Best Higher Education Grants in Virginia

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 Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Emory & Henry University Scholarship

The Emory & Henry University Scholarship was established by alumni, David W. Driver, to support Harrisonburg & Rockingham County students attending his alma mater. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Early Ace Scholarship

This scholarship was established to support graduating seniors from public high schools in the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Rockingham, Augusta, Shenandoah, Page, and Rockbridge who plan to attend a four-year Virginia public college or university.

This scholarship is renewable.

Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations working in higher education, primary and secondary education, healthcare, human services, religion, or arts and culture can receive US $5,000 - US $75,000 in support. Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust primarily funds charitable activities in the Greater Richmond area, with a preference for education-related programs and services.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Diane & Thomas Perry Scholarship

This scholarship was established to support current graduating seniors from public high schools in the city of Harrisonburg, and the counties of Rockingham, Page and Shenandoah, who plan to attend a four-year Virginia public college or university to further their education.

This scholarship will be awarded to students planning to work toward a bachelor’s degree with a science/pre-med, business or education major. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Dennis & Patricia Early Scholarship (STEM)

Dennis and Patricia Early have dedicated their lives to education and to encouraging and supporting students in every way. They taught multiple generations of the same families in Rockingham County. Patricia taught biology and chemistry and Dennis taught math.

This scholarship supports graduates of Rockingham County public high schools interested in studying math or science, or in becoming a K-12 math or science teacher. Candidates may pursue other career paths related to math and science. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Community College Transfer Scholarship (MGCC, BRCC, or LRCC transfers)

This scholarship was established to support students from BRCC, LRCC, or MGCC who have earned an Associate Degree, or completed the transfer program, and have been accepted to attend a Virginia public college or university.

This award is not for graduating high school seniors, completing an Associate Degree with a high school diploma.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Bev Good Memorial Scholarship (Track & Field)

Bev Good was a respected and admired track official who invested a lifetime developing and working with student athletes. He was well known not only locally, but throughout the Mid-Atlantic for his service as a track and field meet referee and official. His passion and commitment to excellence inspired all who knew him.

The Bev Good Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Debbie and Joe Showker, allows his legacy to live on. 

Virginia high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Andy King Memorial Scholarship. The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County provides funding for graduating seniors from specified public schools who demonstrate strong academics, financial need, and active extracurricular involvement.

The Cyber as a Service Grant Program, under the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, aims to enhance students' cybersecurity skills while benefiting Virginia's local economies. This program encourages student-led projects that provide essential cyber services, such as penetration testing and risk analysis, to small businesses and non-profits located in the same counties as participating educational institutions. With a funding cap of $15,000, the initiative fosters collaboration between academia and the local workforce.

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Tom And Dot Hand Scholarship (Universal Application)

This scholarship award was established to assist Culpeper and Eastern View High School students pursuing further education for Visual or Performing Arts at a public college in Virginia. One $1,000 scholarship may awarded. Applicants should demonstrate good community standing and possess a record that displays initiative and commitment to their chosen field of study.

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 L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

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 Community Scholarship Fund

In September 2021, The Community Foundation’s Board of Governors established The Community Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship fund will provide opportunities to area students who face challenges accessing higher education by providing general scholarships based on need, without a particular designation. 

The Community Foundation believes that investing in our youth is investing in our community’s success and pivotal to the lives of students today and to our collective future. The United States Census Bureau’s Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) indicates that 8.9% of students (ages 5 to 17) in our region live in poverty without the necessary means to be successful. The Community Scholarship Fund is an opportunity for our community to collectively contribute to the furtherment of our student’s education.

Graduating seniors from Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, or Highland County public schools in Virginia planning to attend Virginia Tech as Corps of Cadets members can apply for the Lt. Col. Thomas R. Beam Scholarship. Offered through the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, this award supports higher education with demonstrated academic achievement and financial need, with possible one-year renewal.

Graduating high school seniors and current Northern Virginia Community College students in Virginia pursuing environmental-related associate degrees can receive scholarship support to continue into a four-year university. With a mission to advance equity and opportunity, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia provides US $5,000 through the Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund for students with financial need and clear environmental career goals.

Member One Federal Credit Union – Henry Lee Memorial Scholarship

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors who are members at Member One Federal Credit Union and plan to attend a college or university in Virginia.

Amount

• $1,500

Virginia-area higher education students who are District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree can receive last-dollar tuition and fee support through the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program. The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education offers need-based awards up to US $24,000 for study at select colleges and universities in Virginia, Maryland, and DC.

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 Como Farm Scholarship Fund

The Como Farm Scholarship is a four-year award, which “follows” the winner through their college career, on the condition of adequate annual progress.

This scholarship fund was established in May 2010 by anonymous donors and named for their family home place in recognition of “four generations of love” for their community.

The ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees in HVAC&R fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. Eligible institutions include those hosting an ASHRAE student branch or accredited engineering programs. This scholarship promotes academic excellence and sustainable practices in the built environment, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance technology and human well-being.

MFP Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarship assistance to deserving men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of health, business, or religion. Must pursue a degree/certificate in the area of health, business, or religion.

Amount

$1,000+

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Virginia high school seniors pursuing college degrees in agriculture can receive renewable scholarship support through the W.P. & T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship. The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County awards these competitive higher education scholarships to graduates of public high schools in Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, or Harrisonburg City.

College engineering students from Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Mercer, or Wyoming counties in West Virginia attending Virginia Tech can receive renewable, need-based support through the Ernest V. Bowman Memorial Scholarship. Grants from Beckley Area Foundation help higher education students in Virginia with tuition costs when they maintain at least a “B” average.

Adult learners in Virginia pursuing post-secondary career credentials in IT/tech, healthcare, or skilled trades can receive scholarship support for higher education expenses. Grants from The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County help residents of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and surrounding Virginia counties gain career readiness skills and connect to family-sustaining job opportunities.