Best Local Government Grants in Virginia

With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Virginia local governments and nonprofits with funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. Eligible entities in designated Appalachian counties can work with their ARC state program manager to propose water, wastewater, broadband, transportation, entrepreneurship, or workforce initiatives that advance regional economic growth and capacity.

Virginia local government entities and community-focused organizations working on environmental stewardship or values-based leadership can access funding through Luck Companies Foundation for projects with long-term positive community impact. Eligible initiatives in counties such as Albemarle, Chesterfield, Henrico, Fairfax, and other listed localities may benefit, including youth and civic leadership development efforts.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

Virginia schools, nonprofit organizations, local and tribal governments, and eligible teaching artists in Virginia can access funding through the Virginia Commission for the Arts to support short-term, in-person artist residencies and workshops. Grants reimburse up to 50 percent of fees, up to US $2,000, for programs using VCA Teaching Artists in ADA-compliant facilities, with a 15 percent cash match required.

Local governments, nonprofits, planning district commissions, and public housing authorities in Virginia can seek funding for homelessness services and affordable housing activities. Focused on community-based emergency crisis response systems, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development invites eligible entities to support outreach, emergency shelter operations, rapid re-housing, prevention, coordinated assessment, planning, HMIS, and HOPWA assistance.

Virginia local government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that regularly present touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network to support jazz presentations and tours. Eligible presenters join an ongoing regional network, receive up to US $3,000, and participate in collaborative block-booking and professional development across the mid-Atlantic.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Virginia and nationwide can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for case expenses. The Impact Fund provides support for out-of-pocket litigation costs, which may benefit local government-related civic rights and engagement cases.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Virginia local government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and state or federally recognized American Indian tribes can receive support for history education and preservation projects across Virginia. The Virginia Historical Society’s Commonwealth History Fund backs activities like restoration, research, documentation, educational programs, digitization, and related capital or planning work that highlight significant community and state history, especially underserved narratives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible municipal entities in Virginia serving people with developmental disabilities can apply for Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Special Interest Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for programs. Funding supports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities and services for adults with cerebral palsy, which may benefit local government-related initiatives.

Local government entities and other eligible nonprofits in Virginia can apply for William G Pomeroy Foundation’s Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program to commemorate community folktales, legends, and folklife. Focused on cultural heritage and public storytelling, this funding may support civic engagement and education through visible roadside markers celebrating shared traditions.

The VCA: Virginia250 Impact Grant aims to support innovative art-based programs commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the nation and the American Revolution. Through this one-time grant of up to $5,000, eligible Virginia units of local government and public educational institutions can explore themes of 'Revolution of Ideas' through various artistic activities. The grant encourages community engagement and accessibility while promoting the rich cultural narratives of the Revolutionary War.

Virginia local government entities, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and state-recognized nonprofits can seek US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship education programs. Virginia civic and public safety agencies may be eligible for The NRA Foundation’s funding if projects provide clear public benefit and align with its charitable mission.

CNX Foundation provides Virginia local government partners and community-based organizations with project funding to address food insecurity, children’s health, technology access, workforce readiness, reentry services, domestic abuse, addiction, and water quality. Eligible initiatives must serve communities within CNX’s Appalachian Basin operating footprint in Virginia and demonstrate tangible, measurable local impact and long-term benefits.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, safety, education, recreation, literacy, or social services to Newport News residents can apply for Newport News’ Community Support Agency Grant Program to start or expand local programs and capital projects. Funding may cover new services, equipment, capital improvements, and special or extraordinary events that do not duplicate major existing programs.

Charitable organizations and city-established boards in Virginia serving Suffolk residents can seek funding for community development, affordable housing, economic opportunities, and improved facilities and services for low- and moderate-income people. Focused on neighborhood revitalization and poverty reduction, City of Suffolk invites eligible applicants to propose projects that create jobs, address homelessness, and leverage additional public or private investment.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Cameron Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations with project, program, operating, and capital funding to improve health, human services, education, arts, and community development. Eligible nonprofits must primarily serve residents of the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties, supporting efforts that expand opportunities for low-income and disadvantaged populations.

Local government agencies and partners in Virginia seeking to reduce violent crime, gun violence, and gang activity can access funding through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, with awards from US $25,000 - US $200,000. Eligible projects include group violence intervention, gun and gang crime task forces, firearms analysis, and prevention or reentry programs across the Eastern District of Virginia.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Virginia seeking major capital projects that enhance facilities may be eligible for Vibrant Places Community Grants supporting health, environmental, educational, cultural, or economic initiatives. Hampton Roads Community Foundation prioritizes transformative projects in South Hampton Roads that incorporate green building practices to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations serving Northern Virginia can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support programs or general operations that protect, restore, and improve the natural environment. Grants from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia help Virginia civic and education efforts through public awareness, environmental education, and citizen engagement initiatives.

Virginia-based 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and federally recognized tribes can apply for Health Resources in Action’s Jeffress Trust Awards, offering US $150,000 over two years to build partnerships and plan research advancing health equity. Local governments may benefit through policy, systems, environmental change, and community program analysis that addresses root causes of health disparities.

Virginia local governments, 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, and state agencies can seek up to US $100,000 for land acquisition and related project costs through the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. The Nature Conservancy supports projects within its Appalachians Program boundary that protect resilient, connected lands and deliver meaningful community benefits.

Virginia local governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and higher education institutions presenting the arts can seek $1,000 - $5,000 for innovative, community-focused arts programs in Virginia. With a mission to expand creative impact, Virginia Commission for the Arts provides matching funds for new or expanded performances, exhibitions, public art, and other projects engaging underserved residents.

With a mission to strengthen community mental health, Hampton Roads Community Foundation provides Virginia nonprofits and eligible municipal entities with US $2,500 - US $25,000 for non-clinical mental health programs. 501(c)(3) public charities and local government units serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, or Virginia Beach can fund early intervention, rapid response, peer support, and related services.

Local governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and tribal or state entities in Virginia and other mid-Atlantic jurisdictions can seek $1,000 to $5,000 for folk and traditional arts projects such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, or documentation. Grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation require a 1:1 non-federal match and a publicly accessible component.

Rural, grassroots 501(c)(3) community organizations in Virginia and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support for organizing and leadership development work. Focused on social, economic, and environmental justice, Southern Partners Fund invites small-budget, community-led groups using grassroots organizing strategies to strengthen rural communities and advance civic engagement and policy change.

Local governments and preservation-focused organizations in Virginia can seek up to US $7,500 for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help Mid-Atlantic civic and community groups advance historic preservation, land-use planning, open space conservation, and public engagement on livability and sustainability issues.