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 ShackLAX Memorial Scholarship Fund

The ShackLax Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Aaron M. Shacklette, honoring his spirit of commitment, sportsmanship and service to school and community. His passion for the sport of lacrosse, his immeasurable commitment to personal relationships and his compelling desire to see others realize their full potential under his guidance tempered with Christian compassion, leave behind a legacy of good will toward all who knew him.

Aaron or "Shack", the son of Richard H. and Cynthia M. Shacklette and the devoted brother to Kaitlin Anne Shacklette tragically lost his life returning home from Randolph College following the completion of his freshman year.

Aaron was a 2008 Stafford Senior High School honors graduate where he served as a guidance aide, student mentor, yearbook staff member, member of the Awkward Pause drama improv troupe, and he actively participated in football, wrestling and lacrosse.

Students who attend Stafford County Schools are encouraged to apply.

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 Sofia Silva Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund is established to preserve the memory of Sofia Silva, an active teenage member of Acteens and Fairview Baptist Church. Sofia demonstrated a strong commitment to academics and to living a careful Christian life. The scholarship will be given to the student who promotes the pursuit of youth excellence and who developed through involvement in church, community service, and academics.

The applicant must be a graduating senior from Fredericksburg City Schools, Stafford County Schools, Spotsylvania County Schools, Fredericksburg Academy or Fredericksburg Christian School.

The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, awards two $2,500 scholarships to U.S. students studying Fine Arts, including Performing, Visual, or Technical Arts. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time in an accredited college, and planning to continue their studies into the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support and promote Italian American culture and heritage through the arts.

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 Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The Captain Earle Worley Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, honors Captain Earle Worley's legacy as a dedicated pilot. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Virginia who plan to pursue post-secondary education in aeronautics, aerospace, or aviation-related fields. Eligible candidates can include previous scholarship recipients, promoting ongoing educational opportunities. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through various initiatives, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring aviation students.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

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.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

Virginia students pursuing higher education or vocational training can access funding through the Victor A. and Louise R. Lester Educational Award, offering approximately US $3,000 in non-renewable scholarships. Administered by Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, it supports study at accredited Virginia institutions, with preference for Martinsville Henry County applicants and those attending Baptist or other church-related schools.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

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.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving students attending Radford University Carilion.

 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 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 Paris B. Swisher Memorial Scholarship

The Paris B. Swisher Memorial Scholarship is an honor to a grandaughter's fighting spirit.

Paris graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA and attended Liberty University. She exemplified a faithful and fearless life by learning music and sailing, enjoying art and embracing her friendships and faith. This scholarship fund celebrates who she was and will continue to do so by supporting local students to shine their light.

A memorial is from David and Shirley Swisher, Paris' grandparents. The Swisher’s also have the David and Shirley Swisher Charitable Fund. They see this scholarship as a meaningful way to continually commemorate service and faith, principles Paris stood for.

Eligible students are high school seniors graduating from specific schools that must be enrolled, accepted or awaiting approval of acceptance from Liberty University and demonstrate service to their community. 

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carol A. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Carol A. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for current students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

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 B. and Perry A. Thompson Scholarship Fund

The Mary B. and Perry A. Thompson Scholarship Fund honors two of the Fredericksburg region’s prominent civic leaders of the 50’s and 60’s: Mary Thompson, an educator who served Fredericksburg City Schools for nearly 40 years, and Perry Thompson, who retired as advertising director of the Free Lance-Star after 40 years of service. Mr. Thompson established this scholarship fund in July of 1989 to support meritorious local high school seniors with a demonstrable need for financial support. The fund was transferred to The Community Foundation in January 2013.

The Thompson’s Scholarship Fund supports the college or university education of graduating high school seniors from the City of Fredericksburg or the counties of Spotsylvania or Stafford. In particular, the donors intend for their gift to support the further education of high school students who have strong character and who demonstrate applying their intellect. Priority will be given to students for whom financial need or other circumstances create barriers to further education.

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 Lee Wingate Pappandreou Drama Award

The Lee Wingate Pappandreou Award was established in honor of Mrs. Lee Wingate Pappandreou, an outstanding and dedicated drama teacher at James Monroe High School. This award, established by her husband, is given to the single drama student who best exemplifies the dedication to, professionalism towards, and talent in theater arts that Mrs. Pappandreou dedicated herself to instilling in her students.

The award is available on a one-time basis to local graduating high school seniors only.

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 Henry Warden/Patty Shannon Scholarship Endowment Fund

Henry Warden, a Pennsylvania native, moved to Virginia in the late 1800’s, residing at his historic Hazel Hill on lower Princess Ann Street. In addition to owning several other farm properties around the city and in Spotsylvania County, Henry was very active in Fredericksburg public affairs: including, but not limited to serving on the Fredericksburg City Council for 12 years, holding a position as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors at Planters National Bank of Fredericksburg (a predecessor of today’s PNC Bank), served on the Fredericksburg City School Board and was one of the founders of Lee Hill Cemetery. He also owned several businesses including Hazel Hill Canning Company.

Patty Shannon is Henry’s great-granddaughter.

High school seniors graduating from Spotsylvania County or the City of Fredericksburg are eligible for this renewable scholarship as a first-generation college student in their immediate family and demonstrate financial need.

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 UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

Student Support and Access Grant

The Student Support and Access Grant is designed to provide equitable access across all forms of work‑based learning — internships, micro‑internships, project‑based experiences, practicums, and other applied opportunities; with a particular emphasis on experiences connected to all agency and organization types (i.e. public, private, nonprofit, government, etc.). This grant is committed to reducing financial and structural barriers while advancing institutional and statewide goals to ensure every undergraduate student completes an internship or work‑based learning experience before graduation.This grant is designed to prioritize and support undergraduate students who demonstrate strong potential as part of Virginia’s emerging talent pipeline but may face documented barriers to participation or completion of work‑based learning experiences.Barriers to accessing these opportunities may include: academic factors (i.e. grade point average, course-scheduling conflicts, program-specific or pre-requisite requirements, credit load limitations), employment or caregiving responsibilities, limited access to transportation, geographic isolation, limited access to internet for remote opportunities, or other circumstances that may impact persistence or employment readiness.Eligibility Period: The grant period is for two years. 

The John S. McClure Scholarship, established in 2022 by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., supports post-secondary education for eligible students in Virginia. Applicants must be high school graduates or adult learners, plan to enroll full-time in an accredited institution, demonstrate academic achievement and financial need, and have a GPA above 3.0. Preference is given to children of Wells Fargo employees and students from the Richmond metropolitan area, promoting educational opportunities in the community.