Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia

The Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS) Program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative analytical and statistical methodologies for social, behavioral, and economic sciences. It offers various funding mechanisms, including Regular Research Awards, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI), and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grants. The program aims to enhance the utility of official statistics through collaborative research and supports early career development initiatives.

The Community Foundation is honored to have a variety of scholarship funds established by individuals and groups of donors for the purpose of helping younger generations of Nantucketers further their education. Each fund is unique, and criteria and goals of the scholarship vary for each scholarship.

The Community Foundation for Nantucket awards more than $90,000 in scholarships each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. The most common award is $2,000. While some awards may be higher than this amount, no award amount will be lower than $1000.

Ann and Michael Rosenblatt Women in Mathematics Scholarship Fund

Provide tuition assistance to female students who excel in mathematics.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The John W. Newman Memorial Scholarship is aimed at Hamilton County high school alumni who are in their second or third year of law school, pursuing a full-time juris doctorate at an accredited institution in the U.S. Selection is based on academic performance, ambition, societal contributions, and financial need, ensuring that deserving students receive support in their legal education.

The Analysis Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers support for research in various fields of analysis, including complex and harmonic analysis, dynamical systems, and mathematical physics. Proposals for conferences and workshops must adhere to specific submission timelines, with deadlines between September 16-30 for events starting between March 1 and September 30. This program emphasizes timely submissions and may require external reviews for larger budget requests.

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

The Law School Admission Council, Inc. (“LSAC”) is committed to promoting access in legal education and the legal profession. The LSAC Pathway Grant (the “Grant”) program makes awards to nonprofit institutions for programming focused on one or more of the following strategic goals:

• Goal 1: Early Access/Outreach - Introducing the law and careers in law to students, particularly students facing access and opportunity barriers to information and education, before high school graduation
• Goal 2: Supporting Admissions - Ensuring all applicants, including applicants facing access and opportunity barriers to information, education, and other supports/resources, have access, opportunity, and support in the law school admission process
• Goal 3: 1L Retention - Reducing attrition rates and increasing persistence for law students after the first year of law school, particularly students facing access and opportunity barriers to information, education, and other supports/resources

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Arconic Foundation, aims to expand STEM education in public and charter schools across several states. This grant will help cover costs for necessary equipment and training, focusing on high-need student populations. Eligible schools must implement PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course by the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to ignite student interest in engineering and increase enrollment in STEM disciplines.

The Patterson Foundation Scholarship offers $4,750 annually to children and legal dependents, aged 24 and under, of full-time employees at Patterson Companies in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship can total $19,000 for higher education at accredited institutions. All undergraduate degrees are eligible, and students can reapply even if they have previously been denied. A selection committee from Scholarship America, Inc. reviews applications each summer.

The Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. Don Bitz, offers a $5,000 award annually to a graduating high school senior dedicated to rural America. Sponsored by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, applicants must be U.S. citizens with intentions of returning to a rural community after graduation. This scholarship aims to support students who aspire to contribute to the quality of life in rural areas.

The Gertrude McDaris Ruskin and Sidney H. Ruskin Scholarship offers financial support to students from specific regions in North Carolina, including Buncombe, Haywood, and Madison counties, as well as those residing on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Eligible recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to attending full-time an accredited institution. Preference is given to orphans and those attending Protestant-affiliated colleges, with a focus on maintaining good academic standing throughout the scholarship duration.

The Richard Lykes Rappahannock Community Fund, established through a bequest from Richard Lykes, aims to enhance the quality of life in Rappahannock County. This fund supports nonprofit organizations based in the county or projects that specifically benefit its residents. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, addressing community challenges and creating new opportunities. Richard Lykes, a dedicated photojournalist and community member, left a lasting legacy through this fund.

The Culpeper Foundation Fund Grant, offered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports various community initiatives in Culpeper County, including education, health, and arts. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500 and are available to nonprofit organizations or projects that benefit local residents. This funding aims to enhance community well-being and preserve the quality of life for all in the area.

The O'Brate Traditional College Scholarship supports disadvantaged youth in Kansas, aged 17-25, particularly those who have been in foster care or face unstable living conditions. This scholarship not only offers financial aid ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually but also provides mentorship, financial literacy programming, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that recipients have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, honors the legacy of Sarah Tyree, a champion for rural broadband. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who exemplify humanitarianism and community spirit. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens with a commitment to returning to rural areas post-graduation. The award supports educational endeavors, ensuring that future leaders have the resources they need to thrive.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Shout It Out Scholarship by Unigo invites students to express their thoughts and win $1,500 for college. Open to U.S. residents aged 14 and older, this unique opportunity encourages participants to share their messages, whether profound or simple. The scholarship aims to empower students, making their voices heard while providing financial support for their education. With a vibrant community of over 3.8 million members, Unigo is dedicated to helping students navigate their college journey.

The American Australian Association's Graduate Education Fund provides vital financial support for American and Australian students pursuing advanced degrees in each other's countries. With scholarships up to $40,000 available for Masters, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral research in various fields, including STEM and Indigenous studies, this initiative promotes educational exchange and global collaboration. It is open to eligible Native Americans and Indigenous Australians, fostering opportunities for transformative learning and cultural connections.

The Everett Kneece Scholarship, offered by the Foundation for Rural Service, provides a $7,000 award annually to a graduating high school senior who shows commitment to returning to a rural community. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens sponsored by an NTCA member and express interest in rural community service. This scholarship honors Everett Kneece's legacy of philanthropy and dedication to enhancing rural life through education.

The Thomas J. Henry Sponsorship Requests program emphasizes community support and global outreach. With a commitment to enhancing lives, Mr. Henry has been a pivotal figure in South Texas, ensuring that his legal success translates into meaningful contributions. The program invites various organizations to apply for sponsorship, aligning with Mr. Henry’s vision of fostering closer connections through philanthropic efforts. This initiative aims to empower communities and promote collaborative growth on both local and international levels.

The Marshall Family Fund, established in 2010 by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, supports designated charitable organizations within the region. To qualify for this grant, organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and serve the communities in Danville, Pittsylvania, and Caswell County. The fund aims to foster generosity and improve the quality of life by creating opportunities for those in need, ensuring a lasting positive impact in the region.

The Smart Family Fund is a private foundation dedicated to supporting early-stage non-profits that demonstrate the potential for scalable, positive impact. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, they aim to assist organizations in refining their models and preparing for larger investments. The foundation, guided by three brothers, focuses on mentoring and backing social entrepreneurs facing challenges in securing funding for innovative yet untested ideas, fostering a brighter future for communities.

Wynn Resorts offers a structured donation and in-kind request process for non-profit organizations. Applications must be submitted at least 12 weeks ahead of the event, with specific documentation required for organizations in Nevada and Massachusetts. While requests from outside these areas may be considered, priority is given to local community events. Notably, certain types of requests, including those for advertising and religious purposes, are ineligible. This ensures that contributions align with the company's community initiatives.

The Community Grants Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, allocates over $1.5 million annually to support nonprofit organizations addressing community needs in Staunton, Waynesboro, and surrounding counties. The program prioritizes well-conceived projects that demonstrate a realistic schedule and effective resource use. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, while individuals and sectarian groups are ineligible. This initiative fosters community engagement and development through strategic funding.

The FRS Scholarships, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, support high school seniors from rural areas in their pursuit of higher education. Sponsored by NTCA members, these one-time scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities and encourage graduates to return to their communities. With a mission to improve rural life through educational initiatives, this program plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of leaders in rural America.

The Louisa County Community Fund Grant, established by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Louisa County. This grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and religious organizations working for the community's benefit. With a focus on collaboration and community engagement, the fund encourages applications that address pressing local issues. Organizations may submit one application per grant cycle to access these vital resources.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers a Scholarship Program aimed at assisting students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties with their college education expenses. Annually, they provide over 1,000 scholarships, totaling approximately $1.4 million. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions across the U.S. Scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, and living costs, with awards up to $3,000 available for one academic year.