Best Grants for Special Education in Virginia

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying public entities can seek project support for education, health, and community development initiatives benefiting the Alleghany Highlands. Focused on regional economic transformation and educational excellence, the Alleghany Foundation invites proposals that improve quality of life and may include special education-related programs within its strategic priorities.

Virginia nonprofits and community-based 501(c)(3) groups focused on LGBTQ organizing and social justice can access funding through Appalachian Community Fund to build capacity and institutional resources. Organizations in eligible Appalachian Virginia counties, especially new or youth-focused efforts, may use grants up to US $2,000 for grassroots, community-led systemic change work.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in higher education (especially STEM and business), economic and community development, or human services can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation to enhance local quality of life. Organizations in Virginia communities where Steel Dynamics or its affiliated companies have facilities may be eligible, including programs that serve students with special needs.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation’s Plymale Foundation Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 for special projects. Eligible work includes social welfare, children’s needs, healthcare, and education in Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell, which may include special needs education initiatives.

Virginia nonprofits, schools, and local or tribal government units in Virginia can receive US $100 - US $7,500 to cover up to 50% of fees for in-state performing arts touring programs. Grants from Virginia Commission for the Arts help Virginia special education and other presenters bring roster artists to ADA-compliant, community-focused events at least 30 miles from the artist’s home base.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and governmental agencies in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Virginia Program Grant to support water quality, land conservation, environmental education, and climate adaptation projects. Special education programs that incorporate environmental literacy, experiential learning, or public awareness components may be eligible if they meet these priorities and matching fund requirements.

Virginia schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and local or tribal government units can apply for Virginia Commission for the Arts Lifelong Learning Grants, awarding up to US $4,000 for sequential, hands-on arts learning programs in Virginia. Special education programs serving underserved, under-resourced, or under-represented learners may be eligible if projects build skills over time with clear learning objectives.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing measurable direct services to Newport News residents can apply for Newport News Community Support Agency grants to expand or launch health, safety, education, literacy, recreation, or social service programs. Funding may support new or expanded special needs education services, as well as capital improvements, equipment, and qualifying special or extraordinary events.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Cameron Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with project, operating, and capital funding to improve health, human services, education, and community development. Schools and nonprofits serving special education or special needs students in the Tri-Cities and nearby counties can request US $10,000 - US $200,000 for evidence-based programs and facilities.

Virginia organizations working on crime and violence prevention, reentry, or gun and gang intervention can access funding for programs in the Eastern District of Virginia. Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services administers Project Safe Neighborhoods grants of US $25,000 - US $200,000 for group violence intervention, investigations, firearms analysis, and prevention and reentry initiatives, which may benefit youth and school communities.

Virginia organizations providing adult education, literacy, workforce preparation, or reentry services in correctional or institutional settings in Virginia can access funding through the Virginia Department of Education. Competitive grants support programs for incarcerated or institutionalized adults, prioritizing those within five years of release, and require strong local need and active partnerships with correctional facilities.

Nonprofit organizations providing education, human services, health, arts, or related programs in Virginia and across the U.S. can seek project support from the Kettering Family Foundation. With a mission to back diverse charitable activities, it invites 501(c)(3) organizations, including some fiscally sponsored projects, to discuss proposals with staff before submitting one application per year.

Shenandoah County nonprofit organizations in Virginia can use this fund for artistic-related activities that enrich cultural arts programming, including projects involving special needs individuals. Shenandoah Community Foundation’s Bowman-Shannon Cultural Arts Fund supports a wide range of visual, performing, and digital arts to educate, guide, and stimulate participation in the cultural arts locally.

Virginia university faculty and Virginia-based startups developing cybersecurity products and services can receive up to US $75,000 to advance commercialization and market readiness. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s CATAPULT and ASCEND Funds back translational research, early-stage companies, and innovation teams that participate in the CCI+A accelerator’s mentoring, customer discovery, and business development activities.

Virginia special needs education nonprofits and other community-based 501(c)(3) organizations can gain multi-year visibility and fundraising support through this partnership program, rather than direct grants. Focused on strengthening local charities, Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington invites eligible groups in Northern Virginia to apply for marketing, donor outreach, and professional development benefits that can help grow their impact.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, typically awarded as challenge or matching support. Organizations working in higher education, cultural arts, community development, social services, conservation, or historic preservation, especially in the Richmond metro area, may be eligible to strengthen facilities and infrastructure.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations funding capital projects or proven programs for Accomack and Northampton County residents can apply for grants up to US $50,000. Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation supports initiatives in education, child and family welfare, health, environment, arts, and community vitality, which may include special education-related services and supports.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia’s South Hampton Roads region serving youth through hands-on arts and cultural programs can apply for Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Community Grants for Cultural Vitality. Funding supports programs that build artistic skills and participation while improving academic performance, attendance, self-worth, and reducing risky behaviors, and should prioritize access for economically disadvantaged children.

Virginia schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and local or tribal government units in Virginia can secure funding for hands-on arts education programs and artist residencies. With a mission to expand arts learning opportunities, Virginia Commission for the Arts provides $1,000 - $5,000 for new or expanded in-school, after-school, summer, or professional development arts initiatives that may benefit special education settings.

Focused on economic empowerment, Hampton Roads Community Foundation invites Virginia Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for Visionaries for Change funding. Organizations with small budgets serving Black communities in Hampton Roads can request approximately US $5,000 for entrepreneurship support, mentorship, technical assistance, or financial literacy and employment programs, which may benefit special education-related transition or family support efforts.

Virginia special education and disability-focused organizations in Virginia can access funding through the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities to build capacity and drive systems change around pre-employment transition services. Grants up to US $200,000 support culturally and linguistically competent, community-based initiatives that reduce barriers to competitive, integrated employment for students with developmental disabilities.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek Hughes Memorial Foundation support for special projects and capital improvements benefiting children in need. Grants from Hughes Memorial Foundation help Virginia child- and youth-focused programs, including those in special needs or special education contexts, in eligible counties such as Pittsylvania, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Charlotte, Campbell, Bedford, Franklin, Henry, and Patrick, plus nearby North Carolina counties.

Virginia nonprofits serving underserved youth or adults in Chesterfield, Goochland, Henrico, or Richmond with special needs education or related supports can access funding through Carmax Foundation’s Home Office Giving Program. Programs should advance education and workforce success, health and wellness, or resilient communities, and demonstrate clear need based on demand or population served.