Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) Grant Program for Forensic/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Projects

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce two funding opportunities for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 27 under the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund (VSDVVF) grant program! The funding opportunities are open to current SFY 26 prosecution, discretionary, forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner VSDVVF subrecipients, as well as new competitive forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner applicants.

In accordance with Code of Virginia § 9.1-116.1, this grant program has three purpose areas:

• Make funds available to local attorneys for the Commonwealth for the purpose of funding the cost of additional attorneys or to further dedicate existing resources to prosecute felonies and misdemeanors involving domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse;
• Make funds available to law-enforcement authorities or appropriate programs, including civil legal assistance, to assist in protecting and providing necessary services to victims of and children affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse; and
• Make funds available to sexual assault service providers and hospitals for the purpose of funding the cost of salaries and equipment for sexual assault forensic examiners, sexual assault nurse examiners, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, with priority for funding such costs given to such forensic examiners and nurse examiners serving rural or underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

For this funding opportunity, grants will be awarded to applicants for purpose area three (3) only.

Allowable Costs

Current SFY 2026 VSDVVF forensic/sexual assault nurse examiner grantees are eligible to apply for funding amounts not to exceed the maximum award amounts listed in Attachment A. New competitive sexual assault service providers and hospitals are eligible to apply to for up to $95,000 for the one-year award period.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to request only the minimum number of staff necessary to implement programs. To promote the retention of qualified project staff, applicants are encouraged to request competitive salaries. The requested compensation level should be further documented by comparison of the scope and complexity of work performed to other similar positions receiving similar pay.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is charged with planning and carrying out programs and initiatives to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the criminal justice system as a whole (Code of Virginia § 9.1-102).

The mission of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is to provide leadership to improve the criminal justice system in Virginia’s communities through effective training, partnerships, research, regulation, and support.

Office of First Responder Wellness Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Office of First Responder Wellness is offering funding to support first responder wellness for current and retired first responders. The First Responder Wellness Grant Program is designed to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding opportunity aims to provide resources to agencies and non-profit organizations focused on promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals who serve on the front lines of public safety, including law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, emergency communication officers, and corrections officers. 

These grant funds are to be used to support our first responders through programs addressing, but not limited to, emotional, physical, and overall personal wellness:

• Fund first responder wellness training for agency employees
• Fund registration fees, lodging, and per diem for agency employees to attend conferences related to first responder wellness
• Fund support costs for a therapy/support dog or costs for a dog already owned by an agency to attend training.
• Fund the purchase of therapeutic wellness equipment
• Provide funding for non-profit organizations to provide wellness training, resources, or direct services to first responders in the Commonwealth of Virginia

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund

The Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (the “Fund” or “VBPF”) was established under Virginia Code § 10.1-2202.4. This section stipulates that the Department of Historic Resources shall establish, administer, and make allocations from the Fund for the purpose of making grants to private nonprofit organizations for the permanent protection of Virginia battlefield lands.

Grants from the Fund shall be made solely for (i) the fee simple purchase of, or (ii) purchase of protective interests (i.e. easements) in any Virginia battlefield property listed in the following reports issued by the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program:

• Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993, as amended); or
• Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007, as amended).

Projects funded by the VBPF do not have a minimum or maximum dollar amount requirement.

Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. These entities work together to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease outbreaks in Virginia.

Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) 

The financial assistance for Emergency Medical Services Grants Program, known as the Rescue Squads Assistance Fund (RSAF) is a grant program for nonprofit licensed EMS agency or other Virginia emergency medical service organization operating on a nonprofit basis exclusively for the benefit of the general public pursuant to § 32.1-111.12 of the Code of Virginia.

Items eligible for funding include EMS equipment and vehicles, computers, EMS management programs, courses/classes and projects benefiting the recruitment and retention of EMS members.

What is DHR?

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities.

Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Background

Archaeological sites are some of Virginia’s most fragile resources. Threatened Sites grants offer emergency funding for archaeological sites endangered by erosion, impending development, or vandalism. The program has saved archaeological remnants at sites across Virginia, providing important information about our past that would have been lost.

Since 1985, the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) has administered a program for threatened archaeological sites in Virginia. 

Potential sites are evaluated by department teams and a Threatened Sites Committee composed of members of the archaeological community. Funds are committed for assessment, excavation, laboratory processing and analysis, and reporting. If a site cannot be saved, the funds are used to gather the information it contains before it is lost forever. 

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Commonwealth History Fund, established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, aims to enhance history education and preservation projects across Virginia. With annual grants of approximately $400,000, totaling nearly $2 million in its first five years, the Fund supports diverse initiatives that focus on underserved communities and significant historical narratives. Managed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, it emphasizes project urgency, community impact, and the qualifications of applicants.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Conference & Education Assistance Grant

The Conference & Education Assistance Grant provides financial assistance for the professional development of Virginia’s fire and emergency services personnel.

• Administered by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and overseen by the Executive Director or their designee, the program aims to offer essential financial support for training conferences and seminars.

• These events, sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations, enhance the education and skills of fire and emergency services personnel throughout the commonwealth.

• Grant funds shall be used for the purposes of providing training to volunteer or career firefighting personnel and funding fire prevention and public safety education courses.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education.

Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

• VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff.
• VDFP is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
• VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Aid to Localities Grant

Aid to Localities (ATL) known as the Virginia Fire Programs Fund (Fund) is a crucial resource, sourced from one percent of fire-related insurance coverage.  

This fund is dedicated to supporting localities in the commonwealth by providing financial aid where it's needed most. Approximately 75 percent of the total fund is allocated directly to counties, cities, and incorporated towns within Virginia.

ATL allocations are population-based and can be used for a range of essential fire services and initiatives. 

How ATL Funds Can Be Allocated

These funds can be allocated to jurisdictions* for the sole purpose of the following:

• Training volunteer or career firefighting personnel in each of the receiving localities.
• Funding fire prevention and public safety education programs.
• Constructing, improving and expanding regional or local fire service training facilities.
• Purchasing emergency medical care and equipment for fire personnel.
• Payment of personnel costs related to fire and medical training for fire personnel; or For purchasing personal protective equipment, vehicles, equipment and supplies for use in the receiving locality specifically for fire service purposes.
• Diesel exhaust removal systems, decontamination equipment, and commercial extractors, that are designed to reduce the incidence of cancer among firefighters 
• *ATL Funds allocated to the jurisdictions cannot be used directly or indirectly to supplant or replace any other funds appropriated by the counties, cities and towns for fire service operations. 

About Us

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program

DHR’s Survey and Planning Cost Share Grant Program assists local governments in meeting their preservation planning goals through the identification of historic resources. Participating localities receive partial funding and administrative support towards a preservation planning project developed in collaboration with DHR staff. Annual funding for Cost Share is limited and localities must compete to participate in the program. The cost share program was launched in 1991, with over 120 localities participating to date. 

What type of projects does the Cost Share program support?  

The Cost Share program supports survey of historic resources, completion of survey reports or management summaries, preparation of Preliminary Information Forms and National Register of Historic Places nominations, and the development of preservation planning documents. 

How does the Cost Share program work? 

A locality or PDC competes to participate in the program by submitting an application outlining a historic resource identification and/or preservation planning project proposal. If selected for funding, DHR will match the amount of money the locality or PDC is willing to commit for the project. In most cases, the local government provides at least one half of the cash for a project but DHR will entertain all applications, regardless of the match amount offered. DHR staff will assume the administrative burden of selected applications by hiring a qualified consultant to execute the project and monitoring the project through our field offices to ensure that project deliverables meet the expectations of the locality or PDC and the department.

How does the Cost Share program assist local governments?

The Code of Virginia directs each jurisdiction to develop a comprehensive plan and to update it every five years. Additional legislation calls for each locality to incorporate cultural resources into its comprehensive plans. Survey of historic architecture and archaeology completed under Cost Share can establish or strengthen local historic resource inventories to support local preservation planning programs. Other common cost share project deliverables, including survey reports, Preliminary Information Forms, and National Register of Historic Places nominations, provide copyright-free information for educational outreach, can be critical tools in developing heritage tourism, and enable owners of historic properties the opportunity to pursue state and federal historic preservation tax credits. 

The Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Research Advancing Health Equity aims to enhance health equity in Virginia by funding collaborative research initiatives. With a focus on addressing systemic barriers and root causes of health disparities, the program supports two types of awards: Partnership/Collaborative Establishment Awards for developing projects and Research Awards for established consortia. This funding initiative seeks to leverage community strengths to promote optimal health outcomes for all Virginians.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Byrne - Justice Assistance Grant Solicitation for Law Enforcement Equipment in Virginia offers $2,000,000 in federal funding to local law enforcement agencies for the purchase of essential equipment. Applications must range from $10,000 to $75,000 and focus on enhancing law enforcement services while ensuring public safety. Priority will be given to agencies that can procure equipment promptly. This initiative aims to strengthen the criminal justice system in Virginia through targeted funding.

The Tourism Development Financing Program (TDFP), offered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, provides essential gap financing for new tourism product development. Economic Development Organizations must identify local tourism product deficiencies based on research. Once a developer demonstrates their project addresses this gap through market studies, they can secure state contributions from quarterly sales and use tax from the project. This initiative aims to enhance Virginia's travel industry and attract more visitors.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Firewise Virginia Community Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks in Virginia's wildland/urban interface communities. Eligible projects include wildfire hazard assessments, GIS mapping, fuel reduction, and community education initiatives. Priority is given based on the community's assessed wildfire risk and the nature of the project. This is an 80-20 match grant program managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Since 1969, Virginia has been at the forefront of firefighter training, starting with the Fire Services Training section within the State Department of Education. Later becoming part of the Division of Fire Services Training under the State Fire Commission and eventually the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP).

VDFP is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA and has seven geographical boundaries with a training division chief and State Fire Marshal’s Office staff. It is part of ten agencies under the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. VDFP administers an annual budget of $61 million and has over 90+ full–time staff, 17 part time staff and over 400 adjunct instructors who provide support and deliver our training programs through site-specific mobile training, at any of the regional training facilities or at locality training centers.

Virginia Dry Hydrant Grant

The Virginia Dry Fire Hydrant Grant program funds the installation and repair of dry hydrants to support firefighting operations in the commonwealth.  

Jointly managed by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), it provides 100% funding for new installations and repairs.

The VA250 Tourism Marketing Program, a collaboration between the VA250 Commission and Virginia Tourism Corporation, aims to promote events and signage related to America’s 250th commemoration. It encourages Virginia communities to prepare for statewide celebrations, driving tourism and supporting the VA250 mission. The program is expected to open for applications at least twice yearly from 2023 to 2025, with a 1:1 cash match requirement for eligible historic sites and museums.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Juvenile Detention Centers

Purpose

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is accepting applications for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) Program for Juvenile Detention Centers. This grant program supports local and regional juvenile detention centers through funding training, equipment, and supplies. Byrne/JAG funds allow states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of crime control and prevention activities based on state and local needs and conditions. As the state administrative agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of Byrne/JAG funds in a manner that supports and improves the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Funding Source Funding for this grant program is available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG).

Expected Total Amount of Funding

• DCJS anticipates approximately $300,000 in funding will be available for awards under this funding opportunity.
• Availability of Continuation Funding Continuation funding is not available under this grant program.
• Match Requirement Recipients of these funds are required to provide matching funds of 25% under this funding opportunity.
• Disbursement of Funds Disbursement of funds will occur on a costreimbursement basis for actual funds expended.