Virginia Agriculture Grants

The Accelerating Community Connections grant, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), is a community-designed initiative to invest $200 million into communities across Washington State that have been disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, often referred to as the “war on drugs.” The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) is seeking proposals from organizations to increase access to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives, for historically marginalized groups. This grant aligns with a mission to rectify historical injustices and foster stronger relationships between communities and workforce development resources. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are Black, tribal, and Latine communities in Spokane County. The program specifically seeks to serve organizations that are "By-and-For," meaning they are part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of these communities, with leadership and staff from these populations. The impact goals are to increase access to workforce system resources, provide more culturally specific services, and enhance cultural competence within the workforce system. The grant prioritizes organizations that build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to these communities, and have a proven track record as change agents and providers of community services. The grant focuses on several key areas, including increasing access to the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives for the target populations. It also emphasizes fostering stronger relationships, incorporating the "voice of the customer" in program design, and providing services that are culturally specific and competent. The strategic priority is to work with "By-and-For" organizations to ensure that the services are delivered in a way that is relevant, effective, and builds trust within the communities most affected by historical injustices related to the "war on drugs." This approach is rooted in a theory of change that by empowering and funding community-led organizations, the program can more effectively address systemic inequities and provide meaningful support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the participation of Black, tribal, and Latine individuals in workforce system resources, improved access to employment opportunities, and enhanced career mobility. The program also aims to strengthen community ties, increase the cultural competence of the workforce system, and ensure that program designs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the target populations. Organizations can apply for up to $30,000, and funding can be broadly used for personnel, occupancy, outreach, travel, training, supplies, and direct client costs like support services to remove barriers. Reimbursement contracts require organizations to incur costs and submit monthly invoices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Fauquier County, Virginia, that address community needs in areas such as education, agriculture, conservation, and social services.

This fellowship provides financial support and recognition to individuals in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional food practices and culinary heritage in the Appalachian region.

This grant provides funding to charitable food assistance organizations in Virginia to purchase and distribute locally grown agricultural products, helping to combat food insecurity in the community.

This funding opportunity supports Virginia-based nonprofit organizations working on projects that enhance community well-being, safety, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.

This program provides funding for innovative projects that enhance Virginia's coastal fishery resources, specifically targeting individuals in the fishing industry who seek to improve conservation and efficiency through practical initiatives.

This program provides financial support to local farmers in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia to help them grow and deliver fresh produce to food assistance organizations, addressing food insecurity and strengthening the local farming economy.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Virginia-based technology companies in the early stages of development to help them validate their products and grow their businesses in the state.

This program provides funding to food retailers and innovative food initiatives in Virginia's low-income communities to improve access to fresh foods and promote food security.

This funding opportunity supports graduate students in the Southern U.S. conducting research projects that promote sustainable agriculture and address key challenges faced by farmers and agricultural communities.

This grant provides funding to Virginia's local governments for infrastructure projects that enhance local food production and sustainable agriculture, prioritizing initiatives like processing facilities and farmers markets, especially in economically distressed areas.