Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Virginia

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Organizations, including small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits in Virginia, can seek financing for clean power generation and energy infrastructure projects through the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank. Virginia Department of Energy provides loans, credit enhancements, and other recyclable financial tools to support projects like microgrids, grid modernization, battery storage, and other public-facing energy infrastructure improvements.

Virginia nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, local government agencies, and state or federally recognized American Indian tribes can seek funding for history-related preservation, restoration, and educational projects that may enhance public infrastructure in Virginia. The Virginia Historical Society’s Commonwealth History Fund supports projects such as building rehabilitation, conservation, digitization, landscape improvements, and public-facing history programs across the Commonwealth.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Focused on STEM and computer science education, public and charter schools in eligible Virginia communities can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Computer Science New Program grants. Awards of US $20,000 over two years support launching new PLTW computer science programs, covering participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW computer science programs in eligible Virginia counties can use this grant to cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, program equipment, and teacher core training. Project Lead The Way offers US $10,000 per school for 2027–2028 program expansion, serving student populations with at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch.

Virginia public and charter schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to launch new PLTW Engineering programs. This US $40,000, two-year grant supports participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training for schools in eligible Virginia counties and cities.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering programs in eligible Virginia communities can apply for US $10,000 from Project Lead The Way to support program expansion. Funds may cover PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel, room, and board costs.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

Public middle schools and charter schools in eligible Virginia localities that already run PLTW Gateway can use this grant to expand STEM offerings, equipment, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, program supplies, and core training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year, with awards of US $10,000.

Virginia public and charter elementary schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to start new PLTW Launch STEM programs. Grants up to US $20,000 support participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training for the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 school years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Launch STEM programs in eligible Virginia communities can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $5,000. Project Lead The Way partners with Burns & McDonnell to help schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students grow hands-on STEM learning.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and government agencies in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Virginia Program Grant to support water quality, river restoration, Chesapeake Bay recovery, and related environmental projects. Funding may also assist land conservation, environmental education, climate adaptation, and other initiatives that improve natural resources and public infrastructure outcomes.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents in the fund’s Northern Virginia footprint can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time capital, equipment, and other direct-service needs. Programs in health and human services, education, arts, and community development that strengthen local infrastructure and public spaces may be competitive.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning public infrastructure, housing, health, food security, or environmental projects for Loudoun residents can apply for the Amazon Loudoun County Community Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties; awards US $500 - US $10,000 for mission-driven, community-focused initiatives that build resilience, inclusion, and social cohesion.

Virginia public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits expanding access to primary, dental, or mental health care can access funding through Virginia Health Care Foundation to serve uninsured and medically underserved residents. Grants may support new or expanded clinics, telehealth infrastructure, coordinated systems of care, and initiatives addressing behavioral health shortages and COVID-19-related mental health needs.

Focused on conservation land protection, The Nature Conservancy invites Virginia conservation and community nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies to seek grants for fee or easement acquisition projects. Eligible applicants based in Virginia can receive up to US $100,000 for land purchases, project development, stewardship, legal defense, and community engagement within the Appalachians Program boundary.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants, typically awarded on a challenge or matching basis. Funding supports facilities and infrastructure for cultural, civic, environmental, educational, historic preservation, housing, health, and social service projects, with preference for the Richmond metro region and potential benefits for public-access infrastructure initiatives.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital funding for facilities or infrastructure in arts, education, environment, historic preservation, social services, or community development can apply for US $50,000 - US $500,000. Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports challenge or matching grants statewide, with online applications due each spring and fall for projects across the Commonwealth.

Entities engaged in methane reduction activities in Virginia can apply for Virginia Department of Energy’s Coal Mine Methane Capture & Utilization Program to fund projects capturing and using coal mine methane. Grants from Virginia Department of Energy help Virginia public infrastructure and energy projects that cut greenhouse gas emissions, repurpose mine lands, and support coal-dependent communities.

Eligible Virginia local governments can seek competitive CDBG Project Grants to fund housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure, economic development, and public services projects, with awards from US $40,000 - US $3,500,000. With a mission to create safe, affordable, and prosperous communities, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development supports projects that address the greatest community needs.

Arts organizations planning new or atypical arts projects in Virginia can apply for Arts Fairfax’s Project Support Grants: Opportunity, with awards of US $1,000 - US $25,000 for performances, exhibitions, guest artists, or infrastructure enhancements. Projects should engage Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church City residents, including diverse or underserved communities, and expand beyond usual programming.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

In July 1973, Virginia took measures to ensure that the Commonwealth and its residents would be protected from the effects of disasters, both natural and human-caused. Just 13 months after Hurricane Agnes caused record-breaking flooding, the Virginia Office of Emergency Services was created. The office was renamed the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) in 2000 (Va. Code Ann. § 44-146.18). Today, VDEM works with with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide crucial resources during all hazard disasters.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The NGSP, via State Administrative Agencies (SAA), provides funds to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack to meet the following three objectives throughout the period of performance:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.
• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.
• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

Given the evolving threat landscape, it is incumbent upon DHS/FEMA to continuously evaluate the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile, the following National Priority Areas (NPAs) shape current and future guidance:

• Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places.
• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers
• Enhancing Cybersecurity
• Enhancing Election Security
• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

Likewise, there are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise. The following are second-tier priorities that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:

• Effective planning;
• Training and awareness campaigns; and
• Exercises

Effective August 13, 2020, FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards to:

• Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system;
• Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system; or
• Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

Virginia Applicants

Up to $3,381,162 will be available for Virginia applicants in 2025. Of that amount, funding will be split across two applicant groups: NSGP-Urban Areas (NSGP-UA), and NSGP-State (NSGP-S).

NSGP-State (NSGP-S)

Up to $2,400,000 will be available for applicants not located in a designated Urban Area by DHS. Individual awards may be up to $200,000.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can seek up to US $200,000 for physical security and related preparedness activities in designated urban areas. Virginia Department of Emergency Management supports target hardening, planning, cybersecurity, training, and other eligible costs that improve the security of soft targets and crowded public facilities.