Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Physician Fellowship is a one-year program by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society aimed at training neurologists and physiatrists in specialized clinical care for MS patients. Eligible candidates include PGY3 or PGY4 residents from U.S. programs. The fellowship focuses on supervised patient care, multidisciplinary team activities, and professional development, preparing fellows to provide high-quality care and to engage as future leaders in the MS community.

The We Raise Foundation's Emerging Leader Grant supports individuals aged 20-35 at Christian organizations developing innovative programs addressing poverty, violence, and inequality. With a total of $15,000 over two years, the grant allocates $10,000 for program support and $5,000 for leadership development, including coaching and conferences. This initiative aims to foster impactful leaders who inspire, communicate effectively, and engage deeply with their communities, ultimately creating lasting change.

The Degree Pathway Scholarships, offered by the Nevada Women’s Fund, empower women in northern Nevada by supporting their pursuit of academic degrees such as associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs. These scholarships aim to strengthen communities and promote self-sufficiency through education. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0. Announcements for scholarship awards take place each April, fostering women's educational advancement.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program Concept Award encourages innovative research addressing critical issues in reconstructive transplantation. It supports groundbreaking concepts and untested theories, emphasizing creativity and relevance to specific focus areas. Notably, preliminary data presentation is prohibited, yet applications must demonstrate potential for interpretable results. Early-career investigators are particularly encouraged to apply, fostering new talent in this vital research field.

Who We Are

Nevada Women’s Fund is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across Nevada. Since our founding, we have worked to identify and fund critical initiatives that support women’s education, career development, and personal growth. Through scholarships, grants, and collaborative programs, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and achievement. Our mission is driven by a vision of a Nevada where women can thrive, lead, and make lasting contributions to their families, workplaces, and communities.

"The best way to empower women is to educate them.” ~ Michelle Obama

Scholarship History

Nevada Women's Fund scholarship program was established to empower women in Northern Nevada by supporting their educational pursuits. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to women across the region, helping them achieve their academic and career goals. Over the years, the program has expanded to include support for students in a variety of fields, with a focus on fostering economic self-sufficiency and professional advancement. Through this commitment, Nevada Women’s Fund continues to invest in the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities.

Workforce Ready Scholarships

These scholarships support individuals pursuing education and training pathways outside of a traditional academic degree program, such as:

• Certificate Programs
• Trade or Vocational Training
• Continuing Education or Professional Development
• Licensing

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites applications for early phase clinical trials focused on natural products. This funding opportunity supports research into botanicals and dietary supplements that show promise based on preliminary evidence. Successful trials can receive up to six years of funding to enhance understanding of pharmacokinetics and clinical impacts. Applications must aim to optimize product delivery and explore innovative combinations with other treatment approaches.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award (R33) invites applications for early phase clinical trials of natural products like botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding aims to support studies that assess the impact of these products on target engagement and clinical outcomes. The NOFO encourages innovative designs that optimize delivery methods and investigate combinations with existing treatments. With a maximum support period of three years, the initiative seeks to translate basic science findings into practical clinical applications.

The NCCIH Natural Product Mid Phase Clinical Trial (R01 Clinical Trial Required) invites applications for clinical trials focused on natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements. Emphasizing scientific validity, the program seeks to evaluate optimal dosages and patient responses in a hypothesis-driven manner. Applications must include substantial preliminary data to assess bioavailability and confirm measurable impacts on target engagement. Key deadlines range from March 2024 to October 2026, ensuring timely submissions for interested researchers.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

The American Geophysical Union Jerome M. Paros Scholarship Award supports graduate students pursuing geophysical instrumentation and precise field measurements in seismology, atmospheric sciences, or ocean sciences. Established by Jerome M. Paros, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to three students annually, fostering talent in this critical field. Eligibility includes being a graduate student at an accredited institution, with a focus on geophysical measurements. AGU student members are encouraged to apply.

The June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship in Atmospheric Sciences for Women supports women pursuing careers in atmospheric sciences and meteorology. Established in 1978 and reintroduced in 2021, it offers a $1,000 scholarship, mentorship opportunities, and networking through AccuWeather. Eligible applicants must identify as women and belong to underrepresented groups in STEM, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals, and must be graduate or undergraduate students in relevant programs.

The Founders Project Fulfillment Grant, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), is dedicated to supporting 501(c)(3) IRS-certified theatres with a strong commitment to artistic excellence for young audiences. Eligible organizations must have a minimum operating budget of $1,000,000 and a proven track record of diversity in leadership, making this grant a vital resource for fostering inclusive theatre experiences for children and families.

The Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development, funded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports master's and doctoral students conducting research on early language development. With up to three grants of $2,000 each available, this initiative honors Arlene M. and Noel D. Matkin. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in accredited programs, focusing on research that benefits young children facing language delays or disorders.

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.

The Loren Engel Memorial FFA Scholarship, established by Margaret Engle in 2005, honors Loren Engel’s dedication to agriculture and leadership. This $300 scholarship is available for graduating high school students from Dickinson County who have served as FFA chapter officers, demonstrating commitment to agricultural education. The Community Foundation of Dickinson County aims to support local students pursuing technical or vocational education, ensuring future generations can thrive in their community.

Adult Treatment Court Program

Overview

The Department of Justice began supporting treatment courts over 25 years ago. Through the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Congress first authorized the Attorney General to make grants to states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribal government to establish treatment courts. In 1995, the Office of Justice Programs established the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, occurring just 6 years after the implementation of the nation’s first treatment court in Miami, Florida. This work was merged into the Bureau of Justice Assistance in 2003.

The Adult Treatment Court Program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts. Adult treatment court programs are a tool for criminal court partners and the judiciary to facilitate coordinated approaches that address the needs of nonviolent individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health needs.

These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, random drug testing, equitable sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings to reduce recidivism and substance use and misuse, as well as prevent overdoses. These initiatives can incorporate cultural elements and approaches.

Category 3: Statewide (Anticipated Award Amount: $2,500,000)

Statewide grants are available to state applicants for funding to improve, enhance, or expand ATC services statewide. Activities include creation of new treatment courts where needed and expanding treatment and services in already established treatment courts; reviews of the program policies and procedures; and data collection and analysis to assess program practices and track recidivism. This could include training to address staff turnover and offer operational skills updates and to expand treatment resources in locations with critical substance use needs. These are intended to be one-time projects to enhance capacity that can be sustained. 

The NEI Institutional Mentored Physician Scientist Award (K12 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to foster innovative research career development for clinically trained vision scientists. This funding opportunity encourages institutions to develop programs that prepare scholars for independent research careers, particularly in minimal risk clinical trials. Emphasis is placed on recruiting underrepresented groups in research, ensuring a diverse pool of clinician investigators engaged in vision research.

The Adult Treatment Court Program Enhancement Grant aims to support state and local jurisdictions in enhancing adult treatment court operations. With a focus on nonviolent individuals with substance use disorders, the program integrates evidence-based treatments and recovery services to reduce recidivism and prevent overdose deaths. The grant allows jurisdictions to improve treatment capacity, expand support services, and enhance court operations, ultimately fostering a more effective response to addiction within the justice system.

The Vadon Foundation Grant supports innovative, community-based initiatives aimed at sustaining healthy indigenous nations. By empowering visionary changemakers, the foundation addresses multi-generational challenges through focused programming in areas like language revitalization, community leadership, and addressing crises such as food insecurity. The foundation seeks to foster self-determination and sustainability within native communities, ensuring that future generations can thrive culturally and socially.

Adult Treatment Court Program

Overview

The Department of Justice began supporting treatment courts over 25 years ago. Through the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Congress first authorized the Attorney General to make grants to states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribal government to establish treatment courts. In 1995, the Office of Justice Programs established the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, occurring just 6 years after the implementation of the nation’s first treatment court in Miami, Florida. This work was merged into the Bureau of Justice Assistance in 2003.

The Adult Treatment Court Program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts. Adult treatment court programs are a tool for criminal court partners and the judiciary to facilitate coordinated approaches that address the needs of nonviolent individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health needs.

These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, random drug testing, equitable sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings to reduce recidivism and substance use and misuse, as well as prevent overdoses. These initiatives can incorporate cultural elements and approaches.

Category 1: Planning and Implementation (Anticipated Award Amount: $950,000)

Planning and Implementation grants are available to eligible jurisdictions ready to commit to a 6-month planning phase followed by an implementation and/or launch of an ATC that supports core capacity and provides critical behavioral health treatment, case management and coordinated judicial supervision, sanctions and incentives, and other supportive services, such as transitional housing, peer recovery services, relapse prevention and employment services, that can reduce recidivism.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

FY25 Veterans Treatment Court Program

Executive Summary

This NOFO will support the implementation and enhancement of veterans treatment court (VTC) operations. VTCs connect veterans who come in contact with the justice system to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD), mental health disorders (MHD), co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (MHSUD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Funding supports service coordination, and recovery support services. VTCs integrate mandatory drug testing, incentives and sanctions, and transitional services in judicially supervised criminal court settings that have jurisdiction over veterans with behavioral health treatment needs. These courts aim to reduce recidivism and overdose fatalities, while increasing access to treatment and recovery support that leads to long-term recovery.

Category 3 supports state applicants to improve, enhance, or expand VTC services statewide. Activities include expanding treatment and services; audits of program policies and procedures; and data collection and analysis to assess program practices and track recidivism. These are intended to be one-time projects to enhance capacity that can be sustained.

Program Description

Statewide grants are available to state applicants to improve, enhance, or expand veterans treatment court services statewide. Activities include expanding treatment and services; reviewing programs’ policies and procedures; and data collection and analysis to assess program practices and track recidivism. This could include training to address staff turnover and offer operational skills updates and to expand treatment resources in locations with critical substance use needs. These are intended to be one-time projects to enhance capacity that can be sustained

The Artist’s Palette Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports students pursuing careers in cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering, nail technology, and massage therapy. This fund is designed to assist deserving individuals from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are made possible by local families and organizations dedicated to enhancing community welfare and honoring significant contributions to the community. Applications open annually from January to April.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: Student With a Disability Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students with disabilities pursuing degrees in communication sciences and disorders. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited program. This scholarship aims to foster academic achievement and provide financial assistance for educational expenses. Applicants may also consider additional scholarship categories but can only receive one award. Up to 15 scholarships of $5,000 are available.

The Samuel Hunter Agricultural Education Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to support students graduating from WCPS high schools, especially those from Smithsburg High School. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural fields, with a preference for FFA/4-H participants. With its commitment to enhancing local education, this scholarship not only honors community contributions but also promotes vital career paths in agriculture.

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

The Ian Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award Fund supports students from West Canada Valley Junior/Senior High School pursuing a degree or certification in trades like HVAC, trucking, welding, or farming. This award emphasizes promise and effort rather than academic grades, reflecting a commitment to fostering talent in essential skilled trades. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a leader in community investment, manages this fund to empower local youth and strengthen the community's future.