Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Virginia

New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award

The New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award provides early-career scientists the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks nominations for its 2026 New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award. Through this program, FFAR intends to provide early-career scientists with the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers. The New Innovator Award program supports and promotes exceptionally talented new faculty who are conducting critical and highly innovative research addressing significant food and agriculture challenges. These awards allow grantees to focus exclusively on research without the pressure of securing additional funding.

The New Innovator Award is a flagship program of FFAR’s Scientific Workforce Priority Area and seeks to promote career advancement of promising new scientists who intend to make a long-term career commitment to research in food and agriculture and bring innovative, ground-breaking research initiatives and thinking to bear on problems facing food and agriculture. Within the scope of the New Innovator Award program, investigators have the freedom to explore new avenues of inquiry that arise during their research. Therefore, FFAR is interested in the program of research to be explored and its impact as opposed to a list of very specific aims.

It is expected that, through this program, investigators will have the ability to pursue highly creative ideas, firmly establish their early lines of research into important food and agriculture scientific areas and provide funding stability in the critical early career years.

Each applicant can receive from FFAR up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of three years totaling a $450,000 investment.

To further support the grantees, and allow them to fully focus on their research, matching funds are not required for this program.

Local Agriculture Market Program

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships.    
• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.    
• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains. 
• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and   
• Simplify the application processes and the reporting processes for the program.

LAMP is an umbrella program created in the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), and Value-Added Producer Grants Program (VAPG). LAMP funding is divided between these grant programs.

The Engineering Environmental Resiliency (EER) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes innovative research focused on resource and energy conservation while enhancing environmental protection. By advancing technologies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing, EER aims to create resilient U.S. manufacturing systems. Key areas of interest include waste reduction, life cycle assessments, and the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, all contributing to a sustainable future.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

School Nurses Association of Carroll County (SNACC) Scholarship

The purpose of the School Nurses Association of Carroll County (SNACC) Scholarship is to provide scholarships to graduating seniors from any Carroll County Public High School planning to pursue a career in nursing. The scholarship is intended to help defray first year college expenses.

All income in the Fund shall be used for fund purposes.

The money shall be transmitted by the Community Foundation of Carroll County directly to the desired college or university and applied directly to the student's tuition and books. The monies shall not be remitted to the scholarship winner.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Fighter Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of The Fighter Foundation Scholarship is to honor those with similar adversities as Krisha Lee Davis. Having served in the United States of America military and survived cancer, she has overcome many adversities and has never given up on herself. The Fighter Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating or continuing student at a High School in Carroll County Maryland pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university who meets the criteria established for the fund.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Everybody's Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship

The purpose of the Everybody’s Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship is to provide a scholarship for a student who is a resident of Carroll County, Maryland, graduating from a Carroll County High School, a private High School or a student who is Home Schooled who has been accepted at an accredited College or University and who will be pursuing studies in the field of Textile Arts and meets all the criteria established for the fund.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Nursing Scholarship

To support future nurses who exemplify kindness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for others, honoring MaKenzi Rae Cash’s legacy of empathy and her dedication to standing up against bullying in our community.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Lee H Madairy Scholarship

The purpose of the Lee H Madairy Scholarship is to honor the life of Lee H. Madairy by providing scholarship(s) for a new or returning college or vocational program student who has shown academic achievement, excellent moral character and is pursuing a career in a STEM field. The successful candidate will have been accepted at an accredited College, University, or vocational program. The amount of money available each year for the scholarship(s) will be determined by the income generated by the fund. In addition, if income in any given year is sufficient, grants for other charitable purposes may be made in Mr. Madairy’s memory.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel Memorial Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to honor the life of Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel by providing scholarship(s) who wish to pursue a career in nursing or nursing students already enrolled in a program. The Fund will also make grants from time to time to charities or for projects that would have been important to Kaitlyn.

William D. and Catherine Griffin Fraser Scholarship

In memory of William D. Fraser and Catherine Griffin Fraser. Preference for a graduating senior from Olean High School or Cuba-Rushford Central School, but other graduates from other high schools in Cattaraugus or Allegany counties will be considered; preference for a four-year college, but two-year is eligible; student must be in good academic standing; financial need will be considered; preference for a student interested in a career in the medical field or education, but other majors will be considered. 

Southern Tier Military Support Group Scholarship

This scholarship fund will honor the work of the Southern Tier Military Support Group. The annual distribution will be available for a scholarship award for nontraditional students who are veterans, or for graduating high school seniors who are the children or dependents of a veteran or who are planning to enroll in an ROTC program during their college education.

Sondra J. Fox Scholarship

Established by Ruth D. Palmquist, Sondra J. Fox and Laurel S. Daise, this fund's purpose is to provide a scholarship for a student from Cattaraugus or McKean County who is pursuing a career in the mental health field with first preference for a student in a master's level program and second preference for an undergraduate college student who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. Major fields include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work and psychiatric nursing.

Pat McGee Nursing Scholarship

Established through the Pat McGee Endowment, named in memory of the former late New York State Senator representing the 57th district, awards are given each year to students, traditional or nontraditional, in the 57th State Senate district (which includes much of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties) who are pursuing nursing degrees. Students must maintain at least a C average. Students previously receiving the award also can reapply.

Burt Scholarship

Established by the Burt Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Olean in memory of Dr. Rudy Burt, this fund provides scholarships to graduates of Olean High, Allegany-Limestone Central, Hinsdale Central and Portville Central schools who demonstrate financial need.

Laurie Anzivine Memorial Scholarship

First preference for a graduating high school senior from any high school in Cattaraugus County, second preference for a graduating senior from any high school within a 30-mile radius of Olean, NY, who will be attending a four-year college and who has had an immediate family member or guardian who has gone through cancer treatment. The student must be in good academic standing. Financial need is not a factor. The applicant must submit an essay of no more than 350 words explaining what the student learned from his/her family member or guardian who struggled with cancer and the impact it left on him/her and what advice the student would give to someone else who may face the same situation.

Natan's Jewish Connections Grants empower innovative initiatives connecting diverse individuals to Jewish culture and practices. Aimed at organizations with budgets under $1.5 million, these grants foster inclusivity and creativity within Jewish communities in North America. By supporting emerging leaders and new methodologies, Natan strives to create systemic change and engage populations historically overlooked by mainstream Jewish organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, promoting a collaborative approach to philanthropy.

Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship

Established by Steven and Donna Teuscher in memory of their son, Jonathan, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate who has faced challenges while maintaining a positive attitude. Scholarship awards area available to graduating seniors from each of the following high schools: Allegany-Limestone, Hinsdale Central, Olean High and Portville Central schools.

James A. and Joan E. Maguire Family Scholarship

The James A. and Joan E. Maguire Family Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to local high school students graduating from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Belfast Central High School or Archbishop Walsh Academy. Special consideration will be given to students who have faced a learning challenge. Financial need is considered.

Gene and Sandra Froebel Teachers Scholarship

This scholarship will be for graduating seniors from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Portville, Hinsdale, Cuba-Rushford, Oswayo Valley and Bradford High schools attending a 4-year college who are in good academic standing and plan to pursue a career in education. Consideration is given to students who have overcome a hardship or challenge and/or have participated in athletics.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education

The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education (“Fund”) was established in 2015 by Adele Nickel, on behalf of the Nickel Family and the Nickel Family Trust. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to Central Valley students interested in Agriculture.

The scholarship is available to students admitted to community colleges, and public and private colleges and universities, including accredited technical schools.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

JP North Country Music Scholarship

 Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students in the Class of 2026 who plan to pursue studies in music are encouraged to apply.

Thurman G. Adams and Hilda McCabe Adams Family Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

Thomas A. & Mary Jo Russo Scholarship

Award:

• 4-year award of $5,000 per year. Students may be eligible to renew their scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they continue in the same degree program. 

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000. 

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Essay: Topic:

• “How a college education will help me make an impact on the community and affect my life.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,500. Awardees can re-apply.