Best Higher Education Grants in Virginia

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Luis Mendez, a gifted pianist that performed with legendary entertainers, big bands and musicians from his early days in the U.S. Army and over the next six decades. While he loved to play music, his passion in life was to share his talent as a music educator. Luis impacted the lives of countless individuals throughout his 50 years of teaching choral and instrumental music in El Paso, Texas; Mansfield, Ohio; and Polk County, Florida. Humble, witty and kind, Luis loved his students and maintained relationships with many of them throughout his entire lifetime.

This scholarship supports graduating seniors of Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County high schools who are pursuing a college degree with aspirations to teach in the music or arts field. Strong consideration will be given to eligible applicants that demonstrate significant community involvement.

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. 

Northeast Neighborhood Endowed Scholarship

This fund supports post-secondary educational scholarships for graduating high school seniors who currently live in the Northeast Neighborhood community of Harrisonburg, 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.

Virginia high school students seeking help paying for higher education and active in athletics or other extracurriculars may be eligible for the Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship. Greene County–area students can access funding through the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, which considers financial need, character, determination, and leadership in its awards.

The NCAC-SOT Fall Symposium Trainee Abstract Award supports students and postdoctoral researchers presenting their work at the National Capital Area Chapter Fall Symposium. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an academic program within the MD, VA, DC region and submit a concise research description. Awards include $200 for first place and $100 for second place, encouraging scholarly engagement and innovation among trainees.

Virginia higher education students who are children of full-time employees at clubs hosting Society of Seniors tournaments and who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for this renewable scholarship supporting college or other post-secondary study. With a mission to strengthen the community, The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County provides need-based aid recognizing leadership and academic performance.

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.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Moss-Henderson Scholarship

The Moss-Henderson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support the postsecondary educational pursuits of qualifying graduates of Mathews County public schools who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in the state of Virginia with a preference for those students planning to enroll at the University of Virginia. Students interested in any area of study are encouraged to apply, however, preference will be given to students interested in teaching children with learning disabilities. 

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.

Virginia high school graduates pursuing higher education at historically Black colleges and universities can receive scholarship support for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral study. The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County provides this Trackaday Scholarship for students from public high schools in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham, Page, or Shenandoah County attending HBCUs.

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.

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.

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.

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 Seay Family Scholarship Fund

Nick and Marvin Seay (Garnett Marvin Seay, II) and their parents Kathryn and Garnett are representatives of a family with ties to our region that are 200 years old. Kathryn Hill Seay was a successful businesswoman and community volunteer who operated the General Washington Inn and who lead the effort to create Fredericksburg’s Meals on Wheels program. Garnett Seay was a businessman as well, but was also a fine craftsman, particularly known as a furniture builder.

This scholarship fund was initially created in memory of Garnett Marvin Seay II, known to all as Marvin, upon his untimely death at just 24 years old. When their parents passed, Nick Seay modified the scholarship to honor each of his family members and the Seay Family legacy in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg.

Students who attend Fredericksburg City Schools, Spotsylvania County Schools, Fredericksburg Academy, or Fredericksburg Christian School are encouraged to apply.

 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.

Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund

The Field of Interest Fund reflects the Samardzija-Gutesha family’s values and commitment to giving back. It supports education and hands-on learning in farming, soil health, and water conservation, with a focus on FFA members and associate-level college students.

Scholarships benefit graduating seniors and second-year post-high school students who are originally from DeKalb County high schools with FFA programs.

The Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund provides scholarships for post-high school students pursuing education in agriculture or conservation, as well as paid internships with local farmers, and conservation professionals. It also supports educational seminars on topics such as sustainable farming and agricultural business, and provides grants to local organizations that align with the donor’s values.

In its first year, the Fund awarded $65,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Somonauk, and Sycamore high schools (pictured above). Each student attending a two-year college received a $5,000 scholarship, while students planning to attend a four-year university received $10,000.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund

Dee Palmer, his brother, parents, and grandparents have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The establishment of the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund is in their honor and provides an award for a high school senior who resides in DeKalb County and is pursuing a career in music. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

DeKalb County Dental Society Fund

This Fund provides scholarship support for high school seniors from a DeKalb County high school determined by DeKalb County Dental Society.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Susan B. Agnew Leoser Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing outside of the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area and attending a junior college, community college or technical school. Preference is given to students who show a history of volunteer service.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Rudisill Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in education and in their full internship. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.