Virginia grants for Nonprofits

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), part of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, offers a range of financial programs to support the growth and expansion of businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities within Virginia. These programs include direct loans to businesses and non-profits, credit enhancements for banks lending to these entities, bond financing for businesses and non-profits, and an equity incentive grant program to attract investments in small businesses. Over its 30+ year history, VSBFA has helped many Virginia businesses access the capital needed for expansion and job creation in the Commonwealth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

The Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) Planning Grant Program in Virginia aims to support local agriculture and forestry businesses by providing funding for innovative projects and encouraging collaboration between local governments and the ag/forestry community. The grants may be used for activities such as developing strategic plans, feasibility studies, business or marketing plans, creating local initiatives supporting agriculture or forestry-based businesses, and investing in the development of local agricultural development boards. Additionally, the program supports projects that implement innovative marketing strategies, develop strategic plans for agriculture or forestry economic development, create new policies or programs to preserve working lands, and fund feasibility studies or business plans with a positive impact on the local agriculture or forestry sector.

The Conference and Education Assistance Grant Program, established under §38.2-401-F of the Code of Virginia, is designed to support the professional development of Virginia's fire services community. This program provides financial assistance for training conferences and seminars sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations. The grants aim to further the education of fire services personnel across the Commonwealth, enhancing their skills and knowledge through participation in relevant educational events. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: July 1st

The City of Alexandria Arts Grants are designed to encourage artistic excellence by assisting artists and organizations in providing opportunities for Alexandria’s residents and visitors to engage and experience quality arts programs throughout the city. Donor Name: City of Alexandria State: Virginia City: Alexandria Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Arts Program Grant has the following goals:  To strengthen Alexandria’s creative capacity by providing its residents with diverse opportunities to meaningfully engage with the arts.  To improve the capacity and stability of Alexandria-based organizations to create, perform, and present works of artistic excellence and innovation through organizational support and program funding; and  To create a vibrant urban environment by supporting diverse individual artists, organizations, and other entities in the creation, performance, and presentation of highquality works of art across the City of Alexandria. Funding Information Arts Program Grants are available for up to $12,500 and should not exceed 50% of total program budget and require a 1:1 (dollar for dollar) cash match. The Grant period is July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a non-profit organization who has been in existence for 1 full year before applying. Pass-through grants are not allowed. Programs must take place between July 1 – June 30 of each fiscal year. Programs must take place within Alexandria’s city limits (does not include Fairfax County). The applicant has not been in default of payment to any agency of the City of Alexandria. Proposed budget provides the required cash match. Funding from the City of Alexandria such as, but limited to, the Marketing Fund, the Alexandria City Public Schools and from other Departments, cannot be used for the cash match. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. City agencies, employees, or volunteers (defined as any agency under the direct control of an elected official, or which reports directly to the City Manager, may not apply for an Arts Grant; they may only play a supportive role in a program proposed by an organization or group. Colleges, universities, religious organizations, and libraries may not receive grants for arts. For more information, visit City of Alexandria.

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Charlottesville to support community development projects while fostering collaboration with University of Virginia student-athletes.

This grant provides financial support for projects that develop and preserve affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Charlottesville, particularly focusing on those earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, researchers, local governments, and small businesses in Virginia to enhance recreational fishing through conservation, habitat restoration, and fisheries research.

This funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations in Rockingham County, Virginia, focusing on crisis intervention, improving human services, cultural development, and promoting civic engagement within the community.

The Venable Foundation provides grants to promote the health and well-being of the communities where Venable’s clients and employees work and live. Donor Name: Venable Foundation State: California, Virginia County: Arlington County (VA), City of Alexandria (VA), City of Falls Church (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Los Angeles County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Venable Foundation envisions that its philanthropic investments provide essential resources to nonprofit organizations in communities across the country. Guided by the belief that everyone has the right to equitable employment opportunities, healthcare, housing, food, and a vibrant cultural community, Venable grantees ensure that economically disadvantaged people are given the tools they need to thrive. Grant support is provided to assist with general operations and projects. Currently, the Venable Foundation’s funding priorities include: Human Services The Foundation has a strong track record of supporting a breadth of essential human services, including programs that impact people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, incarcerated and returning citizens, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and those affected by domestic violence and housing insecurity. Legal Services Foundation supported the delivery of free or affordable legal services in their communities. Pro bono consulting and representation focus on a variety of issues, including domestic violence, housing, immigration, public benefits, and discrimination, among other areas. Legal service nonprofits providing “know your rights” training and other activities are also supported. The Foundation also supports training for youth and adults to ensure diversity and access to careers in the legal profession. Education The Foundation supports a wide array of early childhood, in-school, and out-of-school time initiatives that provide in-depth opportunities for learning and engagement to position children for success and level the playing field for economically disadvantaged youth. Workforce Development Foundation believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue gainful employment. Thus, they support organizations with the goal of developing the workforce of today and tomorrow. Successful programs recruit and train individuals and place them in relevant jobs so that they can earn a sustainable living wage for themselves and their families. Skill development is focused on low-income, underemployed, and unemployed community members, and on preparing youth for careers after their schooling is complete. Youth Impact The Foundation invests in services that impact children in each of their communities. These initiatives ensure economically disadvantaged youth are healthy and safe and have opportunities to thrive. Health The Foundation is committed to improving wellness and increasing access to care for economically disadvantaged individuals in the region. Successful organizations and programs work to eliminate barriers to healthcare for all ages and provide accessible and no-stigma testing for a variety of diseases. They support pediatric to geriatric services that address a variety of health concerns. Environment Foundation supports organizations involved in the preservation of our natural resources and those that are addressing natural or man-made disasters in their target regions. Programs educate communities and work for change on a variety of environmental issues, from wildfires to pollution. Arts and Culture The Foundation supports initiatives in the arts that promote deeper public engagement and build up the creative economy, with an emphasis on low-income and underserved communities. Funding Information The average size of a Venable Foundation grant is approximately $10,000.  Eligibility Criteria  The Foundation provides funding for place-based organizations and initiatives, meaning that organizations must be based in or impacting regions where Venable has major offices. Funding is prioritized to the following locations: Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church Baltimore City and County New York City, specifically within the five boroughs Los Angeles City and County San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on San Francisco Chicago, specifically within the city but extending into Cook County Miami The Foundation makes grants to charitable organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply once per calendar year. The Foundation does not fund projects that promote or proselytize on behalf of any religion. The Foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any veteran’s status. Furthermore, the Foundation does not support research or funding to individual schools or parent/teacher associations, and will not provide sponsorship support for special events, galas, or other fundraisers. For more information, visit Venable Foundation.

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve both arts organizations and individual artists with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Donor Name: ArtsFairfax State: Virginia County: Fairfax County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Project Support Grants Program is to encourage the development and advancement of the arts in Fairfax County while serving the artistic and cultural needs of Fairfax County residents. Goals Through the Project Support Grant Program, ArtsFairfax seeks to: Provide support for established arts organizations and the development of new organizations. Promote opportunities for individual artists and arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors. Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding. Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County. Funding Categories Project Support Grants are non-recurring grants used to support eligible nonprofit arts organizations, both established and developing, in providing activities that engage new audiences in the arts and contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in Fairfax County. Applicants may request $1000-$30,000. These grants will not fund operating expenses. Finally, these grants encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County. Project Support grants support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities. For example, if your organization provides after-school arts instruction, then Project Support funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before. If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then Project Support funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach. This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission. You do not have to create a program that is brand new to your organization; however, for existing programs, your proposal should explain how the funding would enhance or expand the scope of your program offerings. There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The grant subcategories are: Arts in Education Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences. Projects may take place in schools, after-school programs, or nonprofit agencies such as art centers, social service agencies, and parks and recreation facilities that provide services to youth and/or adults. Projects can support artist’s fees and travel, space rental, transportation, advertising, publicity, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, art supplies, and equipment rental or purchase Opportunity Opportunity projects provide the resources to allow an organization to take advantage of an atypical or out of the ordinary opportunity that otherwise would be out of reach. Opportunity projects should further the growth and development of the applicant organization or engage audiences in new arts experiences. Projects can support performances by guest artists, activities, or infrastructure enhancements including programs, exhibitions, and performances for diverse populations (gender, ethnicity, age, people of all abilities sexual orientation) and/or in underserved areas of the county Partnerships with Individual Artists, Artist Teams/Cooperatives, non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups Partnerships support a partnership between an arts organization and an artist, artist teams/cooperatives, and non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups. The nonprofit arts organization must serve as the applicant. Projects can support the production of public art, performances, exhibitions, workshops, commissions, arts in education projects, and culturally unique projects that directly benefit artistic development and recognition Arts Access Arts Access projects strengthen arts engagement and allocation of resources to underserved and economically disadvantaged communities and districts. These projects provide arts programming and reduce the costs of or distance to high quality arts experiences (productions, presentations, exhibitions, learning) in communities where limited arts access has been documented. Arts and cultural organizations located in these communities as well as organizations from throughout the county and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church may apply. Applicants from outside the target District must work with at least one community-based partner to promote sustainable change. Funding Information Project Support Grant Program grants range from $1,000 to $30,000. Grant Period 2 years Eligibility Criteria An organization is eligible to apply to the Project Support Grant Program if: It has as a core mission the creation, exhibition, presentation, production, or performance of and/or  education in an arts discipline and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with current or pending status. It has regular activity in a minimum of four different months in the year or 120 days of the year It presents at least 51% of public arts activities within the geographical boundaries of Fairfax County, the  City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church The organization must have an address of record within the geographical boundaries of Fairfax County,  the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church and satisfy ONE of the following three criteria for at least  one year: Meet, rehearse, exhibit, and operate within the geographical boundary of Fairfax County, the  City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church Have 51% of board of directors’ members work or reside in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or  the City of Falls Church Verify that 51% of attendees at performances, exhibits, events, and activities reside in Fairfax  County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church evidenced through acceptable statistical. An eligible organization must: Be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws; and If an organization does not hold 501(c)(3) status in its own right, a fiscal sponsor that holds 501(c)(3) status may apply on its behalf. The fiscal sponsor must manage all grant funds and ensure compliance with the terms of the grant if an award is made An organization must have independently prepared financial statements such as an audit or a treasurer’s report (audit required for organizations with expenses of $750,000 and above). The applicant must have submitted all required final reports for any grants received from ArtsFairfax during the previous fiscal year The applicant must maintain an ArtsFairfax Directory listing and list activities on ArtsFairfax events calendar. For more information, visit ArtsFairfax.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County, Virginia, to implement projects focused on environmental conservation and historic preservation.

Virginia Humanities, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Virginia Tourism are each offering Virginia250 grants which support localities developing arts experiences, events, programs, and content against the backdrop of the 250th commemoration. Donor Name: Virginia Humanities State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information Applicants may apply for up to $10,000, and a 1:1 match is required. Grants will be managed as subawards through the University of Virginia and paid out on a reimburseable basis. Project Period Project period dates: August 1, 2024 to August 1, 2025. Who is eligible? Non-profits established as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) institutions of higher education Other not-for-profit organizations as designated by the IRS Tribal nations recognized by the State of Virginia and/or the United States federal government. Groups seeking funding that identify themselves as tribes/nations but are not recognized by the state or federal government are not eligible unless they apply in partnership with an eligible fiscal sponsor (incorporated nonprofit). Virginia Humanities acknowledges the following nations as recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia: Cheroenhaka Nottoway, Chickahominy, Chickahominy Indians Eastern Division, Mattaponi, Monacan, Nansemond, Nottoway, Pamunkey, Patawomeck, Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi. Local committees and partners of your local VA250 Committee. For more information, visit Virginia Humanities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public housing agencies in Charlottesville to enhance housing stability and services for low-income residents and those at risk of homelessness.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications designed to increase the ability of EPA Region 3 states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to manage food scraps more sustainably through composting. In particular, the NOFO seeks to increase capacity for food scraps composting in the region through the upgrade of yard waste composting facilities. The upgraded yard waste composting facilities will be capable of processing waste food which increases the capacity for wasted food composting in the region. For further details see the NOFO.

The Business Women’s Giving Circle (“BWGC”) of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards grants to support innovative STEM opportunities for girls and young women in their region. Donor Name: The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia State: Virginia County: Arlington County (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Loudoun County (VA), Prince William County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Since 2014, the Business Women’s Giving Circle awarded more than $520,000 in grants to organizations providing exciting experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Leadership and Entrepreneurship with measurable impact on the lives of over 3,500 girls and young women in Northern Virginia. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations providing charitable or educational services including preschools, K-12 public schools, and colleges and universities. Local, state and federal government entities are not eligible to apply. The BWGC grant cycle supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs to girls and young women, preschool through college-age in Northern Virginia, with an emphasis on innovative program components such as entrepreneurship, leadership or mentorship. Grant requests for program support will be considered; applications for general organizational support were not considered. Funding for both existing and new programs was considered. Applications for capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards were not considered. Grants were made to organizations providing services in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, plus the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park). Only one application per organization will be considered. For more information, visit CFNOVA.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Economic Stability Community Grants focusing on providing opportunities for people with barriers to success to become stable, self-sufficient, and prosperous. Donor Name: Hampton Roads Community Foundation State: Virginia County: Accomack County (VA), Franklin County (VA), Isle of Wight County (VA), Northampton County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: HECF believes their region will thrive when its residents who experience barriers to success have the opportunities and support they need to lead self-determined lives. Economic stability helps to create the conditions for children to learn and grow, strengthens an individual’s resolve to pursue hopes and dreams, and reduces the anxiety and stressors that accompany economic insecurity. Programs that they support address: Ending homelessness in their region with a preference for programs that provide safe and affordable housing for individuals and/or families and provide supportive services to ensure housing stability Workforce readiness training/certification acquisition and connection of low income individuals to employment. Preference is given for programs that offer supports to help the individual remain employed for at least one year Development of sound financial education and savings programs to help low income individuals build financial assets for long-term economic well-being Desired Outcomes Grant proposals should address one or more of the following outcomes: Individuals and families who are homeless are permanently located in safe/affordable housing and remain in housing for at least one year Adults who are economically disadvantaged develop skills for jobs available in Hampton Roads and are employed for at least one year Individuals who are underemployed obtain a higher-wage position post-training and remain employed for at least one year Individuals who are economically disadvantaged improve their knowledge of financial literacy and participate in banking services to include increasing funds in a savings account. Proposals for program funding must be able to articulate: Program’s fit with their stated priorities Program’s desired outcomes Organization’s plan for measuring program effectiveness in reaching outcomes Eligibility Criteria  The Hampton Roads Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads, including those in: Chesapeake Eastern Shore of Virginia (Accomack and Northampton counties) Franklin Isle of Wight County Norfolk Portsmouth Suffolk Virginia Beach For more information, visit HRCF.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 through the Loudoun Impact Fund to support projects and services that positively impact vulnerable or at-risk children and youth, people with disabilities, or older adults in Loudoun County, Virginia.