Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The VCA Community Impact Grants aim to support innovative art-based projects that engage underserved communities across Virginia. With a focus on collaboration and artistic excellence, these grants fund new and expanded creative programming and require a 1:1 cash match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions. The program emphasizes community involvement in project planning and execution, ensuring a meaningful impact through the arts.

The Dick Glover Virginia Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, provides financial support to graduating high school seniors in Virginia who have been active members of the Virginia Wrestling Association. The fund aims to assist these young athletes in pursuing their post-secondary education at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative honors Dick Glover's legacy as a dedicated coach and mentor in the wrestling community, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The Captain Earle Worley Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, honors Captain Earle Worley's legacy as a dedicated pilot. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Virginia who plan to pursue post-secondary education in aeronautics, aerospace, or aviation-related fields. Eligible candidates can include previous scholarship recipients, promoting ongoing educational opportunities. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through various initiatives, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring aviation students.

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 Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG)

The Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant program (VEDIG) assists and encourages companies to invest and create new employment opportunities by locating significant headquarters, administrative, or service sector operations in Virginia. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project.

The amount of each VEDIG 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

The program offers cash grants to qualified applicants. Grants are paid in five equal annual installments beginning in the first year after the capital investment and job creation or retention are achieved. There are no restrictions on expenditure of the grant proceeds.

Minimum capital investment, new job, and wage thresholds are based on the area of Virginia in which the company is located.

Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR provides access for outdoor recreation, strengthens communities’ flood resilience, and protects what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Project

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) seeks qualified applicants to provide exemplary “meaningful watershed educational experiences” (MWEE) within Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Fund was established to provide support for qualified applicants across Virginia who will provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) to k-12 learners. The Fund aligns with Virginia’s commitment to enhance students’ understanding of the watershed through teacher-supported educational experiences.

As one of the signatories to the Chesapeake Bay 2014 Agreement (as amended), Virginia is committed to increasing “students age-appropriate understanding of the watershed through participation in teacher-supported, meaningful watershed educational experiences and rigorous, inquiry-based instruction, with a target of at least one meaningful watershed educational experience in elementary, middle and high school depending on available resources.” 

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Community College STEM Scholarships, provided by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, offer $2,000 to support full-time students in STEM fields at Virginia community colleges. Designed for those pursuing careers in technology and aerospace, these scholarships encourage underrepresented groups to apply. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete at least one semester of coursework. This initiative aims to enhance the STEM workforce and promote diversity in technical fields.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

The Rail Preservation Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, aims to enhance the state's transportation network by supporting nine shortline railroads in Virginia. With funding of up to 70% from state sources and a minimum of 30% required from local cash or in-kind contributions, this initiative seeks to promote economic growth and improve access for transportation users across the region.

The Chesapeake Human Services Grant aims to support non-profit organizations serving Chesapeake citizens. Applications are now open for the current fiscal year, with funding directed towards programs that align with the Chesapeake Thrives Plan, focusing on areas such as aging, behavioral health, early childhood, health, housing, poverty, economic support, school-age support, and workforce development. For more details, visit the City of Chesapeake's official application page.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

About VDOE

The Virginia Department of Education is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. VDOE works in partnership with Virginia’s 132 school divisions to support and improve teaching and learning, set high expectations for all students, and promote student safety, wellbeing, and health.

Advancing Computer Science Education (ACSE) Grant

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of the Advancing Computer Science Education (ACSE) FY27 Request for Proposals (RFP). This competitive grant opportunity supports the implementation of the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning and provides funding to develop high-quality instructional resources, curriculum, and assessments; deliver professional development for current and future teachers; support summer and after-school computer science programming; and facilitate career exposure and work-based learning opportunities for high school students. Consistent with the grant's legislative intent, funded projects should prioritize at-risk students and schools.  

The 2026 Appropriation Act has allocated $1.35 million to support this initiative. All Virginia public school divisions, full-time regional public schools, and programs with a local or regional school board are eligible to submit proposals meeting the intent of Advancing Computer Science Education Grant Request for Proposal.  

Funding is available across three project types per availability of funds: 

• Professional Learning, Implementation, and Evidence of Learning (up to $75,000 per award), 
• Student Engagement and Experimental Learning (up to $75,000 per award), and  
• Expansion of Computer Science Advanced Learning Opportunities (up to $50,000 per award).  

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lifelong Learning Grants

To facilitate and support arts learning for students, educators, youth, and adult citizens, reaching those who are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented, by providing opportunities to work with highly qualified professional teaching artists in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.

Description

Lifelong Learning Grants fund sequential hands-on learning programs and experiences designed to encourage artistic skills, processes, and creativity. Artistic and/or cultural discipline(s) may include, but are not limited to dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and visual arts. Arts learning programs include specific objectives, outcomes and methods of evaluation that are well defined and relevant to the learners involved.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship Fund

Mary Carter Frackelton, a life-long Fredericksburg resident, established this scholarship fund in December 2012. Carter is a dedicated educator and businesswoman. After graduating from Sweet Briar College, she taught 4th grade at Orange Elementary School in Orange, Virginia from 1972 to 1978. She returned to Fredericksburg in 1978 and taught at Stafford Middle School – 5th grade for three years, then 7th grade math and the 5th - 8th grade gifted program for four more. For several years, she also taught math to adults in Stafford County who were preparing to take the GED test. In 1985, Carter left public school teaching and joined her father in their family business, the Frackelton Block Company. Following Robert Frackelton’s death in December 1989, Carter became managing partner at Frackelton Block Company. Carter continues to lead the business in a variety of capacities.

Ms. Frackelton began The Mary Carter Frackelton Scholarship with a donation that provides one scholarship award each year. She has also named The Community Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in her will. Her planned gift will increase the number of scholarship awards that can be made each year, and ensure that this meaningful fund continues as a permanent asset for our region.

Ms. Frackelton believes strongly that encouraging students to make a commitment to their continuing education and helping them to reach those goals will not only increase productivity in businesses but also strengthen our community as a whole. She also believes that empowering and honoring women is a powerful way to preserve and grow a community. Demographics show that more and more women are single parents and this trend can often create serious financial challenges for their children. Ms. Frackelton intends for her gift to support high school students with barriers to higher education – particularly those who have been raised by a single mother (or grandmother or aunt).