Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia

About

The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth.

ACA Education Foundation Fellowship

The American Cement Association Education Foundation funds a wide variety of educational activities that will increase public knowledge regarding appropriate uses of cement and concrete. Within that global goal is a specific purpose to:

Advance general scientific understanding of cement and concrete by providing scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other support for the study of engineering and the physical sciences relating to the production and use of cement and concrete.

The support provided by the Education Foundation is used to identify and attract outstanding candidates in the field of engineering and the physical sciences and provide them with the necessary support to complete their studies. Additionally, this support is intended to provide candidates an opportunity for productive work in the cement and concrete industries.

Sustainability and Resilience

• Estimating the impact of optimized use of recycled materials, including alternative fuels and raw materials in clinker manufacture, in hydraulic cements, and in concretes, to improve the CO2 footprint, improve life-cycle performance, reduce the burden on landfills, and improve the circular economy.
• Improving recognition of concrete system performance through better use of life cycle assessments (LCAs) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to account for both service impacts and embodied impacts of construction.
• Other research investigating the optimization of cement and concrete for sustainable and resilient concrete construction, including use of novel approaches to optimize the clinker-to-cement ratio of cement blends, or to optimize design of structural concrete.

Cement Manufacturing

• Improving raw mix burnability using mineralizers, alternative raw materials, or other means.
• Advanced grinding technology for raw materials or cements.
• Optimizing performance by separate grinding and blending of cement ingredients.
• Advancement of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology, including novel approaches to capture CO2 from cement kiln emissions, beneficially utilize the captured carbon, or transport and store it.

Testing and Tools

• Quantitative method to characterize the reduction in CO2 footprint of cement manufacture using alternative fuels.
• Method or method(s) for quantitative determination of CO2 uptake in fresh and/or hardened concrete, mortar, or paste, in either laboratory or field exposures or both.
• Updated software tools with consideration of blended cements for mass concrete, crack prediction, and service life prediction of transportation structures.
• Novel non-destructive test (NDT) techniques to assess finishing timing of flatwork, especially when using concrete mixtures containing newer cementitious materials or other ingredients that may affect concrete performance.
• New or novel test methods for assessing the finishability, pumpability, bleed rate, set time, and sensitivity to early age curing that may be different for blended cements compared to traditional portland cements.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.

John Randolph FoundationAs a community foundation created from the sale of John Randolph Hospital in 1995, John Randolph Foundation is dedicated to building healthy communities and bright futures in the communities historically served by the hospital.

John Randolph Foundation: Responsive GrantsJohn Randolph Foundation partners with charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia to build healthy communities and bright futures.

Responsive Grants – For charitable organizations seeking support for programs that align with John Randolph Foundation’s strategic priorities. Types of Grants: 

• Access to Healthcare
• Health and Wellness
• Education 
• Food Insecurity
• Workforce Development
• Mental Health 
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention 
• Home Insecurity

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship

The purpose of the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship is to provide scholarships to college bound high school students, or students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies or pursuing post-graduate studies in general history or a specialty area of studies in history to include but not limited to; museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, material culture, American Studies, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history or preservation technology; or to students pursuing a recognized certification or apprentice program dedicated to traditional arts, industries, trades or crafts.

The Scholarship amount is $1,000.

The PCA J.P. Gleason Research Fellowship Program, offered by the Portland Cement Association, supports graduate students in engineering and physical sciences. The program aims to enhance public understanding of cement and concrete uses while addressing urgent sustainability challenges. Each fellowship provides a $35,000 grant to cover educational expenses, fostering research that optimizes cement manufacturing and promotes environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change.

John Randolph Foundation

As a community foundation created from the sale of John Randolph Hospital in 1995, John Randolph Foundation is dedicated to building healthy communities and bright futures in the communities historically served by the hospital.John Randolph Foundation: Community Contribution GrantsJohn Randolph Foundation partners with charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia to build healthy communities and bright futures.

Community contribution grant applications are accepted year-round and awarded to charitable organizations in the Tri-Cities region of Virginia for programs, projects, and events. Small-scale funding to support local events, initiatives, and/or urgent needs within the community. Types of Grants: 

• Access to Healthcare
• Health and Wellness
• Education
• Food Insecurity
• Workforce Development
• Mental Health
• Addiction Recovery and Prevention
• Home Insecurity

The Vineyard Family Foundation

The Vineyard Family Foundation is the product of decades of work across three generations and five states. Having enjoyed the benefits of our hard work and community patronage, the Vineyard family has chosen to provide to others what so many have graciously provided to us. 

What Sets Us Apart

The Vineyard family has always been committed to its communities. Whether supporting Boys & Girls Clubs, pediatric hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, arts organizations, or youth recreation leagues, the family has taken a great interest in the care, health, and education of children and the families that nurture them. We take great pride in personally administering our Foundation’s charitable giving, resulting in fewer expenses and more funding for those organizations aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.

Grants

• Supporting Our Communities and Their Families
• Working Towards the Health, Education, and Overall Well-Being of Parents and Their Children

You are steps away from creating an opportunity to receive full or partial funding of your charitable organization. So that you use your time wisely, we offer the following advice for your efforts:

• As a family foundation, we are prohibited from funding individuals or any entity that is not an IRS-recognized Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity or a Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) support organization. Thus, while we cannot award a scholarship to an individual, we can fund a 501(c)(3) charity that provides such scholarships.

• If you qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or a support organization pursuant to Section 509(a)(1-3), we will need the IRS Determination Letter confirming as much, as well as a statement signed by your organization’s President or Chief Executive Officer verifying that your organization’s purposes, structure, and operations have not changed substantially since the date of the IRS’s Determination Letter.

• If you are a “supporting organization” under IRS Code section 509(a)(1-3), please provide a list of the public charities that you support. Please also advise whether you are a Type I, Type II, or Type III supporting organization. If you are a Type III supporting organization, please advise whether you are “functionally integrated” with your supported public charity and provide an explanation of that relationship.

Supported Charities

The Vineyard family has historically provided funding for family-related charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, pediatric hospitals, autism-related organizations, and youth recreational leagues. The Foundation looks forward to continuing this support and extending itself to educational, research, and cultural experiences that focus on the needs of children and their parents.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

About

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals.

ASM Mission Statement

The mission of the American Society of Mammalogists is to advance the scientific understanding of mammals globally, to diversify the profession of mammalogy, and to promote science as the basis for the conservation and management of mammals. The Society achieves these goals through publications, grants and fellowships, annual meetings, and other education and outreach activities.

Stephen Jenkins Scholarship in Mammalogy

One of Steve Jenkins’ most meaningful legacies is found in the hundreds of students he taught and mentored over his 37 years in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno. He taught a wide range of classes including introductory biology, ecology, mammalogy and research design, and served as graduate advisor to more than 30 students. His research focused on beavers, wolves, wild horses, and ground squirrels. Steve worked to pass on his own belief that critical thinking is not just a fundamental tenet of sound science, but a force for good. He wrote the book How Science Works, an effort to demystify the scientific process for nonspecialists. In his retirement he wrote a second book, Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology. Steve has been a member of American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) since 1974.

Scope and Rationale of the Award

The new Stephen Jenkins Scholarship Award would be available to a graduate student in a North American university whose research is focused on one or more mammalian species. This would include field research (and lab research that supports and augments field research) in such fields as animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. ASM supports research on all aspects of mammalian biology, and the award will provide support for early career mammalogists. 

Use of Funds:

The award may be used only for research expenses, in the field or in the laboratory, research related travel, laboratory supplies, equipment, and attendance at professional meetings.  The current award is for $5000.

Ujima Legacy Fund Grants

Ujima Legacy Fund is a collective giving circle created by and for civic minded African American men. The fund supports projects in the Richmond region that will promote equitable outcomes among youth and young adults, ages 12 to 21 years, with emphasis on Black/African American youth.

Ujima Legacy Fund seeks to support nonprofits that empower youth through education related initiatives.

Our Priorities

Education:

• After-school and out-of-school time programming
• Literacy
• Technology Training 
• Mentoring & Tutoring

 Empowering Youth:

• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Literacy
• Career development
• College preparation

The CDC's National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs) aim to expand the evidence base for preventing youth violence among individuals aged 10 to 24. This initiative supports rigorous evaluations of prevention approaches, community engagement, and training for early career researchers. By establishing partnerships and focusing on communities with above-average youth violence rates, the YVPCs seek to enhance collaborative efforts and effectively disseminate research findings to inform future prevention strategies.

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, will distribute $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties. The fund focuses on areas such as STEM education, sustainability, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage preservation, and health and wellbeing. Eligible projects must serve local communities and adhere to specific requirements, promoting innovation and collaboration.

The Lauren Townsend Memorial Wildlife Fund, established in 1999 in memory of Lauren Townsend, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. focused on animal welfare and wildlife preservation. Grants are awarded to organizations with specific project funding needs and budgets under $250,000. Smaller nonprofits are encouraged to apply, while general operating expenses and lobbying activities are not funded. The fund honors Lauren's passion for animals, continuing her legacy of support for those in need.

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program offers financial support to enhance collaboration among local communities and partners, focusing on improving wildfire resilience and forest health. Grants range from $10,001 to $75,000, with a 20% cash or in-kind match requirement. The program aims to foster long-term stewardship outcomes for National Forest System lands, ensuring benefits to both forests and local economies through collaborative efforts.

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program offers financial awards to enhance collaboration among communities, tribes, and the Forest Service. Aimed at improving wildfire resilience and forest health, these grants support efforts that lead to long-term stewardship outcomes. Funding ranges from $10,001 to $75,000, with a 20% match required. The program seeks to empower local partners to develop strategic plans and strengthen collaborative initiatives, ultimately benefiting National Forest System lands.

The Letter of Intent Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, aims to support qualified nonprofit organizations focused on community vibrancy, education, youth, and health. Organizations in specific cities and counties are encouraged to apply for funding to promote arts, healthy lifestyles, educational opportunities, and access to healthcare. This program is vital for fostering community engagement and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., aims to support philanthropic organizations in the U.S. that are tax-exempt. While primarily offering one-time grants, the Foundation evaluates proposals based on organizational structure, community impact, and management capacity. The Foundation complements public institutions and does not guarantee future funding based on past contributions. Grantees must operate with equal opportunity objectives, and past recipients must submit new applications each year.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

The Richard L. Blinder Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes architects and professionals in historic preservation for innovative proposals that advance architectural preservation in the U.S. The award encourages originality, whether through real projects or polemical exercises. With a funding limit of $15,000, recipients must demonstrate a need for their study and a realistic dissemination plan within 24 months, contributing to the preservation community.

Scientific & Regulatory Consultants, Inc. Scholarship

Science plays a vital role in our daily lives and includes a wide range of fields such as physician or veterinary services, nursing, microbiology, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, psychology, music, etc. This scholarship views “scientific” very broadly and invites you to be creative.

Your application will be reviewed based upon the quality, not quantity, of the response to each question.

Applicants may apply every year.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Grants

Empowering People to Move, Live, Work, and Play

Bridgestone has awarded over $60 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States since 1951, and we are committed to continuing our legacy of giving back by supporting communities around the U.S.

Bridgestone works with grantseekers that offer solutions to keep society moving forward. Strong partners offer a human-centered approach to societal challenges in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

In addition to our three areas of focus, we will consider applications from organizations that have hosted volunteer or community engagement events with Bridgestone volunteers and organizations that have received funding in previous years. 

The Emerging Artist Grant, offered by the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, supports the next generation of carillonneurs by providing financial assistance for education and professional development. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750 or $2,000 depending on their qualifications, which may be used for tuition, travel, and equipment. This initiative aims to foster talent in the carillon community, ensuring a vibrant future for this unique musical art form.

The John C. Bock Foundation supports the preservation and enhancement of natural land areas, particularly those near Lake Mendota, Wisconsin. It aims to educate builders and developers on the importance of conserving mature woodlands and old-growth forests. The Foundation funds educational activities and research while supporting qualified conservation organizations committed to protecting these valuable landscapes. Its mission is centered on public education and the custodianship of natural resources.

About The Lawson Charitable Foundation

The Lawson Charitable Foundation, created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson, helps those that are working hard to help themselves and others.

For Grant Seekers

The Lawson Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in our communities. While our primary geographic focus is New England, we welcome applications from organizations, doing extraordinary work beyond the region as well.

We are happy to offer two types of grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference: Impact Grants and Amplify Grants.

Impact Grant

Impact Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that closely align with our mission of helping those who are working hard to help themselves and others. These grants are designed to support opportunities that create positive change within our focus areas, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful and mission-driven efforts.

The NFWF's Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program aims to enhance community capacity for sustaining local natural resources through financial assistance for diverse partnerships. With approximately $2.5 million available, projects focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, and engaging underserved communities. By promoting ecological improvements and community outreach, this program seeks to increase access to nature's benefits while addressing environmental hazards. A blend of urban and rural initiatives is expected for effective implementation.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Criminal Justice Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. With an emphasis on effective programs and support services, the foundation seeks to address the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact and improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.