Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.

The Creative Community Partnership Grants aim to bolster local and tribal governments' support for the arts in Virginia. Grants of up to $4,500 are available to fund independent arts organizations, focusing on community impact and underserved populations. Eligibility includes independent city, town, county, or tribal governments, while funds cannot be used for performer payments. This initiative fosters a vibrant arts culture by encouraging local investment in creative projects.

The VA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial and technical assistance to conserve agricultural lands and wetlands, ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply. Through Agricultural Land Easements (ALE), NRCS collaborates with eligible partners to protect working lands and limit non-agricultural uses. This program not only maintains agricultural productivity but also enhances environmental quality, wildlife habitat, and open space preservation, contributing to sustainable land management practices.

The VA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) provides essential financial and technical assistance for the restoration and protection of wetlands. This program helps landowners enhance habitat for wildlife, improve water quality, and mitigate flooding. NRCS offers various enrollment options, including permanent and 30-year easements, ensuring comprehensive support for landowners. With year-round applications, ACEP is committed to conserving vital agricultural lands and wetlands across Virginia.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

The Dick Glover Virginia Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, provides financial support to graduating high school seniors in Virginia who have been active members of the Virginia Wrestling Association. The fund aims to assist these young athletes in pursuing their post-secondary education at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative honors Dick Glover's legacy as a dedicated coach and mentor in the wrestling community, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The Unmanned Aircraft Trade and Replace Program, funded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, provides one-time grants to local first responder agencies in Virginia for replacing unmanned aircraft. This initiative targets aircraft manufactured by foreign adversaries, ensuring that eligible agencies can enhance their operational capabilities. The program underscores the commitment to safety and efficiency in public service, while adhering to the National Defense Authorization Act's requirements regarding unmanned aircraft.

The Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

The Captain Earle Worley Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, honors Captain Earle Worley's legacy as a dedicated pilot. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Virginia who plan to pursue post-secondary education in aeronautics, aerospace, or aviation-related fields. Eligible candidates can include previous scholarship recipients, promoting ongoing educational opportunities. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through various initiatives, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring aviation students.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students attending Radford University Carilion.

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.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share (VACS) Program offers financial assistance for conservation practices on agricultural lands, significantly reducing landowner expenses. Eligible participants can receive up to $300,000 annually to implement practices that enhance water quality and farm productivity. Applicants must apply through local soil and water conservation districts, with priority given to plans that align with local water quality guidelines. This program aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices across Virginia.

The Virginia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR), provide essential funding for the development and rehabilitation of trails and related facilities. This federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program supports various trail categories, ensuring access for both motorized and non-motorized users. Since its inception, the program has significantly contributed to the enhancement of local parks across Virginia, fostering community engagement and outdoor recreation.

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) leads land conservation efforts in Virginia, safeguarding over 850,000 acres across 111 counties. The VA Preservation Trust Fund Grant, established in 1997, supports various projects aimed at protecting open spaces for agriculture, forestry, and recreation. With approximately $1.8 million available this round and no strict funding cap, VOF encourages applications for acquisitions, easements, and other initiatives that enhance environmental quality and community resources.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.

The VA Specialty Crop Competitive Grant Program supports the enhancement of specialty crops across the U.S. territories by aiding state departments in marketing, research, and access initiatives. This program focuses on fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops, helping producers tackle regional challenges and improve competitiveness. Through this grant, states can leverage resources effectively to promote local agriculture and ensure the availability of diverse crops to consumers.

The Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks in Virginia's wildland/urban interface communities. Eligible projects include wildfire hazard assessments, GIS mapping, fuel reduction, and community education initiatives. Priority is given based on the community's assessed wildfire risk and the nature of the project. This is an 80-20 match grant program managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

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.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Dianne E. H. Wilcox Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Eddie Simpson Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to very deserving young men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree.

The Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program supports communities in enhancing their urban tree canopy to improve water quality and public awareness. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, projects can include tree plantings and community engagement initiatives. Grants are available for diverse organizations, including local governments and civic groups, aiming to foster long-term environmental benefits and community involvement in tree management.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

What is DHR?

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.

African American Cemetery & Graves Fund

The African American Cemeteries and Graves Fund (AACGF) provide grants to support the ongoing care and maintenance of historic burial grounds established on or before January 1, 1948, specifically for the interment of African Americans. At the start of each state fiscal year (July 1), the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) announces the availability of funding for these cemeteries, which are defined under the Code of Virginia §10.1-2211.2. Entities listed in this Code section, as well as all other qualified organizations, are required to submit an annual application to the Department by May 30 to receive funding for cemetery maintenance. 

Grant Opportunities

The fund offers two grant opportunities: the Basic Maintenance Grant and the Extraordinary Block Grant. New applicants must first apply for and receive a Basic Maintenance Grant—awarded at a rate of $5 per eligible grave—before qualifying for a block grant to support “extraordinary maintenance” projects. Some examples of each grant are as follows:

Basic Maintenance Grant: vegetation management, care of existing markers and monuments, and in-kind repair of existing roads, paths and parking areas.

Extraordinary Block Grant: installation of replacement markers, preservation planning and pre-approved Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey.

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 Project Grants

CDBG Project Grants are awarded competitively to aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. There are four primary project types under this funding source: Housing Rehabilitation, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services.

Localities with potential projects that have activities applicable to more than one of these project types should contact DHCD for technical assistance

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund

Fund will provide higher education financial assistance to deserving students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for life and broad participation in a variety of activities in church, school, and community.

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.