Best Technology Grants in Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying political subdivisions in Virginia can seek project-focused funding to strengthen education, health, economic development, and community capacity. Focused on regional transformation, Alleghany Foundation invites Virginia community organizations to propose initiatives, including those using technology, that improve quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands and surrounding areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public entities, and qualifying colleges or universities in Virginia and other AEP service areas can apply for American Electric Power Foundation support to advance STEM education and basic human needs. Programs in technology-focused STEM learning, social justice, housing, hunger, or related community services may be considered with an invitation from a local AEP operating company.

Entrepreneur support organizations in Virginia that serve science- and technology-based startups can apply for up to US $200,000 in operating and programmatic funding from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation’s Regional Innovation Fund. Eligible ESOs must be Virginia-based, have a track record with Virginia startups, meet collaboration criteria, and provide a 1:1 non-state funding match.

Rural, grassroots community groups in Virginia working on social, economic, or environmental justice can seek funding for organizing, capacity building, and travel assistance. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help organizations focused on education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement in the rural South, with awards up to US $3,500 per year.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on higher education, STEM and business education, economic and community development, or human services can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation to enhance local quality of life and economies. Organizations in Franklin County, Roanoke County, or Salem City may be eligible, with preference for those connected to local Steel Dynamics facilities and employees.

Virginia 501(c)(3) educational, medical, human welfare, and other charitable organizations can access funding through Van Metre Companies Foundation to support their community-focused work, including technology-related initiatives. Nonprofits working in areas like community services, poverty alleviation, or emerging technology development may be especially well positioned to benefit.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official economic development authority and has offices in Virginia, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Since 1995, VEDP has served as a professional, nonpartisan public authority with a long-term focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy across administrations. Working with state, regional and local partners, VEDP supports business expansion, attraction and investment through services that span site readiness, incentives, global trade and strategic planning. 

Virginia Investment Performance Grant

The Virginia Investment Performance Grant (VIP) encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies, resulting in added capacity, modernization, increased productivity, or the creation, development, and utilization of advanced technology. The program targets existing manufacturers or research and development services supporting manufacturing. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project, and matching local financial participation is expected.

The amount of each VIP grant is determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based in part on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Return-on-Investment analysis and recommendation, and is subject to the approval of the Governor.

Highlights

Company must be an existing Virginia manufacturer or research and development service that supports manufacturing, and the project must result in capital investment of at least $25 million.

VIP grants are paid in five equal annual installments beginning in the first year after the capital investment and job creation or retention are achieved.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can seek funding for community programs including education, health, human services, arts, culture, and religion. With a mission to support diverse charitable activities, Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust provides Greater Richmond–area organizations with US $5,000 - US $75,000, which may benefit tech-enabled education or digital access initiatives.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Virginia

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Virginia nonprofits and community organizations working on technology access and digital literacy, as well as related priorities like food security, children’s wellness, workforce readiness, and reentry support, can seek project funding from CNX Foundation. The funder focuses on tangible, local impact in its Appalachian footprint, including Virginia, for communities facing socio-economic challenges.

Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents in eligible Northern Virginia jurisdictions can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects or expenses. Funding supports direct services in health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community endeavors, which may include technology, infrastructure, or information systems needs.

Virginia research institutions, universities, and other eligible organizations working in engineering, geospatial science, hydrology, oceanography, or related technology fields can access funding through the US DOD: Office of the Secretary of Defense’s ERDC Broad Agency Announcement. This continuously open opportunity supports research and development projects across diverse civil and military engineering and environmental technology topics in the U.S.

The Cameron Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-Cities area by funding initiatives that address health care access, human services, economic development, education, and cultural preservation. Grants support organizations serving low-income populations and emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. By focusing on innovative approaches and inclusivity, the Foundation seeks to create lasting impacts that empower residents and foster vibrant communities.

Virginia nonprofits and public agencies expanding technology-enabled primary care, mental health, dental, or telehealth services for uninsured and medically underserved residents can apply for Health Access Grants. Virginia Health Care Foundation supports projects such as telemedicine, tele-mental health, innovative service models, and coordinated systems of care, including initiatives addressing COVID-19-related behavioral health needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing mental health and substance use disorders in Virginia and nationwide can apply for Elevance Health Foundation’s Behavioral Health Grant to expand treatment, prevention, and early intervention programs. Proposals that reduce loneliness, support whole-person health, address social needs, and offer scalable, culturally relevant solutions with measurable outcomes may be competitive.

Virginia university faculty-led innovation teams and Virginia-based startups developing cybersecurity technologies can receive up to US $75,000 to advance market-ready products and services. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s CATAPULT and ASCEND funds back commercialization-focused work, including participation in a five-month accelerator with mentoring, customer discovery, and business development support for technology ventures in Virginia.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning permanent capital projects, including technology infrastructure, can apply for the Cabell Foundation’s semi-annual competitive grants. Funding supports bricks-and-mortar needs across cultural, educational, community development, health, and social service organizations, with preference for the Richmond metro area and awards typically structured as challenge or matching grants to leverage broader community support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in western Virginia seeking technology, digital marketing, or financial infrastructure upgrades can apply for capacity building support; colleges, schools, government agencies, and churches are ineligible. With a mission to strengthen local nonprofits, Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia provides funding for software, equipment, website improvements, digital content, and first-time independent audits in eligible cities and counties.

The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) Higher Education (HE) Proof-of-Concept (POC) program provides grant funding to Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities and eligible nonprofit Virginia-based research institutes. Applicants may request $75,000 or $150,000, depending on the designated track, to support translation Virginia research-derived innovations into commercial products. Applicants with technologies at a more advanced technology readiness level (TRL) and/or deemed by VIPC to have exceptional strategic value for Virginia may be invited to seek up to $300,000. Each grant requires a minimum one-to-one match and is expected to support the achievement of two to three key milestones during the period of performance (typically 6-15 months). 

Virginia arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Virginia can access funding through the Virginia Commission for the Arts to build internal capacity and sustainability. Grants up to Up to US $1,500 support short-term consulting on management, technology, or strategic issues, as well as professional development such as conferences and workshops that strengthen leadership and operations.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Virginia can receive USDA Rural Development support to provide training, technical assistance, and infrastructure for small rural businesses, including technology-based economic development. USDA Rural Development (RD) offers Enterprise and Opportunity grants up to US $99,000 for projects benefiting small and emerging rural businesses and community economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing healthcare and human services that benefit needy and indigent residents of Halifax County, Virginia can apply for this grant. With a mission to provide healthcare assistance, Clark Memorial Fund supports programs that defray hospitalization costs, deliver medical services, and offer community health education and prevention initiatives in Virginia.

Nonprofit organizations providing technology-enabled workforce development and AI-focused training for adult workers in Virginia and other Truist footprint states can seek US $10,000 - US $250,000 through the Inspire Awards. Truist Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations advancing career pathways, AI readiness, and wraparound services that help workers access quality jobs and long-term economic mobility.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can seek up to US $300,000 for technology access, digital skills, STEM education, and related initiatives through the Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund. The Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region backs programs serving Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Louisa, and nearby communities, especially those aiding underserved residents.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in Northern Virginia teaching STEM, entrepreneurship, or leadership to girls and young women can apply for the Business Women's Giving Circle Grant to start or expand innovative programs. Grants from The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia may benefit Virginia groups offering technology-focused education and mentorship for K-12 and college-age participants.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can receive up to US $200,000 for physical security and cybersecurity enhancements through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State. Virginia Department of Emergency Management administers funds for planning, equipment, training, and other target-hardening activities outside designated Urban Areas.

Virginia nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can receive up to US $200,000 for security technology, cybersecurity, and other physical protection upgrades in designated urban areas. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management administers this Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Urban Areas to strengthen soft targets, improve preparedness, and coordinate with public safety partners.