Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Virginia Literacy Foundation Grants support community-based adult literacy programs in Virginia, offering one-year funding for projects aimed at improving literacy, ESOL, and numeracy skills for adults aged 18 and older. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the number of students served. Programs must demonstrate achievable goals within a year, utilizing funds for specific projects or operational capacity building, while encouraging matching donations to enhance funding.

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 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 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 Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The Wawa Foundation offers in-kind support to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within its six-state area, focusing on health, hunger, and everyday heroes. Organizations can request product donations, such as Wawa brand beverages, or gift baskets for fundraising events. Requests must be made at least four weeks in advance, and support is subject to availability. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance local philanthropy through meaningful contributions.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

What is DHR?

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

African American Cemetery & Graves Fund

The African American Cemeteries and Graves Fund (AACGF) provide grants to support the ongoing care and maintenance of historic burial grounds established on or before January 1, 1948, specifically for the interment of African Americans. At the start of each state fiscal year (July 1), the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) announces the availability of funding for these cemeteries, which are defined under the Code of Virginia §10.1-2211.2. Entities listed in this Code section, as well as all other qualified organizations, are required to submit an annual application to the Department by May 30 to receive funding for cemetery maintenance. 

Grant Opportunities

The fund offers two grant opportunities: the Basic Maintenance Grant and the Extraordinary Block Grant. New applicants must first apply for and receive a Basic Maintenance Grant—awarded at a rate of $5 per eligible grave—before qualifying for a block grant to support “extraordinary maintenance” projects. Some examples of each grant are as follows:

Basic Maintenance Grant: vegetation management, care of existing markers and monuments, and in-kind repair of existing roads, paths and parking areas.

Extraordinary Block Grant: installation of replacement markers, preservation planning and pre-approved Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

CDBG Project Grants

CDBG Project Grants are awarded competitively to aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. There are four primary project types under this funding source: Housing Rehabilitation, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services.

Localities with potential projects that have activities applicable to more than one of these project types should contact DHCD for technical assistance

The Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fund, managed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $1.25 million in CDBG assistance for impactful economic projects. Eligible recipients are non-entitlement local governments, which may partner with nonprofits and other entities. These projects must create jobs or support significant business expansions. Interested applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from DHCD staff to enhance their proposals, ensuring the strongest competitive applications.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund

The Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (the “Fund” or “VBPF”) was established under Virginia Code § 10.1-2202.4. This section stipulates that the Department of Historic Resources shall establish, administer, and make allocations from the Fund for the purpose of making grants to private nonprofit organizations for the permanent protection of Virginia battlefield lands.

Grants from the Fund shall be made solely for (i) the fee simple purchase of, or (ii) purchase of protective interests (i.e. easements) in any Virginia battlefield property listed in the following reports issued by the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program:

• Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993, as amended); or
• Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007, as amended).

Projects funded by the VBPF do not have a minimum or maximum dollar amount requirement.

The VCA Teaching Artist Roster aims to identify and support qualified Teaching Artists for educational and community programs. This online resource provides access for organizations seeking professional artists experienced in diverse teaching methodologies. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing artistic and instructional excellence. The program promotes innovative collaborations in the arts while ensuring a commitment to effective teaching practices. It is a valuable tool for enhancing educational impact through the arts.

The Virginia Tech Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to enhance the recruitment of diverse postdoctoral associates by offering competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development support. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 for training expenses and are paired with faculty mentors to develop research proposals. Eligible applicants must be within three years of obtaining their doctoral degree and reside near a Virginia Tech campus during their fellowship period. This initiative promotes diversity in research fields.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

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.

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 Camp-Younts Foundation Grant, established in 1955, focuses on supporting organizations that assist poor and needy individuals in Virginia and Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Preference is given to religious, educational, cultural, and civic organizations with outreach programs. The foundation only considers operating and non-capital grants, with average sizes ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Metro Atlanta.