Best Grants for Youth Programs in Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families in Virginia and the broader Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support for programs such as education, youth services, poverty relief, and humanitarian aid. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced organizations (3+ years) create tangible, direct impact through single-year, non-capital projects.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek funding for literacy, children’s programs, arts, social justice, or environmental initiatives, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help cover project-based programming and, when tied to programs, general operating needs for eligible youth-focused nonprofits.

Virginia youth-serving organizations addressing juvenile justice, delinquency, or related prevention programs can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Support is available for evidence-based or promising, trauma-informed diversion, intervention, and prevention efforts, including community-based services, mentoring, and school-based programs for youth involved in or at risk of delinquency.

Local units of government in Virginia can seek funding for evidence-informed summer diversion and prevention programs for youth, including those involved in the juvenile justice system. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services supports projects that reduce system disproportionality, address behavioral health, keep youth in home communities, and strengthen family and community engagement.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region can seek funding for children’s critical needs, medical support, and educational programs. Focused on vulnerable children, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homeless, orphaned, foster youth, and victims of sex trafficking through its Dover Grants program, which supports non-capital, project-based youth services.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations improving youth, education, health, safety, or community wellness can apply for Encova Foundation of West Virginia grants. Funding supports programs that help children succeed, strengthen families and communities, and promote wellness and public safety; applicants with active Encova associate involvement may receive preference.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving needy and necessitous children can access funding for program, general operating, or capital support, especially in western Virginia and the Roanoke Valley. Grants from the Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children range from US $3,000 - US $20,000 to support care, education, health, and welfare services for children.

Youth-serving nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations in Virginia can access planning support through AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grants to design future service programs in areas like education, youth services, health, and environmental stewardship. Grants from Serve Virginia help organizations build evidence-informed AmeriCorps program frameworks before seeking full operational funding.

Nonprofit, faith-based, Tribal organizations, and state service commissions in Virginia can apply for AmeriCorps operational grants supporting youth and community service programs. Grants from Serve Virginia help Virginia youth services, education, health, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and veterans-focused programs engage AmeriCorps members, with awards up to US $25,200 per Member Service Year for cost-reimbursement operational grants.

Child and youth care agencies in Virginia can seek support for youth services, child welfare, foster care, adoption, and child care programs through the Thanksgiving Offering Fund, administered by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. Focused on youth-serving agencies, this funding is distributed based on donor designations and a formula for undesignated contributions.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia and other Peoples Bank communities can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs for low- to moderate-income children and families. Funding may also benefit groups working in education, human and social services, economic development, environment, or arts and culture within the foundation’s multistate footprint.

High school seniors in Orange, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, or Fredericksburg pursuing college in Virginia can receive scholarship support for higher education and youth development activities. Grants from Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region help Virginia youth engaged in academics, employment, community service, water ski clubs, and other positive social programs pursue excellence.

Youth-serving and environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions to support programs for children and environmental stewardship. Grants from Sprague help fund impactful local projects, with awards typically ranging from US $250 - US $10,000 across its operating areas, including Virginia.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in Virginia and other eligible regions can receive in-kind toy donations to support children’s play and well-being. With a mission to bring comfort and joy through play, The Toy Foundation provides vetted nonprofits with quarterly toy pickups from regional facilities for distribution to the children they serve.

Virginia youth-serving and educational nonprofits can seek funding to support enrichment programs, veterans’ families, and low-income communities through the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company. Grants from Employees Community Fund Of The Boeing Company help Virginia youth programs, schools, and community organizations in the Potomac Region advance education, housing stability, and support for local heroes and their families.

Virginia children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant supports event costs like space, food, entertainment, photos, and formal wear near Dunkin’ locations.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Virginia can seek funding for pediatric gaming and virtual engagement programs; awards US $25,000 - US $65,000 support equipment, staffing, and connectivity. Grants from Joy in Childhood Foundation help youth programs enhance coping, cognitive skills, and joy for hospitalized kids, especially teens.

The CDC's National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs) aim to expand the evidence base for preventing youth violence among individuals aged 10 to 24. This initiative supports rigorous evaluations of prevention approaches, community engagement, and training for early career researchers. By establishing partnerships and focusing on communities with above-average youth violence rates, the YVPCs seek to enhance collaborative efforts and effectively disseminate research findings to inform future prevention strategies.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, supports women pursuing higher education in STEM fields. This scholarship honors Bobbie Kilberg's dedication to community service. It aims to address the underrepresentation of women in technology careers, providing financial assistance to those demonstrating leadership potential and financial need. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and graduates from Northern Virginia who are committed to advancing their careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Chester Rotary Club, Charles H. Kinsey, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment aims to support students from Southern Chesterfield County, Virginia, in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 2012 to honor Colonel Charles H. Kinsey, Jr., the scholarship focuses on applicants demonstrating academic excellence, community involvement, and financial need. It reflects the Rotary Club's commitment to 'Service Above Self' by encouraging educational aspirations and community service among local youth.

The Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department Joshua A. Culler Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students from Prince George County pursuing higher education in medical fields or emergency services. Established in 2012 to honor Joshua A. Culler, a dedicated volunteer firefighter, the scholarship prioritizes applicants who volunteer with the department or are dependents of volunteers. Eligible students must demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement, ensuring a commitment to service and education.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.