index.do) for state fiscal year (SFY) 2027, for the Victim Witness Grant Program (VWGP). This funding is supported by federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds, Virginia Crime Victim-Witness Fund (state special funds), and state general funds appropriated to DCJS in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state budget for SFY 2027.

The primary purpose of VOCA funding is to support the delivery of direct services to victims of crime. For the purposes of this grant program, a crime victim is defined as a person who has suffered physical, sexual, financial, and/or emotional harm as a result of the commission of a crime. This includes victims of federal crimes. 

The Virginia Touring Grants program supports high-quality arts performances by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50% of performance fees for artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. Designed to expand access to the arts, these grants are available to Virginia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and federally tax-exempt schools. Presenters must secure a 1:1 cash match and ensure programs are publicly accessible, fostering increased community engagement with the arts throughout Virginia.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Seay Family Scholarship Fund

Nick and Marvin Seay (Garnett Marvin Seay, II) and their parents Kathryn and Garnett are representatives of a family with ties to our region that are 200 years old. Kathryn Hill Seay was a successful businesswoman and community volunteer who operated the General Washington Inn and who lead the effort to create Fredericksburg’s Meals on Wheels program. Garnett Seay was a businessman as well, but was also a fine craftsman, particularly known as a furniture builder.

This scholarship fund was initially created in memory of Garnett Marvin Seay II, known to all as Marvin, upon his untimely death at just 24 years old. When their parents passed, Nick Seay modified the scholarship to honor each of his family members and the Seay Family legacy in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg.

Students who attend Fredericksburg City Schools, Spotsylvania County Schools, Fredericksburg Academy, or Fredericksburg Christian School are encouraged to apply.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The ShackLAX Memorial Scholarship Fund

The ShackLax Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Aaron M. Shacklette, honoring his spirit of commitment, sportsmanship and service to school and community. His passion for the sport of lacrosse, his immeasurable commitment to personal relationships and his compelling desire to see others realize their full potential under his guidance tempered with Christian compassion, leave behind a legacy of good will toward all who knew him.

Aaron or "Shack", the son of Richard H. and Cynthia M. Shacklette and the devoted brother to Kaitlin Anne Shacklette tragically lost his life returning home from Randolph College following the completion of his freshman year.

Aaron was a 2008 Stafford Senior High School honors graduate where he served as a guidance aide, student mentor, yearbook staff member, member of the Awkward Pause drama improv troupe, and he actively participated in football, wrestling and lacrosse.

Students who attend Stafford County Schools are encouraged to apply.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Sofia Silva Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund is established to preserve the memory of Sofia Silva, an active teenage member of Acteens and Fairview Baptist Church. Sofia demonstrated a strong commitment to academics and to living a careful Christian life. The scholarship will be given to the student who promotes the pursuit of youth excellence and who developed through involvement in church, community service, and academics.

The applicant must be a graduating senior from Fredericksburg City Schools, Stafford County Schools, Spotsylvania County Schools, Fredericksburg Academy or Fredericksburg Christian School.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region works with individuals and families to create permanent gifts for our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

For more than 25 years, The Community Foundation has been a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. Our vision is to be a trusted leader in engaged charitable giving and provide accessible, inclusive and sustainable philanthropy. 

The Homeless Animals Support Network Fund

This fund, entrusted to the foundation in 2023, is the next step in the evolution of the Homeless Animals Support Network - HASN’s mission to meet the needs of homeless animals all over Virginia.

The work began in October of 2012 as a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to saving lives and advocating for homeless animals in Prince William County. Realizing the need for assistance stretches across the state, HASN expanded to help other small animal rescue organizations throughout Virginia.

The purpose of the fund is to provide support on an as-needed basis for small rescues and shelters throughout the state of Virginia, to aid in the shared goal of a No-Kill VA. Realizing that not all rescues and communities have access to needed resources, the fund will bridge the gap by advocating for and providing grant assistance and resources to underserved and impoverished communities and homeless pets all across Virginia. Small shelters are defined as those with budgets of $300,000 or less.

Program examples include:

• Foster programs aimed at keeping pets out of animal shelters,
• Return to Home programs that assist owners through technology, microchipping, and other resources,
• Shelter Surrender Intervention aimed at assisting pet owners in need or crisis, to prevent them from surrendering their pets to the shelter,
• Foster programs for victims of domestic violence or those facing temporary traumatic instances,
• Assisting pets of the homeless and/or low-income pet owners with medical treatments as part of community outreach. For example, Spay/ Neuter programs, vaccines, behavioral assistance, food, and supplies, etc.,
• Spay/Neuter services,
• Something cool and unique that YOUR community needs! 

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Warren Ashby Thornhill Scholarship

Students attending VA Tech; Preference will be given to West Virginia residents.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Trackaday Scholarship (HBCU)

This scholarship supports students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Eligible candidates must have been accepted to an HBCU or be currently attending an HBCU as either an undergraduate student, graduate student, or doctoral candidate, and have graduated from public high schools in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham, Page or Shenandoah County.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Society of Seniors Foundation Scholarship

The Society of Seniors Foundation Scholarship was created to provide need-based scholarships to children of full-time employees at the various clubs that so generously host the Society of Seniors tournaments each year.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Henry Warden/Patty Shannon Scholarship Endowment Fund

Henry Warden, a Pennsylvania native, moved to Virginia in the late 1800’s, residing at his historic Hazel Hill on lower Princess Ann Street. In addition to owning several other farm properties around the city and in Spotsylvania County, Henry was very active in Fredericksburg public affairs: including, but not limited to serving on the Fredericksburg City Council for 12 years, holding a position as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors at Planters National Bank of Fredericksburg (a predecessor of today’s PNC Bank), served on the Fredericksburg City School Board and was one of the founders of Lee Hill Cemetery. He also owned several businesses including Hazel Hill Canning Company.

Patty Shannon is Henry’s great-granddaughter.

High school seniors graduating from Spotsylvania County or the City of Fredericksburg are eligible for this renewable scholarship as a first-generation college student in their immediate family and demonstrate financial need.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

About The Community Foundation

We inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Mission & Vision

We Make It Easy to Give Back to the Community We Love.

We strive to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County a place where its people and the greater community prosper generation after generation.

Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship

The Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship was created in 2012 in memory of Randy Michie. Randy passed away in 2011 after a bout with cancer. During his career at William Monroe High School, he coached two state golf championship teams and two state basketball championship teams, but more than that, he touched the lives of hundreds of students through the years. He personally helped many pursue their college degrees. Randy’s widow, Denise, established the Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship Fund to support Greene County area high school students.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, promotes the importance of trees and green spaces in college environments. By adhering to five key standards, colleges can achieve recognition that enhances campus pride and fosters environmental stewardship. This program not only contributes to healthier ecosystems but also supports students' mental well-being, encourages physical activity, and educates future generations about environmental care.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Northeast Neighborhood Endowed Scholarship

This fund supports post-secondary educational scholarships for graduating high school seniors who currently live in the Northeast Neighborhood community of Harrisonburg, Virginia.