Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Virginia

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Virginia 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can receive support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding nationally, so Virginia groups with green infrastructure projects that also advance community health or education may be eligible.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on charitable, educational, scientific, medical, or related green infrastructure initiatives can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, with projects that significantly benefit their target populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW computer science programs, including those in eligible Virginia counties, can apply for US $20,000 in funding from Project Lead The Way to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher training. Schools must serve at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students and add one new PLTW computer science course each grant year.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW computer science programs in eligible Virginia counties can receive US $10,000 to add courses, increase class sections, or train additional PLTW teachers. Project Lead The Way funding may help schools serving 40%+ free/reduced lunch students strengthen STEM offerings that complement broader green infrastructure and sustainability education efforts.

Virginia public and charter schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to launch new PLTW Engineering programs. Grants provide US $40,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, starting in the 2027–2028 school year.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering programs in select Virginia counties and other eligible U.S. communities can apply for Project Lead The Way’s grants, with awards of US $10,000 for program expansion. Funding can cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter middle schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students in select Virginia counties and other eligible U.S. regions can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Gateway grants, awarding US $20,000 for new STEM programs. Funding covers PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training over two years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs in select Virginia counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, including travel and lodging. Grants from Project Lead The Way offer US $10,000 to help eligible schools serving at least 40% free/reduced‑price lunch students grow hands-on STEM learning.

Virginia schools serving grades K-5 that want to start new PLTW Launch STEM programs can access funding through Project Lead The Way to cover participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training, with awards up to US $20,000. Eligible public and charter schools must be in specified Virginia localities and serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs in select Virginia counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $5,000. Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell back program growth beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports U.S.-based IRS-qualified nonprofits, including those whose green infrastructure or conservation work would benefit significantly from relatively modest awards.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, supporting hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. Virginia organizations may be eligible if they serve local clients and, ideally, engage Ameriprise employees or advisors as active volunteers.

Local governments, nonprofits, and community partners in eligible Chesapeake Bay watershed areas of Virginia can seek Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns funding to plan or build green infrastructure and urban greening projects. Grants up to US $175,000 support conceptual planning, engineered designs, construction, community greening, white papers, and technical planning that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs, including green infrastructure efforts in Virginia, can seek unrestricted program or operating support from the Lawrence Foundation. This private family foundation awards US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants to U.S.-headquartered groups operating in the U.S. or internationally.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and community services, including green infrastructure efforts in Virginia, can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation funds charitable initiatives that respect people, the environment, and all life, helping organizations drive positive, future-focused change in their communities.

Virginia nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment projects that strengthen local well-being. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance long-term sustainability, so organizations incorporating green infrastructure or nature-based solutions into community development may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The Tjx Foundation supports these community services, and Virginia groups with green infrastructure components in their youth or family programs may be eligible.