Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

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 Appalachian Landscapes Project - Capital Grants Application Fall 2025 by the Open Space Institute aims to enhance conservation across the Appalachian Mountain region. With a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefits, this initiative supports the acquisition of land and conservation easements. As a vital climate refuge, the Appalachians play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats and providing public recreation opportunities for the 26 million residents living in this area.

GO Virginia Program Overview

GO Virginia is a collaborative economic development initiative, that provides project-based incentives to encourage collaboration between private industry, higher education and local government in each region to produce results that will grow and diversify the regional economies and ultimately the commonwealth.

To achieve the program goals, the GO Virginia State Board has created nine regional councils. These councils are responsible for developing regional Growth and Diversification Plans and implementing those plans through the submission of project applications. Applications approved at the regional level are advanced to the GO Virginia State Board for funding.

The GO Virginia State Board has identified four primary investment strategies to achieve the program goals. The four priority investment strategies are:

• Workforce Development – building talent pipelines aligned with business needs that increases the pool of qualified workers
• Site Development and Infrastructure - preparing a regional portfolio of business-ready sites that attract private investment
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Startup Ecosystem) - creating a resource-rich environment for scalable start-ups and early-stage companies 
• Cluster Scale-Up -  helping existing regional industries grow and compete at a larger scale

All successful projects should align with at least one of these strategies and demonstrate a clear connection to a region’s Growth & Diversification Plan. See the GO Virginia Program Manual for details.

• GO Virginia is not an economic development incentive program. Individual private businesses may not receive funding, nor can any project provide exclusive benefits to a single private business.

• GO Virginia funds must support new and expanded efforts — not ongoing operations. Funding cannot be used to continue, sustain, or supplement the operating costs of existing programs. Projects must clearly demonstrate added value and represent new activity that advances GO Virginia’s mission. Proposals must fill a documented gap, scale a proven model, or introduce a new approach that supports regional priorities.

Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund (GO Virginia) Competitive Grants

Competitive Grants are designed for projects that involve two or more GO Virginia regions (multi-regional) or go beyond what a single region’s annual allocation can support. They give regions the ability to collaborate or pursue initiatives that deliver substantial economic impact. To qualify, a project must present an extraordinary economic opportunity—one that is transformative in scale.

Competitive Grants allow regions to scale their ideas, tackle challenges that cross boundaries, and pursue transformative projects leverage regional strengths aiming to expand opportunities that benefit multiple localities and industries.

Application Types

Competitive Grants can support planning or implementation projects. The type of application depends on whether your project is multi-regional or single region. Competitive Grants include: Multi-Regional Planning Grants; Multi-Region Implementation Grants; and Single Region Implementation Grants.

Single Region Implementation Grants

Single-Region Implementation Grants are available for extraordinary opportunities within one region that cannot be fully supported by that region’s annual allocation. These projects are intended to address unique, high-impact needs where the scale of investment exceeds local resources but still delivers outcomes consistent with the goals of GO Virginia.

The expectation is that single-region projects will demonstrate the same level of rigor as multiregional efforts—clear economic impact, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability—while making the case for why Competitive Grant support is essential. In some cases, the request may use a mix of per-capita funds and Competitive Grant funds; in other cases, it may rely entirely on Competitive Grant funds.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, supports animal welfare organizations in Virginia. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and prioritize spay/neuter programs, emergency medical funds, facility repairs, and public outreach efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, operational in Virginia, and focused on animal welfare. This grant honors Ursula Landsrath's legacy in animal advocacy, continuing her impactful work in the community.

Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (CY 2027–2028)

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications through the On-line Grants Management System (OGMS) (www.ogms.dcjs.virginia.gov/index.do) for the calendar year (CY) 2027–2028 Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (FVIP) Grant Program.

This initiative seeks to reduce violent crime within the Commonwealth of Virginia by funding effective and sustainable intervention and prevention programming designed to interrupt and prevent local cycles of violence. Violence intervention and prevention programs avert interpersonal violence by collaborating with a range of community stakeholders to provide support and intervention to those at the highest risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence.

Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (CY 2027–2028)

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications through the On-line Grants Management System (OGMS) (www.ogms.dcjs.virginia.gov/index.do) for the calendar year (CY) 2027–2028 Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention (FVIP) Grant Program.

This initiative seeks to reduce violent crime within the Commonwealth of Virginia by funding effective and sustainable intervention and prevention programming designed to interrupt and prevent local cycles of violence. Violence intervention and prevention programs avert interpersonal violence by collaborating with a range of community stakeholders to provide support and intervention to those at the highest risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence.

FY27 Byrne Justice Assistance Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiatives

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) announces the availability of federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding to support Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiatives funding across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This competitive grant opportunity provides funding to support evidence-informed gun violence awareness, prevention, intervention, and reduction efforts. Please see the full funding opportunity for details related to the funding areas of focus and allowable items.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry, provide crucial funding to support rural volunteer fire departments. These grants offer a 50% reimbursement for the purchase of personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment, ensuring effective wildfire suppression in Virginia. With a matching fund requirement, departments must invest in approved items to access reimbursement, fostering community engagement and resource allocation for fire safety.

Victor A. and Louise R. Lester Educational Award

Fund provides scholarships to help students obtain an education in a profession or vocation.

Amount

• $3,000+
• non-renewable

Member One Federal Credit Union – Richard L. “Dick” Williams Memorial Scholarship

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

Amount

$5,000

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

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

MFP Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarship assistance to deserving men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of health, business, or religion. Must pursue a degree/certificate in the area of health, business, or religion.

Amount

$1,000+

The Rural Business Development Grants in Virginia provide essential support for small rural businesses, focusing on those with fewer than 50 workers and under $1 million in revenue. The program encourages applications of $99,000 or less, prioritizing projects that address key priorities such as food systems and poverty. Funded projects can include technical assistance, land development, and community economic initiatives, helping enhance business viability and promote sustainable growth in rural areas.

Member One Federal Credit Union – Henry Lee Memorial Scholarship

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

Amount

• $1,500

The Virginia Touring Grants program supports high-quality arts performances by reimbursing eligible organizations up to 50% of performance fees for artists from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. Designed to expand access to the arts, these grants are available to Virginia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and federally tax-exempt schools. Presenters must secure a 1:1 cash match and ensure programs are publicly accessible, fostering increased community engagement with the arts throughout Virginia.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes through self-help projects. These grants enable recipients to offer technical support, recruit participants, and facilitate loan applications, ensuring that families can actively engage in building their future. This program fosters community involvement and empowers individuals, making homeownership achievable for very-low- and low-income households in rural areas.

The Virginia Homeless Solutions Program (VHSP) provides funding for localized emergency crisis response systems aimed at reducing homelessness. It supports various activities, including outreach, emergency shelter operations, and rapid re-housing, fostering community-based solutions. Eligible providers include local governments and nonprofits involved in the Continuum of Care. By implementing these strategies, VHSP strives to minimize the duration of homelessness and prevent families from becoming homeless, thereby improving overall community stability.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Virginia provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program is designed for public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally-recognized tribes, offering financial assistance to construct or improve facilities such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations of up to 20,000 residents. Grant assistance is available on a graduated scale based on community income levels.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Virginia provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports local governments, nonprofits, and tribes to enhance public health and environmental sustainability by ensuring access to reliable water infrastructure. Funds can cover construction, legal fees, and other necessary costs, helping communities thrive.

GO Virginia Program Overview

GO Virginia is a collaborative economic development initiative, that provides project-based incentives to encourage collaboration between private industry, higher education and local government in each region to produce results that will grow and diversify the regional economies and ultimately the commonwealth.

To achieve the program goals, the GO Virginia State Board has created nine regional councils. These councils are responsible for developing regional Growth and Diversification Plans and implementing those plans through the submission of project applications. Applications approved at the regional level are advanced to the GO Virginia State Board for funding.

The GO Virginia State Board has identified four primary investment strategies to achieve the program goals. The four priority investment strategies are:

• Workforce Development – building talent pipelines aligned with business needs that increases the pool of qualified workers
• Site Development and Infrastructure - preparing a regional portfolio of business-ready sites that attract private investment
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (Startup Ecosystem) - creating a resource-rich environment for scalable start-ups and early-stage companies 
• Cluster Scale-Up -  helping existing regional industries grow and compete at a larger scale

All successful projects should align with at least one of these strategies and demonstrate a clear connection to a region’s Growth & Diversification Plan. See the GO Virginia Program Manual for details.

• GO Virginia is not an economic development incentive program. Individual private businesses may not receive funding, nor can any project provide exclusive benefits to a single private business.

• GO Virginia funds must support new and expanded efforts — not ongoing operations. Funding cannot be used to continue, sustain, or supplement the operating costs of existing programs. Projects must clearly demonstrate added value and represent new activity that advances GO Virginia’s mission. Proposals must fill a documented gap, scale a proven model, or introduce a new approach that supports regional priorities.

Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund (GO Virginia) Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot Gran

GO Virginia Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot grants are intended to build regional capacity for impactful, saleable projects.

Planning Grants help regions explore and refine ideas that have the potential to drive economic growth. They provide an opportunity to test concepts, formalize strong partnerships, conduct indepth research or feasibility studies, and develop actionable strategies. These grants can also support small-scale pilot initiatives that, if successful, can be scaled up through a GO Virginia Implementation Grant or another measurable investment opportunity.

The primary intent of Planning Grants is to prepare projects for future GO Virginia Implementation funding. In some cases, planning work may also strengthen a project’s ability to compete for other funding sources or, occasionally, determine that an initiative should not move forward. While those opportunities are valuable, applicants should design proposals with a clear line of sight to GO Virginia Implementation as the expected pathway.

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.

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.” 

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 Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) Higher Education (HE) Proof-of-Concept (POC) program provides grant funding to Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities and eligible nonprofit Virginia-based research institutes. Applicants may request $75,000 or $150,000, depending on the designated track, to support translation Virginia research-derived innovations into commercial products. Applicants with technologies at a more advanced technology readiness level (TRL) and/or deemed by VIPC to have exceptional strategic value for Virginia may be invited to seek up to $300,000. Each grant requires a minimum one-to-one match and is expected to support the achievement of two to three key milestones during the period of performance (typically 6-15 months).