Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

The Engen Conservation Fellowship at the National Air and Space Museum offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation techniques for a diverse collection of artifacts. With a focus on modern materials, fellows will refine their treatment processes and conduct independent research. The fellowship includes a $45,000 stipend and a $5,000 research allowance, while taking place at the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory in Virginia. This prestigious program encourages fellows to present their research findings at the end of their tenure.

The Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarships, funded by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA, offer up to $8,500 to full-time STEM students engaged in faculty-mentored research projects with aerospace relevance. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled as juniors or seniors, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are competitive and non-renewable, providing stipends for academic and summer research activities.

The STEM Bridge Scholarships, provided by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, offer $1,000 to support students who are sophomores or juniors at member universities. This competitive program, funded by NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia, aims to encourage students in STEM fields. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to STEM careers, ensuring they are prepared for future opportunities in research and internships.

Richard and Edith Robbins Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Richard Peter Robbins, Jr. and Edith Marie Schafer Robbins, this scholarship celebrates their lifelong dedication to service, education, and the skilled trades.

Richard and Edith shared a deep commitment to community, teaching, and hard, purposeful work. Richard served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and went on to a long career as a lineman with Public Service Gas & Electric in New Jersey. Edith devoted her life to educating young students in the elementary classroom. They retired to Augusta County to enjoy the mountains, travel, and remained dedicated to supporting others throughout their lives.

Richard and Edith’s legacy live on through this scholarship, created to empower local students pursuing careers that reflect their values and passions.

The Richard and Edith Robbins Memorial Scholarship supports students from the Community Foundation’s service region who are preparing for careers in education or the electrical trades.

Roxie Stultz Dillard and Marion A. Dillard Scholarship Fund

Fund provides educational scholarships for worthy young African American women and men going to a reputable college or university or graduate school.

Amount

$1,500

The Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Limited Competition Grant Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in Virginia. Managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, this program is open for applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle, focusing on initiatives that improve access to justice for survivors of violence. Eligible projects must create new officer positions within law enforcement to support these objectives.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is inviting applications for the 2026 Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program, a continuation of the prior year's initiative. This program aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system through funding for localities and organizations involved in law enforcement, crime prevention, and victim services. The grant period will last 12 months, from January 1 to December 31, 2026, without extensions.

The CRSI Foundation offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program designed for senior-level students majoring in Civil or Architectural Engineering. This program includes five regional scholarships and six named scholarships, awarded through the CRSI network. Eligible candidates must be pursuing their Bachelor’s Degrees and demonstrate a commitment to the steel reinforced concrete industry. The scholarships aim to support students who are focused on careers in structural engineering.

The Organizational Resilience Capacity Building Grants by Act For Alexandria aim to bolster organizations that support the youth workforce in Alexandria. These grants, focused on enhancing organizational effectiveness, will fund initiatives such as leadership coaching, succession planning, and professional development. By empowering nonprofits, ACT seeks to create equitable pathways to success for young people, ensuring they have access to fulfilling careers and meaningful opportunities that contribute to their overall economic well-being.

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 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. 

W.P. & T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship

The W.P. and T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship was established by Mrs. Thelma M. Phillips in memory of her late husband, William “Bill” Phillips, to honor his love of farming. Thelma and Bill spent a lifetime together enjoying farm life and working in agribusiness.

The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who are pursuing a college degree in the field of agriculture. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to students who graduate from any public high school in Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, or Harrisonburg City.

Consideration will be given to the student’s academic record, chosen college major, leadership qualities, and involvement in activities related to agriculture.

This scholarship is renewable.

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. 

Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarship

The purpose of the Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to adult students, seeking career readiness skills, connecting them to family sustaining career opportunities.

Virginia Ready Initiative Scholarships, awarded by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, will support adult learners in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and surrounding Virginia counties, pursuing post-secondary education in the form of credentials specific to the following industries:

• IT/Tech
• Healthcare
• Skilled trades

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.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The George J. & Effie L. Seay Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Virginia, focusing on arts, culture, education, and human services. Established in 1957, the foundation promotes various charitable programs and prefers funding specific projects over general operating grants. Grants are typically one year in duration, and organizations may not apply for another grant until three years after receiving funding. The foundation encourages collaboration with other funding sources to maximize support.

The VCA General Operating Support program provides vital funding for medium and large arts organizations in Virginia, aimed at supporting their operational needs. Eligible organizations must have a minimum cash income of $150,000 from the previous year and meet specific criteria to ensure they can deliver quality arts programming. This funding aims to strengthen the cultural fabric of Virginia by enabling these organizations to expand and enhance their services for the community.

The NRA Foundation: Virginia Grants are designed to promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports, adhering to IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and government agencies with an EIN. The foundation supports educational programs, research in firearms safety, and community benefits, while excluding commercial ventures and fundraising activities. Grant requests should align with the foundation's mission to foster safety and education in the shooting sports and related activities.

The VCA Community Impact Grants aim to support innovative art-based projects that engage underserved communities across Virginia. With a focus on collaboration and artistic excellence, these grants fund new and expanded creative programming and require a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions. The program emphasizes community involvement in project planning and execution, ensuring a meaningful impact through the arts.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to help communities prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water access. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can fund projects like water transmission line repairs and construction of water sources, with amounts reaching up to $1 million. This initiative supports rural areas in restoring access to reliable drinking water after disasters.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund

Fund will provide higher education financial assistance to deserving students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for life and broad participation in a variety of activities in church, school, and community.

Kovar Corporation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Virginia aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Established in 1971 by the Virginia Knights of Columbus, KOVAR provides financial assistance for housing, transportation, job training, and sports participation. With over $19 million raised, grants can reach up to $20,000, with a limit of one grant within an 18-month period. Applications must be submitted before the first of the month preceding a board meeting for review.

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.

Virginia community and economic development organizations in Virginia can apply for Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Downtown Investment Grants, awarding up to US $75,000 for one-time projects that advance local revitalization goals. Programs that engage educators or support teacher-focused downtown initiatives may be eligible if they strengthen historic commercial districts.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund - Track II focuses on enhancing tree canopy to improve public health and environmental resilience in disadvantaged communities. This initiative aims to address air pollution, stormwater management, and ecological challenges through community-driven tree planting and maintenance projects. Supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various local organizations, this program emphasizes participatory decision-making and requires community recommendations for project proposals, fostering local engagement and sustainability.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund aims to promote environmental justice through community forestry initiatives. This grant supports workforce development in forestry, focusing on job training for historically marginalized communities. It encourages partnerships with educational institutions and local organizations to create equitable job opportunities in tree planting and maintenance. The fund is co-led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various community partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach to improve health and sustainability in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.