Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The BioMarin Grant aims to support events, activities, and projects that enhance public health and benefit patients with rare diseases. This corporate funder focuses on scientific innovation and provides resources for organizations such as hospitals, universities, and patient advocacy groups. With an emphasis on education and community support, BioMarin encourages applications for funding throughout the year, ensuring timely assistance for eligible projects.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program aims to enhance the research workforce by providing intensive research experiences for recent graduates. This initiative supports early-stage investigators in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, addressing a critical shortage of researchers in the field. Participants engage in independent research, mentorship, and professional development, equipping them with skills necessary for advanced degrees and research careers in aging and dementia. The program fosters innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing AD/ADRD research.

The Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Parkinson's Disease, funded by the Parkinson's Foundation and the American Brain Foundation, supports young investigators in clinical studies related to Parkinson's disease. Offering $65,000 annually for two years, plus an additional $10,000 for education and research costs, this award aims to foster rigorous clinical research. Eligible applicants must have an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree and be AAN members, focusing on patient-oriented research with human subjects.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Large Grants for requests exceeding $10,000. Focused on fostering positive change, the foundation supports initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Eligibility includes 501(c)(3) organizations, while restrictions apply to consecutive grant cycles and non-qualifying purposes such as endowments and fundraising events. Organizations are encouraged to apply for various projects to enhance community well-being.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Smaller Grants of $10,000 or less to support initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and comply with eligibility criteria, including a one-year waiting period for reapplications. The foundation aims to have a significant impact on communities, especially in West Texas, while avoiding funding for specific exclusions such as endowments and fundraising events.

The Robert J. Keown Trust, established in 1934, provides financial assistance to needy Christians through grants to charitable organizations. Managed by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., the trust focuses on supporting organizations that benefit residents of Los Angeles County. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to requests aiding needy Christians and elderly women. The trust awards an average of four grants per year, fostering community support and outreach.

The Graduate Education Fund offers the South Australia Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship for scholars from the USA and South Australia. This scholarship supports PhD and Post-Doctoral research in Defence, Space, and Cyber Security, ensuring candidates have affiliations with educational institutions. Awarded funds, up to US $40,000, can cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for USA to Australia and September for Australia to USA, promoting collaboration in research between the two nations.

The Undergraduate Development Program Student Travel Award offers undergraduate science majors a unique opportunity to attend the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting from March 21–23, 2026. The program aims to inspire students pursuing research careers in toxicology and related biomedical sciences. Participants will engage with professionals, attend sessions, and explore various educational and career paths. SOT emphasizes inclusiveness, encouraging diverse perspectives to enhance innovation in the field.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Screening Improvement Program (SIP) Award aims to enhance early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) through improved newborn screening processes. This initiative emphasizes equitable screening practices for diverse populations and seeks innovative approaches to strengthen communication with primary care providers. Grants of up to $75,000 per year for two years are available to support projects that focus on algorithm transformation and best practices in screening, without funding clinical trials.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarship provides crucial financial support to students with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship not only alleviates educational expenses but also recognizes students who exhibit resilience and academic excellence. Annually, the foundation awards scholarships to deserving candidates, ensuring they can pursue their educational goals without overwhelming financial stress. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong character and leadership while maintaining academic achievement. With awards up to $30K for undergraduates and $45K for graduates, this scholarship is pivotal for affected students.

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

The AABE National & Regional Scholarship, awarded by the American Association of Blacks in Energy, supports students pursuing careers in the energy sector. Annually, over $350,000 is distributed through multiple scholarships, including six regional awards of $3,000 and one national award of $5,000, renewable for up to four years. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to energy-related fields, promoting diversity and equity in education.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) are seeking innovative research applications for non-invasive imaging technologies to study the human olfactory system. This initiative emphasizes the need for advanced multimodal imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic capabilities for olfactory disorders, addressing challenges posed by the system's unique anatomical features. Collaboration among experts is encouraged to foster impactful research developments.

Shaw's Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on hunger, youth education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific regions like California and Hawaii. An employee sponsor is mandatory for applications in these areas. The grant review process typically takes about eight weeks, and the foundation prioritizes collaborations with local partners to maximize community impact.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals for the Bats for the Future Fund RFP to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS) affecting bat populations in North America. This initiative seeks to advance treatments, implement management strategies, and support research that enhances bat survival and recovery. A match of 50% of the grant amount is preferred, aimed at fostering innovative conservation efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the future of affected bat species.

The NHLBI is launching a Limited Competition Small Grant Program aimed at NHLBI career development award recipients. This program supports researchers transitioning to independence by providing small grants for expanding research objectives or initiating new studies based on their prior work. It encourages applicants to form collaborations and develop impactful projects, although applications are not currently being solicited. This initiative aims to facilitate the generation of essential preliminary data and publications, aiding recipients in their K-to-R transition.

The Reel Change Film Fund is a five-year initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented film composers in the industry. It provides grants averaging $20,000 to assist US-based projects in production or post-production. Created by Christophe Beck and SESAC, this fund addresses the lack of diversity in film scoring, promoting inclusivity for diverse composers. Through mentorship and financial support, it seeks to elevate the careers of talented individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing the overall landscape of film music.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

Pledge the Pink Foundation is dedicated to providing essential funding for breast cancer services, including free mammograms, medical assistance, and outreach programs. By bypassing bureaucratic barriers, the foundation ensures that those most in need receive critical care. However, grant funds cannot be allocated for event sponsorships or to cover salaries and overhead expenses, ensuring that donations directly impact patient care and support.

The Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AADCRC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance research on asthma and related allergic diseases. This initiative fosters multi-center, multidisciplinary research to explore disease mechanisms and treatment responses. By promoting clinical trials and observational studies, the AADCRC seeks to advance understanding and improve interventions for conditions such as asthma and food allergies, ultimately benefiting public health.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

Healthcare Assistance Grant

The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs. 

Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor.