Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

The Lifespan Respite Care Program invites state agencies to apply for grants aimed at enhancing respite services for caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. This initiative supports both new states and those re-establishing their programs, focusing on collaboration, training, and outreach to address the respite needs of diverse populations. Approximately ten cooperative agreements will be funded over three years, aligning with federal requirements for lifespan respite care.

The National Breastfeeding Support Initiative aims to enhance maternity care quality by engaging diverse partners and providing training to healthcare organizations. It focuses on implementing evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding, ensuring safe and effective maternity care in hospitals across the U.S. and territories. By fostering collaboration and utilizing data for quality improvement, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable impact on maternal and infant health.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the cancer surveillance workforce through education and support for certified Oncology Data Specialists. The initiative will improve the quality and completeness of cancer data collected by the National Program of Cancer Registries. By fostering collaboration and promoting the value of cancer surveillance data, this program seeks to empower public health actions, research, and policy-making, ensuring a robust response to current and future cancer-related challenges.

About

What We Do

The Achieve Foundation promotes high-quality education that prepares South Orange-Maplewood School District students for the future.

We support our students, families and educators by addressing inequities, inspiring innovation and fostering community.

Riecke Professional Development Fellowship

About the Program

Achieve’s Michelle T. Riecke Fellowship funds summer professional development opportunities for faculty.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals (up to $3,000) and/or teaching teams (up to $5,000).

This year, Achieve awarded $9,111 to support four professional development programs for six teachers.

The Michelle T. Riecke Teaching Fellowship was established with the Achieve Foundation in 2004 in memory of former Board of Ed president Shelley Riecke, who passed away at age 39.

The Fellowship fosters outstanding teaching by enabling educators to undertake continuing education in their fields in the summer, and inspiring them to share the new knowledge they acquire with their District colleagues upon their return to school.

While fellowships are awarded for both subject-specific and broader educational interests, faculty are encouraged to look for programs that nurture their professional passion.

About the Russell Sage Foundation

One of the oldest American foundations, the Russell Sage Foundation, was established by Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage in 1907 for “the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States.” In its early years, the foundation undertook major projects in low-income housing, urban planning, social work, and labor reform. The foundation now dedicates itself to strengthening the methods, data, and theories of the social sciences to diagnose social problems and improve social policies. It also funds researchers at other institutions and supports programs intended to develop new generations of social scientists.

Margaret Olivia Sage (MOS) Grants

The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) is launching a new competition, the Margaret Olivia Sage (MOS) Grants, to support research by multi- or inter-disciplinary teams on social, economic, and political challenges with generational consequences for social and living conditions in the United States. Such challenges are typically national in scope, involve both systemic and individual factors, and the questions they raise are as urgent for policymakers and communities as they are for researchers.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Excellence in Research

The Mensa Foundation’s Awards for Excellence in Research recognize researchers who are building new knowledge in intelligence.

Presented annually, these awards honor exceptional work published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at professional conferences.

Details

A prestigious recognition in the field, the Awards for Excellence in Research celebrate innovative contributions that redefine how intelligence, giftedness, and related fields are studied and applied.

Award Components

Criteria for Entry

Teacher Residency Program Grants

Teacher residency programs are intensive experiences designed to those enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Residents complete a year-long clinical practice placement in a partner school division while completing the undergraduate or graduate-level coursework needed to become licensed teachers. The format for residency programs vary: Some provide short-term training while others pair a program participant with a mentor teacher for a year long co-teaching experience. Because of the need for integration between clinical experiences and coursework, residency programs are conceived of as holistic; required coursework and clinical experiences together comprise the duration of a residency. Programs in Virginia require that participants commit to teaching in a specific division for a certain number of years after completing the residency. Additionally, residency programs may offer tuition remission and/or an additional stipend. 

Provide a detailed description of the teacher residency program. Grant funds will support the preparation, planning, development, and implementation of a site-specific teacher residency model that develops highly effective educators prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction from their first day in the classroom. Programs may include resident and mentor stipends or other strategic incentives designed to recruit, prepare, and retain high-quality teacher candidates and mentor teachers, particularly in high-need schools and shortage areas.

Teacher residency models should be intentionally designed to prepare educators to effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) through sustained, practice-based clinical experiences paired with aligned coursework and coaching. Residency experiences should provide candidates with opportunities to develop deep content knowledge, instructional decision-making skills, and the ability to use curriculum as the foundation for planning, instruction, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

Describe the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the teacher residency program. Proposals should demonstrate how the residency will prepare candidates to:

• Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). 
• Implement evidence-based instructional practices, including the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act and evidence-based literacy instruction. 
• Identify, evaluate, and effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials with fidelity while using student data to inform instructional decisions. 
• Develop strong content knowledge and instructional expertise through curriculum-based professional learning, coaching, and clinical practice. 
• Analyze student work and assessment data to improve instruction and accelerate student learning. 
• Create inclusive learning environments that effectively serve diverse PreK-12 learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, and students with low literacy levels. 
• Collaborate with mentor teachers, instructional leaders, and professional learning communities to continuously improve instructional practice. 
• Engage in reflective practice through observation, feedback, and coaching to strengthen instructional effectiveness. 

Budget Background Information: 

• Grant funds requested may not exceed $3,600,000. 
• Funding used for travel and travel-related expenses must be at state rates and in accordance with state travel regulations.
• Funding for tuition shall not exceed $12,500 per resident per academic year OR requested funding for tuition shall be discounted 35% per resident per academic year. 
• The budget and budget narrative should detail how the partner school divisions shall provide at least one-third of the dollar cost of each program, as required in the Appropriation Act. The local school division one-third contribution must be a cash match of funding.
• State funding should have a direct, measurable impact on the residents excluding professional membership and food/beverages. 

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

The BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program aims to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting civil rights offenses that resulted in death before December 31, 1979. This funding opportunity is part of the DOJ's broader commitment to enhance public safety, protect civil rights, and ensure justice for victims of violent crime. Applications are due on November 20, 2026.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Programs aim to eliminate cancer through collaborative efforts among state, territorial, and tribal organizations. Funded by the CDC, this program supports initiatives such as breast and cervical cancer screening, cancer control planning, and cancer surveillance. By fostering partnerships and community involvement, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and achieve the mission of 'All People Free of Cancer.' This comprehensive approach ensures that resources are effectively coordinated to address the cancer burden in communities.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) aims to enhance the development of diagnostic tests for infectious diseases through strategic partnerships between academia and industry. By fostering collaborations, NIAID seeks to overcome barriers to commercialization, ensuring promising diagnostics reach the market effectively. This initiative aligns with NIH's mission to advance innovative technologies that improve treatment and prevention strategies for infectious diseases, ultimately contributing to public health advancements.

About

Originally conceived by Dr Bruce Mesara in 1990 as a means to carry on his philanthropic efforts beyond his lifetime, the Mesara Family Foundation was re-envisioned by his two children Amy and Douglas in 2014, and received their 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in 2015. Amy and Douglas sought out the assistance of their cousins to build upon the charitable principals on their parents, aunts and uncles.

The foundation is headquartered in Kalamazoo Michigan.

Mission

The mission of the Mesara Family Foundation is to honor the philanthropic principles of the Mesara and Pauch families by supporting carefully selected organizations that share similar values. Our focus is to provide support toward education, conservation and other causes of special family interest where our funding will make a genuine difference.

The BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program offers loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three years of service. Administered by state agencies, this program aims to alleviate the financial burden on legal professionals dedicated to public service. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, providing a crucial opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to secure support for their educational loans.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting proposals for projects that enhance coastal flood protection through public-private partnerships, innovative insurance products, and improved sediment management. This initiative aims to utilize natural infrastructure to bolster flood preparedness and resilience. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is available for selected projects, supporting research teams that collaborate with regional stakeholders. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov, ensuring accessibility to critical resources and information.

The BJA FY 2026 Tribal Justice Training and Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance Tribal justice systems through specialized technical support. This funding opportunity addresses critical issues such as violent crime and substance-use related crime, including opioids. By assisting federally recognized Indian Tribes, the program promotes the development of sustainable legal and corrections infrastructure while fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Applications are due by October 28, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program aims to provide critical support for moderate- to high-risk youth transitioning back into their communities after confinement. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration among state agencies, local governments, Tribes, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive reentry services and assist youth in overcoming challenges related to recidivism. Applications are due by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program Support aims to fortify a national network of 61 multiagency task forces dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation facilitated by technology. This funding opportunity enhances training, prevention, and outreach efforts while fostering collaboration among law enforcement entities. Applications are due in JustGrants by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, ensuring timely support for critical initiatives to protect children.

The CDC is offering funding to enhance collaboration among tuberculosis control programs and various partners in the U.S. This initiative aims to strengthen relationships with national TB control entities, federal agencies, academia, and community organizations. The goal is to promote health and quality of life by preventing, controlling, and eventually eliminating tuberculosis in the United States, building on previous funding opportunities.

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program aims to enhance the research capabilities of individuals with advanced degrees, focusing on disability and rehabilitation research related to employment outcomes. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, this grant offers a 36-month project period, supporting multidisciplinary training for researchers, including those with disabilities, to contribute to high-quality research in the field.

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals with advanced degrees in conducting high-quality research focused on health and function outcomes for people with disabilities. The program offers advanced training opportunities over a 36-month period, specifically targeting rehabilitation researchers, including those with disabilities, to foster multidisciplinary approaches in disability and rehabilitation research.

The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II aims to enhance technological innovation in the private sector, focusing on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development. Administered by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, this program supports small businesses in addressing the needs of these individuals. Grants are available for a 24-month project period, allowing projects to expand upon Phase I results to achieve greater commercial application and societal impact.