Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Virginia

The Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports exceptional Ph.D. students in their final years of study. This fellowship, honoring co-founder Jim Simons, provides $19,200 annually for research support and departmental funds, commencing September 1, 2025. Eligible candidates must be full-time Ph.D. students in a U.S. mathematics department, entering their third year. The program emphasizes research quality, significance, and potential impact.

The Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) aim to support emerging leaders in mathematics and statistics. These fellowships enhance participants' research environments, ensuring significant scientific development. Awardees can choose between a Research Fellowship or a Research Instructorship, with funding available for research across various mathematical and statistical disciplines. Proposals are submitted directly to the NSF, and fellows must affiliate with eligible institutions or organizations.

Nebraska Humanities Council

The mission of Humanities Nebraska is to help people explore what connects us and makes us human.

There are two organizations that fall under the Humanities Nebraska umbrella — the Nebraska Humanities Council is the entity that conducts programs and makes grants. The Nebraska Foundation for the Humanities works with the Council to secure private funding and advocate for public funding at the state and federal levels to support these programs. A third organization, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, serves as the endowment for both Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency.

Sower Award in the Humanities

Humanities Nebraska presents the Sower Award in the Humanities annually to honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to the public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska. This contribution can be made through any combination of time, expertise, or resources. The selection committee will consider how nominees have helped enrich the lives of Nebraskans through the humanities: history, literature, culture, philosophy, and all the ways we explore what it means to be human.

Each year, the Sower Award in the Humanities is presented prior to the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities. The award recipient must be present. In some past years the Sower Award was presented to organizations or communities; as of 2016, only individuals are eligible for nomination. Current board and staff members of Humanities Nebraska are not eligible.

Previous honorees have included:

• Talented humanities faculty who have taken the humanities to the public beyond their classroom;
• Committed volunteers dedicating their time and energy to enhancing the cultural life of Nebraska;
• Thoughtful journalists and filmmakers bringing the humanities to bear on important public issues;
• Generous philanthropists who have directed significant financial support to humanities-related programs and projects accessible by Nebraskans

The City of Virginia Beach offers Community Organization Grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide services to local citizens. This program allows recipients to receive funding based on evaluations by the COG Review and Allocation Committee. Eligible applicants must be independent 501(c)(3) non-profits, while City departments are ineligible to apply. The program ensures transparency through required financial and service delivery reports from grant recipients.

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation, established in 1999, aims to support charitable organizations in the Grand Traverse region. It honors the philanthropic legacy of Art and Mary Schmuckal, who dedicated their lives to community service. The foundation is managed by a volunteer board consisting of family members and friends, ensuring a commitment to wise stewardship of its resources. It welcomes applications from 501(c)(3) organizations throughout the year, focusing on making a meaningful impact in the community.

Residential Fellowships

Fellowships offer scholars the time, space, and support they need to pursue their work and the opportunity to take part in the Center’s vibrant intellectual community.

The National Humanities Center’s Residential Fellowship is one of the most prestigious humanities fellowship programs in the world. Fellows enjoy a beautiful and serene space to write, unparalleled library and reference support, excellent dining services, and a stimulating and supportive intellectual community.

A key feature, meanwhile, that differentiates us from many other fellowships is our residential requirement. Researchers are especially encouraged to apply when they expect to benefit from, and actively contribute to, an in-person community of other humanities researchers. If you prefer a research fellowship that allows you to do field work or to work in your own local space, this may not be the fellowship for you.

To be considered for this program, applicants must select that their institution is an HBCU when prompted in the online application system to identify the type of institution with which they are affiliated. Applicants may apply for a residential fellowship for the fall semester (September through December), spring semester (January through May), or academic year (September through May).

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County offers competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023 with a special $25,000 grant opportunity. The Giving Back initiative connects local nonprofits with essential funding, addressing diverse community needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt public charities located in the area, with grants supporting various funds for arts, culture, and community development. This initiative aims to enhance visibility and support for local projects.

The Community Needs Fund Grants, offered by the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation, support impactful projects that improve life quality in Southeast Virginia. Through two competitive cycles annually, grants prioritize innovative projects addressing pressing community needs, fostering wide participation, and demonstrating financial sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental bodies serving the area. This initiative aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector and enhance community cooperation, ensuring substantial benefits for the costs involved.

The Convention Opportunity Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), supports non-student members with incomes under $40,000 to present their research at the ASEEES Annual Convention. Established in 1948, ASEEES prioritizes first-time presenters and junior scholars lacking institutional support. The grant encourages diverse scholarly contributions and is aimed at enhancing the visibility of underrepresented voices in the field of Slavic and East European studies.

The Oris W. Dunham, Jr. and Sylvia M. Dunham Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, supports college students enrolled in aviation-related programs in the U.S. and Canada. Up to five non-renewable scholarships valued at $1,500 each will be awarded based on academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry by providing financial assistance to deserving candidates.

The Regional Scholar Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), provides up to $1,000 to support travel for faculty and independent scholars from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Applicants must present a paper at the ASEEES Annual Convention and meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency in eligible countries and ASEEES membership. This grant aims to promote scholarly exchange and foster participation among junior scholars and first-time presenters.

The ASMS Postdoctoral Career Development Awards provide five $5,000 grants annually to support the professional growth of postdoctoral fellows in mass spectrometry. Eligible applicants must be ASMS members and postdoctoral fellows within three years of their Ph.D. These awards can cover costs for conferences, workshops, travel to labs, or purchasing essential professional items, fostering career advancement in this specialized field.

The Human Networks and Data Science (HNDS) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing our understanding of human behavior through data and network science. It features two tracks: HNDS-I, aimed at developing data resources for social sciences, and HNDS-R, which leverages large datasets to advance theoretical frameworks in core social, behavioral, and economic disciplines. Proposals are encouraged to provide innovative insights that can lead to significant societal benefits.

The Community Foundation is honored to have a variety of scholarship funds established by individuals and groups of donors for the purpose of helping younger generations of Nantucketers further their education. Each fund is unique, and criteria and goals of the scholarship vary for each scholarship.

The Community Foundation for Nantucket awards more than $90,000 in scholarships each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. The most common award is $2,000. While some awards may be higher than this amount, no award amount will be lower than $1000.

Ann and Michael Rosenblatt Women in Mathematics Scholarship Fund

Provide tuition assistance to female students who excel in mathematics.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The ACLS Project Grants for HBCU Faculty provide up to $10,000 to support early-stage project design and development over a 12- to 15-month period. This funding facilitates exploratory research and the advancement of existing projects, while offering networking and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must be employed at an HBCU and possess an MA or PhD in humanities or social sciences. The initiative encourages innovative research methods and community engagement, with a focus on higher education outcomes.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region offers competitive grants to 501c3 nonprofits and approved local government entities in Danville and Pittsylvania County, VA, and Caswell County, NC. Funded by endowment earnings, the grants support community needs across various areas, including arts, education, and health. Applicants may access funds from the Community Impact Fund, Field of Interest Funds, or Donor Advised Funds. It is important to note that proposals for reimbursement are not accepted.

The UEF Grant Program, offered by the United Engineering Foundation, supports innovative projects that enhance the engineering profession and public welfare. With an annual budget of nearly $800,000, the program awards 5 to 10 grants each year. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Preference is given to interdisciplinary proposals that engage the community and integrate various engineering fields, fostering collaboration and addressing important societal issues.

The Bicycle Hotel Casino offers sponsorship and donation opportunities to support various worthy causes through a structured Board Review Committee. To qualify, organizations must submit a formal request at least 60 days before their event. This includes a Donation Request Form and a letter detailing the organization's purpose and alignment with the casino’s mission. The casino prioritizes requests from registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, ensuring that each project aligns with their philanthropic goals.

The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship offers a $42,000 stipend plus $8,000 for project-related expenses to support early-stage doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship encourages innovative dissertation research and aims to diversify academic methodologies and perspectives. Applicants must be PhD students in relevant fields, with certain eligibility criteria, including not having advanced to candidacy before January 2025. The fellowship promotes inclusive excellence, contributing to a diverse academic community.

The Colcom Foundation Grant: National Giving (Carrying Capacity) aims to support projects that address the impacts of human population growth on the environment. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in family planning and sustainable immigration practices to stabilize and gradually decrease the US population by 2040. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for these funds, which seek to foster a sustainable environment and ensure a quality life for all Americans.

The Science Café Mini-Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $500 to support Local Sections in organizing engaging Science Cafés. These events foster discussions between scientists and the community on contemporary topics, enhancing public understanding of science. By participating, local sections can encourage scientific literacy and invigorate interest in scientific issues, making it a valuable opportunity for community engagement.

L3Harris Technologies has partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields. This initiative supports grants for schools starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can apply for a total of $30,000, distributed over two years. The grant aims to enhance engineering education and promote innovative learning experiences for students.

The PATH Make It Happen! Grants provide funding up to $25,000 to support innovative community projects in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties. The grants aim to inspire engagement and creativity, addressing local challenges while aligning with the PATH Foundation's mission. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are exhausted, with a review process that takes about 30 days. Projects must be completed within six months, with final reports due shortly after.

The NCEES Foundation Grant, provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, aims to promote engineering and surveying licensure in the U.S. This philanthropic initiative prioritizes proposals that support the public's health and safety through education and awareness of licensure value. The foundation encourages programs that build a robust pipeline for future engineers and surveyors, ensuring their success from K-12 through higher education.

The W.A. Cooke Foundation Grant Fund aims to support local public projects in Louisa and Orange counties, enhancing community welfare through scholarships and grants. The foundation prioritizes projects involving governmental units or 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring that they benefit residents and promote sustainable support. Past initiatives include the Earthquake Relief Fund and adult education programs. Funding is contingent on project alignment with community needs and the foundation's evolving priorities.

The InterLinc Family Foundation Grant focuses on improving community quality of life through strategic investments. It supports 501(c)(3) non-profits with proven effectiveness and sound financial management. Grants aim to address specific community needs, avoiding service duplication. Eligible projects should align with the Foundation's interests and demonstrate broad financial support. Applications are accepted year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that resonate with the Foundation's mission of community enhancement.