Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

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 goal of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program is to reduce homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia. DHCD will support Continuum of Care (CoC)/balance of state local planning group (LPG) strategies and homeless service projects that are or will be a part of an effective emergency crisis response system to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time.

The Homeless Reduction Grant program must be coordinated with other community-based activities. All CoCs, LPGs, and DHCD homeless services grantees use a local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system. A local centralized or coordinated assessment/entry system is the best practice for a housing-focused approach targeted toward helping households experiencing homelessness quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

Priority consideration will be given to efforts to reduce the number of youth and families experiencing homelessness. Funding will be awarded to projects best aligned with state and federal goals to end homelessness in communities throughout the commonwealth. 

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 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.

About Virginia Energy

Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia's energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future by:

• Providing for safe and environmentally sound stewardship of Virginia's mineral and energy resources;
• Encouraging economic development through the sound stewardship of Virginia's energy, mineral, land and water resources; and
• Successfully pursuing federal funding and implement the Virginia Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy.

Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (“VCEIB”) Direct Funding

Accelerating the Deployment of Clean Energy Infrastructure Statewide

The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) accelerates the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors.

VCEIB serves as a hub for financing cleaner, more reliable energy infrastructure throughout the commonwealth. It connects projects and companies with capital from federal, state, and private funding sources. The bank partners with a range of other state agencies and programs to identify investment opportunities and is currently seeded with $10 million through the amounts as allocated in the 2024 State Budget. By housing it within the Department of Energy, only $750,000 of the $2 million set aside for administrative purposes is slated for use due to economies of scale, leaving the remaining $9.25 million used for investments into clean energy infrastructure projects.

What types of projects are be eligible for funding under VCEIB?

Projects that support the goals of Virginia's Energy Plan, such as clean power generation and energy infrastructure, are eligible for funding. For example, projects may include advanced nuclear energy innovations, solar supply chain investments, microgrid installations, grid modernization, battery storage deployments, and more.

What forms of funding does VCEIB provide to projects?

VCEIB will provide loans, credit enhancements, and other forms of support, with a focus on financial instruments that recycle such that the bank can continuously reinvest the funds in additional projects across the Commonwealth.

About Virginia Energy

Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia's energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future by:

• Providing for safe and environmentally sound stewardship of Virginia's mineral and energy resources;
• Encouraging economic development through the sound stewardship of Virginia's energy, mineral, land and water resources; and
• Successfully pursuing federal funding and implement the Virginia Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy.

Virginia Power Innovation Program

The Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program is for the purposes of research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage; and to award grants on a competitive basis from the Fund to support energy innovation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Virginia Power Innovation Program (the Program) is hereby established for the purpose of (i) establishing a Virginia nuclear innovation hub from such funds as may be available from the Fund and (ii) awarding grants on a competitive basis from such funds as may be available from the Fund to support energy innovation. The Program shall be administered by the Department. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause (i), including providing grants to support higher education research on advanced nuclear technologies and advanced reactor technologies, to fund nuclear energy workforce development programming, and to assist with site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. In administering the Program, the Department shall, in collaboration with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, establish and publish guidelines and criteria for disbursement of funds pursuant to clause (ii). The Department shall oversee each grant awarded through the Program and ensure thorough reporting on each such grant.

Overview For This Round of Grants

The Virginia Department of Energy invites proposals to address the emerging regional and local needs and opportunities for nuclear power, innovation, and research, to 1. Bring nuclear and nuclear supply chains to the Commonwealth based on technology and supply chain needs and 2. Identify gaps that need to be addressed, including projects and programs to further enable development and demonstration of nuclear in the Commonwealth.

Total Amount Available

Up to $2.5 million

Total Amount Available

$100,000-$2,000,000, pending available funds for up to 2 grants.

Grant awards are made at the discretion of the Virginia Department of Energy and in determining grant amounts, the following criteria will be considered:

• return on investment
• impact on energy affordability, reliability, and impact on the energy supply chain in the Commonwealth
• new jobs
• capital investment
• utilization of research-based technologies

Grants may be made for more than one project for a single company, entity, or locality, but the projects must clearly represent separate investments for separate projects.

The Community-Oriented Resilient Energy (CORE) Subaward Program, managed by the Virginia Department of Energy, supports local governments and community-based non-profits in developing energy resilience projects. With a total funding pool of $400,000, eligible proposals range from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative aims to enhance energy reliability through diverse solutions such as solar storage and backup generation, ensuring all Virginians have access to affordable and dependable energy.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Peter D. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is in memory of Peter D. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a loving husband and father, a concerned and giving member of the community, and had a passion for enjoying all the benefits of water-skiing.

This scholarship is intended to promote the pursuit of excellence in youth and encourage mental and physical development through involvement in community, academics, employment, water ski clubs and other social activities.

About Virginia Energy

Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia's energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future by:

• Providing for safe and environmentally sound stewardship of Virginia's mineral and energy resources;
• Encouraging economic development through the sound stewardship of Virginia's energy, mineral, land and water resources; and
• Successfully pursuing federal funding and implement the Virginia Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy.

Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program

Virginia Energy is one of nine states and tribal programs chosen by Congress to receive funding in Fiscal Year 2025 to develop and repurpose Abandoned Mine Lands with economic and community development end uses. The 2025 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER) funding is made available as a direct payment by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), in accordance with the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (Public Law No. 119-4). Virginia has received an average of $10.48 million per year since 2017. Virginia's payment in FY2025 is $11 million.

Projects must follow eligibility and other guidelines set forth in OSMRE's AMLER Guidance document and adhere to Virginia Energy's terms and conditions. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects with the greatest potential to achieve the economic and community development goals of the AMLER Program.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship Fund

Mary Carter Frackelton, a life-long Fredericksburg resident, established this scholarship fund in December 2012. Carter is a dedicated educator and businesswoman. After graduating from Sweet Briar College, she taught 4th grade at Orange Elementary School in Orange, Virginia from 1972 to 1978. She returned to Fredericksburg in 1978 and taught at Stafford Middle School – 5th grade for three years, then 7th grade math and the 5th - 8th grade gifted program for four more. For several years, she also taught math to adults in Stafford County who were preparing to take the GED test. In 1985, Carter left public school teaching and joined her father in their family business, the Frackelton Block Company. Following Robert Frackelton’s death in December 1989, Carter became managing partner at Frackelton Block Company. Carter continues to lead the business in a variety of capacities.

Ms. Frackelton began The Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship with a donation that provides one scholarship award each year. She has also named The Community Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in her will. Her planned gift will increase the number of scholarship awards that can be made each year, and ensure that this meaningful fund continues as a permanent asset for our region.

Ms. Frackelton believes strongly that encouraging students to make a commitment to their continuing education and helping them to reach those goals will not only increase productivity in businesses but also strengthen our community as a whole. She also believes that empowering and honoring women is a powerful way to preserve and grow a community. Demographics show that more and more women are single parents and this trend can often create serious financial challenges for their children. Ms. Frackelton intends for her gift to support high school students with barriers to higher education – particularly those who have been raised by a single mother (or grandmother or aunt). 

The Herndon Foundation, established in 1965, supports diverse local causes in the metro Richmond area, focusing on education, health, and cultural preservation. They prioritize programs that ensure educational advancement, meet basic human needs, and enhance access to arts and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation particularly favors programmatic support that demonstrates a significant impact. Grant requests submitted through their website are given priority.

Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Project

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) seeks qualified applicants to provide exemplary “meaningful watershed educational experiences” (MWEE) within Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Fund was established to provide support for qualified applicants across Virginia who will provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) to k-12 learners. The Fund aligns with Virginia’s commitment to enhance students’ understanding of the watershed through teacher-supported educational experiences.

As one of the signatories to the Chesapeake Bay 2014 Agreement (as amended), Virginia is committed to increasing “students age-appropriate understanding of the watershed through participation in teacher-supported, meaningful watershed educational experiences and rigorous, inquiry-based instruction, with a target of at least one meaningful watershed educational experience in elementary, middle and high school depending on available resources.” 

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Conference & Education Assistance Grant

The Conference & Education Assistance Grant provides financial assistance for the professional development of Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.

• Administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and overseen by the Executive Director or their designee, the program aims to offer essential financial support for training conferences and seminars.

• These events, sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations, enhance the education and skills of fire and emergency services personnel throughout the commonwealth.

• Grant funds shall be used for the purposes of providing training to volunteer or career firefighting personnel and funding fire prevention and public safety education courses.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Hall Family Scholarship Fund

The Hall Family Scholarship was established by Barry and Jeannette Hall to assist high school students at Falls Church High School and James Monroe High School with their college education.

Barry was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Falls Church and Jeannette was born in Fredericksburg and has always lived in the area. Barry taught Physical Education and coached at Quantico High School and Stonewall Jackson in Manassas for thirty-seven years. Jeannette taught Physical Education in public schools for two years and then forty-one at Quantico High/Middle School. Jeannette’s Mother, Elsie Marie Allison, was an English and Latin Teacher and Guidance Counselor at James Monroe High School. Barry graduated from Shepherd University where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 and Jeannette graduated from Mary Washington. Both have a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The DuVal and Anne Dickinson Memorial Scholarship Fund

A scholarship opportunity in memory of two long-time Spotsylvania County residents who believed that good citizens give back to their community.

Regional Innovation Fund

Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation's (VIPC) Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) supports entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) that are building and strengthening Virginia’s innovation ecosystem. RIF provides competitive grants for operating and programmatic support to ESOs serving science- and technology-based startups and founders.

VIPC prioritizes support for and partnership with Virginia’s ESOs. Through the establishment of its Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Division (EED) in July 2020, VIPC has worked to strengthen the infrastructure that helps early-stage technology startups grow and succeed. EED partners with accelerators, incubators, training providers, technology councils, chambers of commerce, investor groups, and other Virginia-based organizations that support entrepreneurs in the early stages of business formation and development. To advance this mission, VIPC launched the RIF in March 2021. 

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 Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity aims to enhance health equity in Virginia by funding collaborative research initiatives. With a focus on addressing systemic barriers and root causes of health disparities, the program supports two types of awards: Partnership/Collaborative Establishment Awards for developing projects and Research Awards for established consortia. This funding initiative seeks to leverage community strengths to promote optimal health outcomes for all Virginians.

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 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 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 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.

About Us

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.

Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program

DHR’s Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program assists local governments in meeting their preservation planning goals through the identification of historic resources. Participating localities receive partial funding and administrative support towards a preservation planning project developed in collaboration with DHR staff. Annual funding for Cost Share is limited and localities must compete to participate in the program. The cost share program was launched in 1991, with over 120 localities participating to date. 

What type of projects does the Cost Share program support?  

The Cost Share program supports survey of historic resources, completion of survey reports or management summaries, preparation of Preliminary Information Forms and National Register of Historic Places nominations, and the development of preservation planning documents. 

How does the Cost Share program work? 

A locality or PDC competes to participate in the program by submitting an application outlining a historic resource identification and/or preservation planning project proposal. If selected for funding, DHR will match the amount of money the locality or PDC is willing to commit for the project. In most cases, the local government provides at least one half of the cash for a project but DHR will entertain all applications, regardless of the match amount offered. DHR staff will assume the administrative burden of selected applications by hiring a qualified consultant to execute the project and monitoring the project through our field offices to ensure that project deliverables meet the expectations of the locality or PDC and the department.

How does the Cost Share program assist local governments?

The Code of Virginia directs each jurisdiction to develop a comprehensive plan and to update it every five years. Additional legislation calls for each locality to incorporate cultural resources into its comprehensive plans. Survey of historic architecture and archaeology completed under Cost Share can establish or strengthen local historic resource inventories to support local preservation planning programs. Other common cost share project deliverables, including survey reports, Preliminary Information Forms, and National Register of Historic Places nominations, provide copyright-free information for educational outreach, can be critical tools in developing heritage tourism, and enable owners of historic properties the opportunity to pursue state and federal historic preservation tax credits. 

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.