Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia

The Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund, established in September 2021 by Herman and LaDonna Meinders, aims to support the floral industry by providing grants for reduced or free registration fees to industry events. With an initial contribution exceeding $500,000, the fund promotes educational initiatives that attract young talent and address industry challenges. Managed by the AFE Education Committee, it is expected to distribute over $10,000 in its first year, ensuring sustainable support for vital educational programs.

The Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative aims to enhance research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, fostering collaborations and innovative activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, this program offers two funding tracks: Track 1 supports projects with budgets up to $600,000 for three years, while Track 2 accommodates budgets up to $1,200,000 for three to four years. This initiative addresses critical questions in the biological and biomedical fields.

The Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarship honors pioneering women in agriculture, offering two $1,000 scholarships to women or their daughters pursuing education in agricultural fields. Eligibility includes being a farmer, rancher, or related to one, demonstrating financial need, and having experience in agriculture. The Jean Ibendahl Scholarship supports young women aged 18-23, while the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship is for women 24 and older. This initiative empowers the next generation in agricultural leadership.

The Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to protect and expand knowledge of medicinal plants. It offers a $4,500 grant to support Ph.D. students and recent graduates in pursuing essential research that may otherwise be inaccessible. This initiative not only fosters botanical research but also contributes to the development of therapies that enhance patient quality of life and potentially save lives.

The Alvin J. Baird, Jr. Program Endowment Fund, established in 2005, supports healthcare initiatives in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Following the closure of the H-R Free Clinic, the fund now allocates over $42,000 annually to nonprofits addressing unmet healthcare needs through a competitive grants process. The Community Foundation ensures that grants are awarded without discrimination, fostering a healthier community for all residents. This mission aligns with their commitment to service and community welfare.

The Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts supports arts nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, encouraging them to envision significant growth in the local arts scene. This fund offers over $60,000 annually for various projects, including programming and capital expenditures. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt public charities with 501(c)(3) status, located in the area. Schools are not eligible for funding, while religious organizations may apply if their projects benefit the community.

The Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany aims to promote the study of field botany among students in the U.S. by providing a $3500 annual grant for summer study opportunities. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduate students up to the master's degree level, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship encourages hands-on experience in various botanical projects, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of botany in horticulture.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Robert & Doris Hanna Scholarship Fund

Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation honors the long and philanthropic lives of Dr. Robert and Doris Hanna.

The NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21) aims to enhance understanding of occupational diseases and injuries. It focuses on identifying risks, developing prevention strategies, and translating scientific discoveries into effective measures. Applicants are encouraged to describe the health burdens addressed, outline research activities, and demonstrate potential impacts on occupational safety. This initiative supports innovative concepts, model systems, and technologies that can significantly improve workplace health outcomes.

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to advance their studies in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation. This program supports innovative research within fundamental chemistry and the development of new instrumentation. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or DACA recipients, with a PhD in the chemical sciences anticipated by May 1, 2026. Mentorship from a qualified institution is required, fostering independent research capabilities in a collaborative environment.

Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program

National Park Trust is thrilled to offer the 2026 Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program. Open to Title I schools (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch) based in the Southern California Edison service area (Map of Eligible Locations) for grades 3 through 12, this grant program provides classrooms with up to $1,500 for in-park experiences. While grant requests for all types of park visits are welcome, applicants are encouraged to consider trips to historical sites in honor of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday in 2026.

Funding can be used towards program fees, transportation costs, stewardship supplies, and any other materials needed for a robust learning experience.

This grant is designed to be student-driven, and student-teacher collaboration is a must. All applications must include a stewardship element and a park-themed educational component that focuses on either outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, environmental education/science, or history.

Teachers may submit the application on behalf of their class, but direct student involvement in the application is required.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany aims to enhance the preservation of tropical forests by increasing the number of botanists with practical field experience. Established in 1983, the fellowship provides two grants of $5,500 annually for doctoral candidates pursuing research in tropical plant systematics and forest ecology. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S. institutions, who are expected to complete their Ph.D. in Botany within two years.

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.

Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund

The Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation by the late Mr. John F. Yoney, to provide to graduates from Chartiers-Houston High School, Peters Township High School and Canon McMillan High School.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The John Ostrom Enders II Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards $4,000 to graduating seniors from East Lyme, New London, or Waterford High School. This scholarship supports students with a strong commitment to the creative arts and community service. Since 1983, the Foundation has distributed over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education and rewarding careers.

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.

Shirley Lewis McCune Memorial Scholarship

The Shirley Lewis McCune Memorial Scholarship was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County in memory/honor of Shirley Lewis McCune. Her family chose to honor Shirley, who worked for Columbia Gas for many years and was the first female District Manager for the company here in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years provided they maintain full-time enrollment.

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.

Shaw Family Trust

The Shaw Family Trust was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college at Penn State Beaver or Community College of Beaver County.

Award Type: Renewable (up to 4 years. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.)

The John T. Savage Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a dedicated agriculturalist and public servant, supports students from Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, and Woodstock. With an award of $1,500, this scholarship aims to assist those pursuing education in politics or agriculture. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has provided over $11.9 million in scholarships, reinforcing its commitment to local education and community development.

The John F. O'Brien, Jr. Scholarship, established in memory of a World War II veteran, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing a healthcare degree and facing financial need. Since its inception in 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals. With an approximate award of $500, this scholarship ensures that deserving students can access the necessary resources for their college education.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Stark County high schools. Students must have above average accomplishment in high school and demonstrate financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

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.

Pittsburgh Foundation: Education Opportunity Fund

The Education Opportunity Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to traditional and non-traditional students who reside in Allegheny County.

Award Type: Renewable award.

The Latin Network for the Visual Arts Scholarship, established by Mimi and Gaston Daumy, supports New London County students pursuing degrees in fine arts. With an award amount of approximately $1,600, scholarships are paid directly to colleges by August 1. Preference is given to students with ancestral ties to Romance language countries, including French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish. This initiative has been part of the Community Foundation's commitment to educational support since 1983.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund was established to assist ethnic minority graduating seniors in Stark County. Special preference will be given to those pursuing a career in law enforcement or the legal profession. 

This scholarship is renewable.

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.

Michael T. Abel Scholarship Fund

The Michael T. Abel Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory of Michael, to assist Free Church students who are entering an undergraduate program at either Grove City or Geneva College.

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

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

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.

Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund

The Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide educational assistance to incoming freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, or University of Pittsburgh.

Award Type: Renewable award.

Agility Grants, initiated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aim to minimize gambling-related harm through funding nonprofit organizations for innovative prevention programs. These grants focus on addressing gaps in services and enhancing existing initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to projects targeting at-risk populations. The program emphasizes community impact and requires evaluations to assess effectiveness, fostering collaboration and awareness within diverse communities affected by gambling.