Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia

The Drs. Singh and Bhuller Tri-Cities Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, established in 2002, honors an exceptional educator in Virginia's foundation service area. This prestigious award includes a $6,000 grant aimed at enhancing the recipient's teaching skills. It recognizes dedication to excellence in education, encouraging educators to maintain high standards. Eligible candidates must hold a current Virginia teaching license, with no discrimination based on race, religion, or other factors. Provisional license holders and retiring teachers are not eligible.

The Sam Noble Foundation Grant aims to uphold the philanthropic legacy of Lloyd Noble by funding agricultural research and supporting charitable initiatives that enhance health, education, and community strength. Geared towards 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., the foundation prioritizes projects in Oklahoma and does not entertain multiyear commitments or funding for individuals or for-profit entities. The foundation seeks to address agricultural challenges while expanding educational and health services.

The Nathan & Sarah Chesin and Bernard & Mollie Steuer Fellowships, established by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in 2019, support scholars in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research in the JDC Archives. With a rich collection documenting modern Jewish history, the fellowship encourages innovative research in humanitarian assistance and related fields. Each year, one fellowship is awarded, culminating in a public presentation by the recipient, fostering a greater understanding of the Jewish experience.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship

The Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing a degree in education or engineering.

Art hailed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and worked for GTE for 35 years. He enjoyed travel and golf and was a licensed pilot. Anne was a teacher and homemaker. They are the parents of two, grandparents of five and great-grandparents of nine. The couple was active with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where Art directed Art Market Marion.

The Huggler Scholarship seeks especially to assist Marion area students with substantial financial need. It was established in 2015 by their daughter, Linda Halt.

The Eastman Foundation Grants promote corporate social responsibility by enhancing the quality of life through sustainable community improvement. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, the foundation focuses on economic success, social well-being, and environmental integrity. The foundation emphasizes creating diverse and inclusive communities, addressing human needs while minimizing environmental impact. Grants are available for qualified organizations that align with these goals, ensuring that funding supports initiatives that foster healthy, vibrant communities where both people and nature can thrive.

The NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) aims to support early-career researchers in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This program provides three to five years of protected time for intensive career development, paving the way to research independence. Various NIH Institutes leverage this award to assist individuals transitioning into new fields or re-engaging with research after personal challenges. The K01 is a vital resource for cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders.

The NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to develop the research careers of individuals with clinical doctoral degrees. This program provides essential support and protected time for intensive, supervised research experiences in biomedical and behavioral fields, including translational research. Important deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, accommodating various grant types, including standard and AIDS-related applications.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The ISF Public Interest Legal Fellowship empowers American Muslims by providing opportunities in public interest law. This fellowship offers a salary of $70,000, professional development workshops, and mentorship to help fellows advance their careers. Applicants must be active members of the Muslim community, have graduated from law school within the last three years, and have secured a host organization for their project proposal. This initiative aims to increase representation and influence in policy-making.

The Enhancing Student Mathematics Learning through the Use of Tools and Technology Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to promote innovative technology use in teaching mathematics to Pre-K-12 students. These grants encourage proposals that focus on enhancing students' understanding of math concepts through various tools, including professional development for educators. Eligible applicants include current math teachers and full-time coaches, with a focus on impactful evaluation plans.

The Science Ambassador Scholarship, funded by Cards Against Humanity, offers full tuition for women and non-binary students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students and high school seniors, regardless of U.S. citizenship, as long as they plan to attend college in the United States or its territories. Eligible applicants must major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

The Research Opportunities for New and At-Risk Investigators (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) program invites applications that promote workforce diversity in health-related sciences. This initiative encourages researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to propose independent research projects in alignment with NIH's mission. Important deadlines for standard and renewal applications range from February 2025 to November 2027. This effort aims to enhance diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.

The ROSES 2025: D.4 program by NASA focuses on enhancing theoretical and computational astrophysics through collaborative networks. It aims to address grand challenges in Time Domain Multi-Messenger Astrophysics by integrating diverse expertise from various fields. Researchers from U.S. institutions are encouraged to propose innovative tools for modeling complex multi-messenger phenomena, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across academic, national laboratory, and private sectors to prepare the next generation of scientists.

The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) supports individuals with clinical doctoral degrees to pursue intensive research training. This program focuses on developing skills in biomedical and behavioral research, addressing national health-related research needs. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants, ensuring that qualified candidates have ample opportunity to apply and advance their research careers.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Turlock Irrigation District Energy Scholarship

Open to high school seniors attending a high school within the TID District territory planning to pursue a career in the Energy Utility Sector. (i.e. Engineering, Environmental Science, Electrical, Lineman etc.). Must plan to attend an accredited trade school or college/university and demonstrate financial need. The household must be a TID customer.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance the career development of promising postdoctoral researchers by transitioning them into independent faculty positions. This program supports innovative research during the critical transition phase, enabling awardees to establish successful, independent research careers. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related applications. This initiative is vital for fostering a new generation of NIH-supported investigators.

The NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) supports early-career scientists with up to five years of protected time for intensive research training in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This award is tailored for those pursuing independence in research and is particularly beneficial for individuals transitioning fields or returning from a hiatus. Importantly, applicants must not lead independent clinical trials but may participate in trials overseen by mentors.

The Oliver E. Sweikar Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for students pursuing degrees in electronics or electrical engineering at 4-year colleges, and up to $6,000 for those at 2-year technical colleges. Eligibility requires maintaining student status and good academic standing. Awards are renewable annually, with specific conditions for continued eligibility. Students changing majors should consult the Community Foundation to ensure they remain eligible for funding.

The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports the transition of postdoctoral researchers to independent faculty positions. It aims to enhance the number of talented NIH-supported investigators by providing funding during their transition to independent research careers. Key deadlines for applications are set for various dates through 2027. This program is crucial for developing a strong cohort of new independent researchers, fostering innovation in health-related fields.

The NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is designed to support promising postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions. This initiative aims to maintain a strong cohort of talented investigators by providing independent NIH research funding during this critical phase. Key application deadlines span from June 2024 to February 2027, encouraging applications from diverse fields, including AIDS-related research.

The Genesis Mission by the DOE aims to transform science and energy through AI by inviting interdisciplinary teams to tackle significant challenges in energy, environment, and nuclear sectors. With multiple deadlines for FY26 Phase I and II applications, the initiative encourages leveraging diverse scientific resources to enhance R&D workflows. Successful proposals could integrate AI advancements into the American Science Cloud, fostering innovation in critical areas like advanced manufacturing and quantum information science.

The NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) aims to support emerging scientists by providing protected time for career development in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This award, effective for three to five years, encourages research independence and may be beneficial for those transitioning fields or returning from a hiatus due to personal circumstances. Deadlines for applications vary, with important dates set for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related submissions.

The Lapidus Fellowship for the Study of Rare Early American Legal Texts, offered by the Omohundro Institute in collaboration with William & Mary Law School, supports scholars at various stages of their careers. This one-month fellowship allows access to a unique collection of rare legal texts. With a stipend of $2,500, it aims to foster research in early American legal history, encouraging innovative scholarship through the use of valuable resources.

The Garden Club of Houston, established in 1924, promotes gardening and environmental conservation through various community initiatives. Their funding supports nonprofit organizations and government entities, focusing on projects that enhance public landscapes, educational resources, and community gardens. Grants are not awarded for operating funds or endowments, with preference given to projects within the greater Houston area. This commitment to civic improvement underscores their mission to foster a love of gardening and environmental stewardship.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to advance innovative neurotechnologies by funding early-stage clinical studies for devices that record or stimulate the human central nervous system. This initiative encourages collaborations between clinical researchers and device manufacturers to facilitate groundbreaking studies. By addressing the challenges of obtaining safety and utility data, this program supports both non-invasive and significant risk devices, providing essential insights into their functionality and design. Applications are currently not being solicited, allowing time for meaningful project development.

Our Mission

KidsGardening creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden, be it outside, in a classroom, or in a cup on the kitchen windowsill. Since 1982, KidsGardening has served as a premier support provider for youth garden programs nationwide.

We support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.

Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant

In celebration of Miracle-Gro’s 75th anniversary, Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening are partnering to fund 75 intergenerational youth garden grants in 2026.

Intergenerational gardens provide opportunities for older gardeners to pass along traditions, knowledge, and skills to the next generation or share the experience of developing skills if new to gardening. In turn, young people bring their curiosity, wonder, and contagious enthusiasm for learning and life, exciting everyone involved in the growing process.

The 2026 Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant is designed to support gardens that intentionally bring children and older adults together through shared gardening experiences.

Funding Priorities

The selection of winners is prioritized based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including:

• Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors: How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority.

• Program Funding and Support: Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority.

• Impact: Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with more than 50 youth will be given priority.

Award Packages

Grantees will receive:

• A $500 cash award check
• A $250 coupon to purchase essential gardening supplies from ScottsMiracleGro.com

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.