Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices in Virginia and other eligible regions can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant to fund full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions. This five-year support helps advance ethnic minority and gender representation, with roles covering planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity efforts, and student-athlete welfare.

Virginia high school students pursuing visual or performing arts at a public college can receive $1,000 for further education through the Tom and Dot Hand Scholarship. Northern Piedmont Community Foundation supports eligible Culpeper and Eastern View High School seniors who show good community standing, initiative, and commitment to their chosen arts field.

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.

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.

Lifelong Learning Grants

To facilitate and support arts learning for students, educators, youth, and adult citizens, reaching those who are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented, by providing opportunities to work with highly qualified professional teaching artists in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.

Description

Lifelong Learning Grants fund sequential hands-on learning programs and experiences designed to encourage artistic skills, processes, and creativity. Artistic and/or cultural discipline(s) may include, but are not limited to dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and visual arts. Arts learning programs include specific objectives, outcomes and methods of evaluation that are well defined and relevant to the learners involved.

The BMSS Best Trainee Abstract Award, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes the best biologically-based computational modeling abstract at the SOT Annual Meeting. This prestigious award, aimed at students and postdoctoral researchers, promotes excellence in toxicological research. The award highlights the Society's commitment to diversity and innovation in science, encouraging a wide range of perspectives in the field. Winning authors receive an achievement plaque, celebrating their contributions to advancing toxicology.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grants in Virginia aim to enhance specialty courts and dockets, including recovery courts and behavioral health dockets. This funding supports applicants in increasing program capacity, acceptance, and graduation rates by developing interdisciplinary teams and implementing evidence-based practices. Grants are available for planning, implementation, and enhancement phases, allowing localities to expand existing programs or establish new ones, with a focus on training and resource development.

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 Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

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.

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

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The VCA Community Impact Grants aim to support innovative art-based projects that engage underserved communities across Virginia. With a focus on collaboration and artistic excellence, these grants fund new and expanded creative programming and require a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions. The program emphasizes community involvement in project planning and execution, ensuring a meaningful impact through the arts.

The NRA Foundation: Virginia Grants are designed to promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports, adhering to IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and government agencies with an EIN. The foundation supports educational programs, research in firearms safety, and community benefits, while excluding commercial ventures and fundraising activities. Grant requests should align with the foundation's mission to foster safety and education in the shooting sports and related activities.

The NCAC-SOT Fall Symposium Trainee Abstract Award supports students and postdoctoral researchers presenting their work at the National Capital Area Chapter Fall Symposium. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an academic program within the MD, VA, DC region and submit a concise research description. Awards include $200 for first place and $100 for second place, encouraging scholarly engagement and innovation among trainees.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to help communities prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water access. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can fund projects like water transmission line repairs and construction of water sources, with amounts reaching up to $1 million. This initiative supports rural areas in restoring access to reliable drinking water after disasters.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is inviting applications for the 2026 Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Grant Program, a continuation of the prior year's initiative. This program aims to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system through funding for localities and organizations involved in law enforcement, crime prevention, and victim services. The grant period will last 12 months, from January 1 to December 31, 2026, without extensions.

The Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity supports Virginia-based partnerships in addressing systemic barriers to health equity. With funding up to $150,000 over two years, the program encourages innovative research in policy, systems, and environmental strategies. Eligible applicants include non-profits and municipalities, aiming to leverage community strengths to enhance health outcomes. This initiative prioritizes collaborative efforts and actionable insights to promote optimal health across Virginia's diverse communities.

The Virginia Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (VSTOP) Limited Competition Grant Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in Virginia. Managed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, this program is open for applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle, focusing on initiatives that improve access to justice for survivors of violence. Eligible projects must create new officer positions within law enforcement to support these objectives.

Radio Systems Corporation aims to enhance community welfare through its Product Donation Requests program. With over $2 million contributed last year, the initiative focuses on supporting non-profits dedicated to animal welfare and youth education. This year, the goal is to positively impact 14.5 million individuals and pets. The program welcomes applications from eligible organizations, while ensuring that for-profit entities and political campaigns are not considered for donations.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The School Safety Personnel and Programming Grant, offered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provides funding for school safety personnel and necessary equipment. It aims to enhance the safety of students and staff through effective training and programming. Eligible local governments can apply for grants to establish new safety positions, manage related expenses, and foster collaborations between law enforcement and schools. This initiative promotes proactive measures to prevent crime and violence in educational environments.

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.

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 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 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.