Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Virginia

The SESAPS Francis Slack Award, established by the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, honors individuals who have selflessly contributed to advancing physics in the Southeast. It recognizes efforts in enhancing research facilities, strengthening academic departments, and fostering regional physics organizations. Nominations remain active for three years, with a focus on encouraging women and minority candidates. This prestigious award commemorates the legacy of Francis G. Slack, a pivotal figure in the development of the Southeastern Section.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is charged with planning and carrying out programs and initiatives to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the criminal justice system as a whole (Code of Virginia § 9.1-102).

The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.

Office of First Responder Wellness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Office of First Responder Wellness is offering funding to support first responder wellness for current and retired first responders. The First Responder Wellness Grant Program is designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding opportunity aims to provide resources to agencies and non-profit organizations focused on promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals who serve on the front lines of public safety, including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, emergency communication officers, and corrections officers. 

These grant funds are to be used to support our first responders through programs addressing, but not limited to, emotional, physical, and overall personal wellness:

• Fund first responder wellness training for agency employees
• Fund registration fees, lodging, and per diem for agency employees to attend conferences related to first responder wellness
• Fund support costs for a therapy/support dog or costs for a dog already owned by an agency to attend training.
• Fund the purchase of therapeutic wellness equipment
• Provide funding for non-profit organizations to provide wellness training, resources, or direct services to first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia

The Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity aims to enhance health equity in Virginia by funding collaborative research initiatives. With a focus on addressing systemic barriers and root causes of health disparities, the program supports two types of awards: Partnership/Collaborative Establishment Awards for developing projects and Research Awards for established consortia. This funding initiative seeks to leverage community strengths to promote optimal health outcomes for all Virginians.

FY 2027 School Safety Officer Program Grant

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the Fiscal Year 2027 School Resource Officer Incentive Grant Program Funding Opportunities for School Security Officers (SSO) grants. 

• Funding is available for salary and benefits for full-time or part-time SSO positions, equipment, programming, and training.

Grants will be awarded on a continuation basis (#567211) and a competitive basis (#567212) for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2027.

Awards are contingent on funding availability within the SRO Fund in the state appropriations act.

The total amount requested in an application may not exceed $50,000 per SSO position in DCJS Special funds, and the total amount may not exceed the FY26 awarded amount unless the difference in funding is covered with matching funds. All requested amounts must be reasonable and consistent with the locality’s or school division’s staff compensation policies and practices.

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 Christopher Donell Childs Memorial Fund

This fund was created in memory of Christopher Donell Childs. Christopher was one of a kind and full of life. He was intelligent, witty, and humorous with infectious laughter. He was one of six children born and raised in Spotsylvania County by his beloved parents Louis and Virgie Childs. He was so loved and adored by his family and friends.

Christopher attended Courtland High School with Honors, and he used his God given athletic abilities to play football, basketball, and track. Later in life, he learned to love the game of golf. His academic and athletic talents would then gift him a full scholarship to William and Mary to play football. He graduated with a biology degree, but he soon recognized his passion was in business and understanding finances.

His future and spiritual influenced father in love, Rev. Douglas T. Pinkard (see Rev. Douglas T Pinkard Scholarship Memorial) introduced him to a communication company, where they both thrived. Christopher then married his high school sweetheart, Vanessa Pinkard Childs. Their union was blessed by two children Alexander, later married to Carly Childs, and Brittany later married to Tavon Harris.

Christopher went on to become a Vice President of Verizon and dedicated thirty-four of his years to advance the company. At the age of 59, two months after retirement and enjoying his passion of golf, Christopher was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His courage and determination to support others through this journey was to be commended. He loved the Lord and would be obedient to spreading the gospel before going home to our eternal Father. His legacy and strong values will live forever. Four weeks after his passing, he would be blessed to have his first grandchild, Hudson Christopher, who will carry on Christopher’s God given principles and his last name-Childs.

The Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children provides financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations serving needy children in Virginia, particularly in the Western region and Roanoke Valley. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for first-time applicants, while returning grantees may receive up to $20,000. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and education of children, ensuring compliance with all grant conditions.

The Jazz Touring Network (JTN) fosters the presentation of jazz across the mid-Atlantic region, supporting both novice and experienced presenters. Through an open and competitive application process, JTN members engage in professional development and collaborate on annual jazz tours. Eligible organizations must be located in specific states and maintain a strong history of presenting touring artists. The JTN prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that programming reflects the vibrant landscape of contemporary jazz.

Undergraduate engineering and pre-engineering students in Virginia preparing for HVAC&R-related careers can receive up to US $3,000 for one year of study through the ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship. American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers supports students at eligible accredited programs or institutions with ASHRAE student branches.

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.

Local and public campus law enforcement agencies in Virginia can seek funding for equipment that enhances daily services and improves officer and citizen safety, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $75,000. With a mission to strengthen the criminal justice system, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services provides short-term Byrne JAG support for eligible equipment purchases.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Allan and Margot Blank Foundation Grant supports musical and artistic organizations, focusing on chamber groups, choral groups, and soloists performing contemporary music, particularly in the Richmond, Virginia area. The foundation provides funding for music rental, recording support, and administrative expenses, with average grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in Virginia. Applications are accepted year-round for funding consideration.

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 Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

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 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 Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship Fund

Mary Carter Frackelton, a life-long Fredericksburg resident, established this scholarship fund in December 2012. Carter is a dedicated educator and businesswoman. After graduating from Sweet Briar College, she taught 4th grade at Orange Elementary School in Orange, Virginia from 1972 to 1978. She returned to Fredericksburg in 1978 and taught at Stafford Middle School – 5th grade for three years, then 7th grade math and the 5th - 8th grade gifted program for four more. For several years, she also taught math to adults in Stafford County who were preparing to take the GED test. In 1985, Carter left public school teaching and joined her father in their family business, the Frackelton Block Company. Following Robert Frackelton’s death in December 1989, Carter became managing partner at Frackelton Block Company. Carter continues to lead the business in a variety of capacities.

Ms. Frackelton began The Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship with a donation that provides one scholarship award each year. She has also named The Community Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in her will. Her planned gift will increase the number of scholarship awards that can be made each year, and ensure that this meaningful fund continues as a permanent asset for our region.

Ms. Frackelton believes strongly that encouraging students to make a commitment to their continuing education and helping them to reach those goals will not only increase productivity in businesses but also strengthen our community as a whole. She also believes that empowering and honoring women is a powerful way to preserve and grow a community. Demographics show that more and more women are single parents and this trend can often create serious financial challenges for their children. Ms. Frackelton intends for her gift to support high school students with barriers to higher education – particularly those who have been raised by a single mother (or grandmother or aunt). 

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.

Background

Archaeological sites are some of Virginia’s most fragile resources. Threatened Sites grants offer emergency funding for archaeological sites endangered by erosion, impending development, or vandalism. The program has saved archaeological remnants at sites across Virginia, providing important information about our past that would have been lost.

Since 1985, the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) has administered a program for threatened archaeological sites in Virginia. 

Potential sites are evaluated by department teams and a Threatened Sites Committee composed of members of the archaeological community. Funds are committed for assessment, excavation, laboratory processing and analysis, and reporting. If a site cannot be saved, the funds are used to gather the information it contains before it is lost forever. 

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 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 Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

Virginia nonprofits supporting individuals affected by child labor or working to prevent child labor exploitation can access funding through Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation for direct services and capacity-building. Grants may support basic needs, legal aid, youth enrichment, education and vocational training, financial literacy, or staff training, with priority for projects serving Accomack County.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

The Camp-Younts Foundation Grant, established in 1955, focuses on supporting organizations that assist poor and needy individuals in Virginia and Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Preference is given to religious, educational, cultural, and civic organizations with outreach programs. The foundation only considers operating and non-capital grants, with average sizes ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Metro Atlanta.

The (VTC) Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program, initiated by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, aims to bolster small tourism-related businesses with targeted marketing efforts. This reimbursable grant program is designed to enhance existing marketing budgets and support shoulder season tourism in Virginia. Eligible applicants include small businesses and organizations that create robust marketing plans to drive tourism and stimulate local economies, particularly from September to May.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.