Best Grants for Women in Virginia

Virginia NCAA Division III member institutions creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant. Focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association funds salary, wages, and benefits for two years, with institutional matching required.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Virginia can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant to create or expand full-time mid- to senior-level athletics administration positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants support roles that enhance ethnic minority and gender representation and cover responsibilities like strategic planning, compliance, fundraising, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, which supports salary, wages, and benefits to increase ethnic minority and gender representation. With a mission to advance inclusive athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Virginia schools and other eligible institutions up to US $48,000 over three years.

NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conference offices in Virginia seeking to enhance ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. This five-year support funds full-time roles involving strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare, and may benefit women-focused leadership efforts.

Eligible NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices in Virginia can apply for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant; awards US $30,000 for a full-time, entry-level athletics administrator plus professional development funds. This one-year internship supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics administration, benefiting women and ethnic minorities.

Virginia nonprofits focused on education or health programs for women and girls can access funding through the L B Research and Education Foundation, with awards from US $10,000 - US $75,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s are typically small to medium, with established staff and budgets, and programs serving underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, or adult vocational and mental health needs.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

Women-of-color environmental leaders and their organizations in Virginia can seek organizational funding to support sustainability and environmental stewardship work. Focused on women and girl services, Rachels Network invites eligible leaders to apply for the Catalyst Award’s US $10,000 organizational grant, which accompanies a separate personal award, leadership support, and public recognition for mid-career changemakers.

High school seniors pursuing STEM degrees can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for higher education through the Athena Scholarship, which supports gender equity in science, technology, engineering and math. The San Diego Foundation’s common application serves U.S. students, and Virginia women and girls in STEM who meet the criteria may be eligible.

Women from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degree programs can receive scholarship support for tuition and related college costs, with awards up to US $3,000. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers this fund through a single online application, which may also match eligible students to other scholarships; Virginia-based women may explore it if they have ties to the eligible counties.

Women in Michigan counties pursuing higher education or vocational training who are unemployed or under-employed can receive multiyear support for tuition and other college expenses. Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Women’s Education Coalition Grant helps cover costs within a school’s cost of attendance and supports women’s education and financial independence, which may benefit women-focused programs in Virginia seeking similar models.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Established in January 2026, the Irene Zurine Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships each year to support girls and women, traditional or nontraditional students, who are furthering their education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a female or female-identified student from a high school in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming county who has 50 or more documented volunteer hours and and who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

YWCA Chester County Fund

Mission Statement

A primary focus of the YWCA Chester County Fund is to provide scholarships to women, primarily non-traditional students, to continue their education.

Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

The Emma E. Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to memorialize Emma by helping female swimmers pursue their dreams of a college education. The scholarship awards will be granted on an annual basis to female graduating high school senior athletes in Southern Chester County.

About Emma

Emma was an excellent student as a sophomore at Unionville High School (UHS). She loved to swim and was a dedicated member of both the Kennett YMCA Sea Dragons and UHS swim teams. In her spare time, Emma was a lifeguard and also taught young children how to swim at the Y. As a younger child and teenager, Emma excelled on the ballfield in URA softball.

At the young age of 16, Emma passed away following complications caused by a rare type of gastric cancer, a form of the disease that was unheard of in a child and unfortunately found too late. Throughout Emma’s brief illness, she was strong and determined to get better, and did not let her health issues define her in any way.

Emma was beautiful in every sense of the word, and was loved throughout her community and beyond. She worked hard at whatever she was trying to accomplish, but always with a cheery, exuberant attitude and lovely smile. More than anything, her absolute kindness and warm heart are what made Emma our sweet girl.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.

The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant supports women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older, providing up to $2,500 annually for technical or vocational education, associate’s degrees, or first bachelor’s degrees. This grant, renewable for up to five years, aims to empower those facing financial need, fostering better futures for American women. Recipients are selected based on their applications, ensuring that all candidates are informed about their status.

The Emerge Grant, established by the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, supports women and nonbinary individuals aged 25 and older from Georgia and Montana. With grants up to $2,500 annually, recipients can pursue technical, vocational, or degree programs at accredited U.S. institutions. This initiative, rooted in Rankin's legacy, aims to empower those demonstrating financial need. Applicants will be informed about their status, ensuring transparency in the selection process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Virginia can seek funding for community-based STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 through American Association of University Women Community Action Grants. These U.S.-wide awards offer up to US $50,000 for hands-on STEM learning, mentorship, and confidence-building experiences for girls.

Virginia AAUW branches and state organizations designing hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can seek up to US $10,000 to expand or deepen their local initiatives. Focused on STEM skill-building, confidence and identity, mentoring, and college or career preparation, American Association of University Women funding could strengthen programs serving women and girls.

Virginia doctoral students at U.S. universities researching 19th–early 21st century Russian/Soviet history, including women’s and gender studies, can access funding through the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies. The Cohen-Tucker Dissertation Fellowships provide up to US $28,000 for research or completion support, with projects typically involving work in Eastern Europe and/or Eurasia.

Female high school seniors pursuing undergraduate degrees with at least a 3.5 GPA and financial need can apply for Erie County Community Foundation’s College Women's Club Charitable Fund Scholarship. Students from specific Ohio high schools may benefit, and those focused on women and girl services in education may be especially interested.