Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

Artist Catalyst Grants

Projects that support Virginia artists in advancing their creative practice.

Description

The Artist Catalyst Grant offers one-time support of up to $500 to help artists reach a new point in their development, either by enhancing their craft, accessing a unique opportunity, engaging with the public, or completing a significant project. As a guiding principle, the funded activity should serve as a catalyst, helping to enhance the artist’s practice or career trajectory. Requests most likely to be awarded will clearly articulate compelling before-and-after impact, demonstrating how this investment enables new skills, opportunities, visibility, or momentum that would not occur without the grant.

The FY 2026 Witness Protection Grant Program, provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, aims to support witnesses and their families facing potential danger due to their cooperation in felony investigations. This program offers temporary financial assistance for essential expenses like lodging and transportation for up to 90 days. Ongoing applications are welcomed, and early enrollment in the grant program is encouraged to streamline reimbursement processes, ensuring timely support for witnesses in need.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

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

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.

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

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 Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

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

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

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 Urgent Need Fund

CDBG Urgent Need Fund Grants enable the prompt response to existing serious and immediate threats to local health and safety. The applicant locality must be unable to finance the project on its own, no other funding is available to address the problem and the CDBG funding will be directly targeted towards alleviation of the threatening conditions. CDBG assistance will generally only be made available to projects, which consist only of activities in support of long-term recovery and primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. 

The John S. McClure Scholarship, established in 2022 by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., supports post-secondary education for eligible students in Virginia. Applicants must be high school graduates or adult learners, plan to enroll full-time in an accredited institution, demonstrate academic achievement and financial need, and have a GPA above 3.0. Preference is given to children of Wells Fargo employees and students from the Richmond metropolitan area, promoting educational opportunities in the community.

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

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mission Statement

To invest in the arts in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Capacity Building Grants

Purpose

Capacity Building Grants help Virginia arts organizations enhance artistic quality, strengthen community engagement, and improve management capabilities by providing access to external expertise.

Description

Capacity Building Grants provide targeted assistance for Virginia arts organizations seeking to strengthen their internal operations and sustainability. These grants help organizations access specialized expertise or training that supports strategic growth, improved management, and long-term effectiveness.

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

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Maxwell Dudley Davidson Scholarship, offered by the Bedford Community Health Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing nursing degrees, including RN, BSN, or Nurse Practitioner programs. Recipients can receive up to $2,000 per academic year for three years. Eligibility requires residency in Bedford, Virginia, and enrollment in an approved health-related program with a minimum 'C' average. This scholarship aims to enhance community health services through education.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The VCA Arts in Practice Grants program aims to enhance access to high-quality artist-led residencies across Virginia. Starting July 1, 2025, this rolling grant allows eligible organizations to receive up to 50% reimbursement of residency fees, with a maximum of $2,000. Activities must engage Virginia's communities through dynamic educational programming, supporting diverse learning environments for all ages. Interested applicants should apply at least two weeks prior to their scheduled activities.

The Coal Mine Methane Capture & Utilization Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Energy, aims to mitigate methane emissions from coal mines in Southwest Virginia. With $79.5 million in funding from the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, this initiative supports projects that capture and utilize fugitive methane, enhancing mine safety and promoting cleaner energy. It is open to entities working collaboratively with coal mine owners through September 2029, prioritizing environmental and economic benefits.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Marietta McNeill Morgan & Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Trust, established in 1962, aims to enhance educational and human services in Virginia. It focuses on specific capital expenditures rather than general campaigns. The Trust encourages matching and challenge grants while excluding requests for debt reduction, scholarships, and funds for media production. Grants are not available to individuals or government agencies primarily funded by tax revenue, ensuring that resources are directed to impactful community projects.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

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.