Virginia Education Grants

The Louise R. Lester Foundation seeks to effect positive change in the communities and lives of the people who are served through the philanthropic support. Donor Name: The Louise R. Lester Foundation State: Virginia County: Henry County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Louise R. Lester Foundation is to support nonprofit religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian or educational organizations. The Foundation does not grant financial support to individuals, sport teams/events or political candidates/organizations. The Foundation is interested in providing resources to areas of need not adequately served by the local charitable communities. All organizations receiving a grant award must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Grant Application Guidelines The requesting organization must be tax-exempt. The Foundation’s Directors are interested in supporting organizations that engage in sound financial planning and solid management practices. The Foundation reserves the right at any time to request detailed information on the use or financial well-being of any organization to whom funds are granted. Organizations are only eligible to receive one grant per calendar year. The Foundation Directors are currently interested in grants to be spent in the Foundation’s geographic areas of interest, which include the Roanoke Valley area of Virginia, the greater Henry County area of Virginia, and the Smith Mountain Lake region of Virginia.  Other areas of consideration are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Since the Foundation receives funding requests in excess of its funds available for grants, not all or only a portion of the requests received can be approved. A decision not to fund a request does not necessarily reflect on the merits of the applicant or the value of its request. For more information, visit LRLF.

The United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), is pleased to announce the availability of federal funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This program awards federal funds to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime using a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies.  The BJA PSN Grant Program funds allow organizations within the Western District of Virginia to support a broad range of activities to reduce gun and gang violence. Programs should address deterrence efforts aimed at potential offenders, the implementation of evidence-based programs and proven enforcement strategies to prevent and reduce gun and gang crimes, and/or the prosecution of significant firearm, controlled substance, and violent crime offenses.  Funding Areas  Applicants are expected to use funds to support one or more of the following four PSN design features: Community Engagement  Meaningful engagement between and among communities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other stakeholders is an essential component of an effective violence reduction strategy. Absent community trust, support, and legitimacy, violence reduction strategies are likely to have only short-term, limited, or no effect and may create divisions between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors and the communities they serve. Ongoing engagement involves open communication and builds relationships, trust, and shared public safety values between community members and law enforcement.  Prevention and Intervention Effective  PSN teams engage in problem-solving approaches that address violent crime using all the tools at their disposal. This includes using strategies to address risk and protective factors. This often involve building relationships with representatives of agencies and organizations most suited to provide education, social services, job training and placement, reentry programs, or similar resources to those in need. Prevention and intervention activities can provide individuals and families with skills, opportunities, and alternatives that can ultimately help to reduce violent crime in communities.  Focused and Strategic Enforcement  To address violent crime, PSN initiatives often focus strategic enforcement on a limited number of problem places and individuals driving violent crime. Violent crime is often driven by a small number of prolific offenders; they are often involved in gangs, neighborhood crews, and violent street groups and are typically concentrated in hotspots and small “micro-places” (e.g., a street segment with abandoned homes; a problem bar, gas station, or convenience store; or an open-air drug market). In some jurisdictions, intimate partner violence is the main violent crime concern. Critical elements of strategic enforcement include understanding the most significant drivers of violence and resources, leveraging technology and analytics, developing, and implementing enforcement strategies, and deterring others from engaging in violence. This may be accomplished through public awareness about enforcement actions and available assistance.  Accountability PSN represents a major investment of funding, technical assistance resources, human capital, and other resources at the national, state, and local levels. The goal of PSN is to reduce the level of violence in communities. Analyzing and assessing information about the incidence of violence and the effectiveness of strategies to address it are important for PSN’s success and credibility. A research partner is an especially valuable partner who can assist with measuring the impact of PSN strategies on violent crime and community health. Funding Information The amount of funding available for this solicitation of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program is approximately $302,000. Grant Period Grants will be awarded for a twelve (12) month period, once the grant program is approved by BJA; however, a 24-month period may be considered depending on the need specified in the application. Eligibility Criteria  This grant announcement is open to local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in, or serving, the cities of Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville and Charlottesville (including Albemarle County). Applications from multi-jurisdictional partnerships will be considered, provided that one locality or organization serves as the primary applicant. Each locality or organization must certify its consent to participate via a letter of support, which should be included in the grant application. Entities may only submit one application in response to this solicitation. For more information, visit VDCJS.

The Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts is collaborating with the Recreation Services Division to create a new Grant Program – Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) which is funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria. Donor Name: City of Alexandria State: Virginia City: Alexandria Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth is a program to provide funding for nonprofit organizations and teaching artists to develop high quality out-of-school arts programs which could be Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math; art, musical performance, culture, both traditional and nontraditional arts; and other creative projects will be in the City’s Recreation Centers.  Arts Enrichment Programs for Youth should:  Take place in one of the dedicated neighborhood recreation centers which are inspiring, welcoming spaces for all youth who want to participate and affirm the value of the arts and artists. Focus on hands-on skill building using art supplies. The culmination of the residency could result in a public event with audiences showcasing the work the youth have accomplished. To actively involve youth in the implementation of the program.    Funding Information Grant awards will be for $5,000 per residency, per location. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the Grant Program – Arts Enrichment Program for Youth, art nonprofit organizations or teaching artists are required to: Applications are accepted from 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization who are in good standing with the IRS; fiscal agents and pass-through funding WILL NOT be permitted. Must NOT have defaulted on any past grant applications. Must be in good standing with the City of Alexandria, VA. Must have their IRS letter of determination for at least one year before applying and must stay in existence during the grant period. Applications are also accepted by teaching artists who have demonstrated experience with working with youth and are eligible to work in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nonprofit organizations or teaching artists should have previous experience with working with youth 5 – 12 years of age groups in flexible environments. Arts enrichment programs for Youth need to engage youth in the Alexandria Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities out-of-school arts programs which may also include Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. Presentation of concerts and performances are NOT eligible, as the intention for the AEPY program is to engage youth with interactive programming. Arts programs, projects and activities previously awarded by the City by other City grant programs are NOT eligible. Follow all local, state, and federal laws; and Employees of the City of Alexandria and members of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and their immediate family members are NOT eligible to apply. For more information, visit City of Alexandria.

Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is seeking proposals for projects that provide new or expanded public access to open space, such as parks, preserves, trails, greenways, outdoor classrooms, beaches, and boat launches, as well as projects that protect exceptional natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the Commonwealth. Donor Name: Virginia Outdoors Foundation State: Virginia County: All Counties Deadline: Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Details: Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1997 and administered by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), the Open-Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund (PTF) provides grants for acquisitions, easements, rights of way, and other methods of protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, wildlife, water quality, and more. In most cases, a right, privilege, or interest in real estate must be conveyed to either VOF or a locality, pursuant to Virginia’s Open-Space Land Act, to be eligible for PTF funding. Project Prioritization While VOF is offering grant awards for both public access and exceptional natural and cultural resource protection projects, VOF is prioritizing those projects in which the interest in real estate includes a provision to provide access to the property by the public. Successful proposals will protect and preserve open green space. Funding for resource protection easements will be prioritized for those projects that show exceptional characteristics in the following categories: historic and cultural, water quality, scenic and open space, habitat, agriculture and forestry, and policy alignment. Deed restrictions will protect the highest conservation values of a property. Funding Information There is approximately $1.7 million available for the first grant round of fiscal year 2025. In recent cycles, grant awards have averaged $150,000 per project. Eligibility Criteria PTF grants may be awarded to any person, organization, or locality with a real estate interest to convey on either public or private land. Land already under locality ownership may be eligible for PTF funding as long as the parcel is not already protected through certain existing deed restrictions. For more information, visit VOF.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is excited to announce the Norfolk Southern Hampton Roads Community Fund Grant. Donor Name: Hampton Roads Community Foundation State: Virginia County: Isle of Wight County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Norfolk Southern has been a long-standing supporter of the Hampton Roads nonprofit community. While it has transitioned its corporate headquarters to Atlanta, the company is committed to the Hampton Roads community and engaging with nonprofit organizations in the region. Norfolk Southern and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation will be distributing $1 million each year over five years through the Norfolk Southern Hampton Roads Community Fund to nonprofits working to make life better in the region. Grantmaking Priorities Grant applications should explain how your organization addresses one or more of the following priority impact areas: Education and Workforce Development Preventing middle- and high-school students from dropping out of school Engaging youth in successfully transitioning from high school into collegiate education or career-based certificate programs Creating pathways to employment for adults with barriers to self-sufficiency Enriching the Community Providing support for organizations addressing food insecurity Improving access to mental health support Preventing and ending homelessness and housing instability Enhancing equity and inclusion by accelerating the advancement of historically underrepresented groups and people Enriching the human experience through arts and culture Improving public health and safety Sustainability Restoring and protecting the region’s land, forests, and natural waterways Improving the region’s ability to adapt to the impacts of sea-level rise. They strongly encourage organizations that are led by and serve historically underrepresented groups and communities to apply. Funding Information Organization Budget Size: Under $1,000,000 Grant Award Range: $5,000 – $25,000 Organization Budget Size: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 Grant Award Range: $10,000 – $50,000 Organization Budget Size: Over $5,000,000 Grant Award Range: $15,000 – $100,000. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, with some limitations (see below) may apply that are:  Serving residents in South Hampton Roads, which includes Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach.  In good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and have been operational since at least January 1, 2022.  Be governed by a board with membership of at least four individuals not including the CEO or Executive Director. Can provide financial statements for a completed fiscal year and an operating budget with revenues and expenses, with a preference for audited financial statements or a recent IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. For more information, visit HRCF.

The Fredericksburg Savings Charitable Foundation Fund is intended to support not-for-profit programs that contribute to the quality of life in Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fredericksburg. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region State: Virginia County: Caroline County (VA), City of Fredericksburg (VA), King George County (VA), Spotsylvania County (VA), Stafford County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund’s fields of interest are wide-ranging and include: community development housing scholarships education medical community groups cultural organizations other similar types of organizations and civic-minded projects Funding Information >$2M: $60,000 $1M – $2M: $30,000 $200K – $1M: $15,000 <$200K: $7,500 Eligibility Criteria To qualify for a grant from the Fredericksburg Savings Charitable Foundation Fund, applicants must be formally recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization or have a fiscal agent. All grants will be made for organizational support. The Community Foundation will not award grant support to organizations that, in their constitution, bylaws or practices, discriminate against a person or group because of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, different ability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Grantees, however, may target services to a particular population when the targeted groups require specialized programs to meet specific needs not shared by the general population. For more information, visit CFRRR.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies to support programs that assist low- and moderate-income residents in Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro, Virginia, by addressing community needs such as affordable housing, workforce training, and access to health services.

The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia is pleased to announce Summer Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia State: Virginia County: Botetourt County (VA), Craig County (VA), Floyd County (VA), Franklin County (VA), Henry County (VA), Patrick County (VA), Roanoke County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Larry Woodrow Vest Fund Varies The Phalia M. and Guy M. Kinder Fund Organizations that are effective and efficient in preventing cruelty to animals. Research and medical advancement for the cure of diseases in animals. Professional education of animal caretakers. Programs that promote the positive relationship between humans and animals The Earl D. and Carrie Leigh Doran Fund To help individuals and families who are confronting catastrophic, life-altering circumstances. Supports organizations that provide shelter, care, and assistance to battered women. The Cancer Center Fund To support organizations and/or programs that provide and promote health services and educational, diagnostic, and treatment resources to victims of cancer and related conditions in the Martinsville community. The Hospice Fund To support organizations and/or programs that provide assistance and services to any needy resident in the Martinsville area with end-of-life medical needs and expenses. Special Interest Funds Supports organizations whose mission and/or program aligns with one or more of the following: Provides services to children and families. Provides services to assist handicapped/disabled persons. Provides services to the elderly. Promotes the health and quality of life (including, but not limited to): Providing health services to the needy, supporting health-related teaching, educational and research programs, Providing breast health services and encouraging the development of diagnostic treatment options for residents, or Providing other charitable activities and projects that improve the quality of life. Geographic Locations  Larry Woodrow Vest Fund Organizations located in Floyd County that serve its residents. The Phalia M. and Guy M. Kinder Fund Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke. The Earl D. and Carrie Leigh Doran Fund Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick. The Cancer Center Fund Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick. The Hospice Fund Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick. Special Interest Funds Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick. Eligibility Criteria The Foundation supports qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit CFSWV.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Richmond region that focus on enhancing community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Richmond area that empower Black youth and young adults through education and capacity-building initiatives.

SisterFund, a women-led giving circle in Richmond, focuses on empowering Black women and girls in the community through grants awarded annually to nonprofits. These grants target improvements in education, workforce, leadership development, and health for African American women and girls. Members contribute $1,100 each year, and grants are awarded based on member votes. The mission is to transform local nonprofits supporting Black women and girls through significant financial investments, fostering long-term positive change. Grant awards will be announced and celebrated at an event on December 12, 2024.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that improve health, economic stability, and educational opportunities for women and families in Mathews County.

This program provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Virginia, particularly in the Richmond area, to support significant capital projects that encourage community involvement and additional fundraising efforts.

This funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations in Virginia with targeted assistance for projects that address specific community needs and align with the Foundation's mission.

This grant provides financial support to Virginia-based nonprofits focused on arts, culture, education, and human services, helping them enhance their programs and operations.

The Virginia Department of Health is inviting applicants for its Richmond Health Equity Fund. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Health State: Virginia City: Richmond Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/23/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Health Equity Fund seeks to fill gaps in funding and resources for vital, innovative, and impactful initiatives that serve the Richmond City community. Richmond-based single organizations, collaboratives, and individual leaders providing services in the following health disparity focus areas—along with other emergent health outcomes where Richmond’s populations have disparate burdens—are all eligible to apply: Access to care and health education Food access and security Maternal and child health Mental and behavioral health Substance use, treatment, and recovery Underlying health conditions For more information, visit Virginia Department of Health.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its Community Grants for Health & Wellness to improve the health of the region’s citizens. Donor Name: Hampton Roads Community Foundation State: Virginia County: Accomack 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: Many factors contribute to a person’s health and wellness: genetics, education, individual behavior, environment and access to quality health care. For under-resourced populations access to affordable, quality health care (primary, oral or behavioral) can be challenging. Unhealthy behaviors can lead to chronic diseases. Becoming more informed about the causes of chronic disease can lead to behavioral changes that prevent or decrease these disease. Efforts supported include: Programs that support participant access to primary, dental, and/or mental/behavioral health. Behavioral health includes substance/drug abuse treatment. Sustained programs that encourage healthy behaviors that are known to reduce chronic diseases (e.g. Type II diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease) in populations that typically have a high rate of health disparity. Preference will be given to programs that place an emphasis on improving participants’ health literacy. Grant proposals should address one or more of the following outcomes: Individuals with health disparities connect with a medical home and receive care/treatment that leads to an improved health status. Individuals who access oral care programs complete a dental treatment plan. Behavioral health needs or conditions of clients are improved. Participants increase their knowledge of chronic disease conditions and exhibit healthy behaviors that lead to improved health. 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.

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.

The Arlington County Department of Human Services announces a grant funding opportunity to support the implementation of its Food Security Strategic Plan. Donor Name: Arlington County Department of Human Services State: Virginia County: Arlington County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Awards will be granted based in part on an organization’s ability to address selected goals and strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan. Organizations may apply for a single project, and the maximum grant award is $25,000. Funding awards will be announced in September 2024. Funds must be spent by organizations by June 30, 2025. Funding Uses A food pantry purchasing software to better track clients and usage data. A food pantry, meal program, or housing program purchasing reusable bags or boxes to use in delivery efforts or single-use containers to distribute rescued food. A nutrition education provider who will teach a nutrition curriculum to a certain population of residents. A small food pantry purchasing a refrigerator or freezer to be able to offer produce, dairy and/or meat to clients. Funding Information The maximum grant award is $25,000. Grant Period  October 2024 through June 30, 2025 Eligible Activities To be eligible, projects must support at least one of the following strategies of the Strategic Plan. Systemic Change Improve nutrition equity by working to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in food security policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that all those in need of food assistance receive the support they need. Food Access Enhance school-based supplemental food offerings, including food pantries, in-school snacks, and weekend food support. Establish new charitable food distributions in neighborhoods with unmet need. Increase capacity to deliver charitable food to those unable to access available resources. Increase food rescue & redistribution operations. Enhance and improve existing food assistance programs serving Arlington residents. Outreach & Education Promote food assistance resources and assist residents with enrolling in programs for which they may be eligible. Implement a coordinated SNAP outreach campaign. Increase nutrition education opportunities for residents of all ages. Partner with resident community leaders to share information about resources in key languages and provide compensation for their work. Capacity Building Develop training materials to inform social services staff and volunteers about food assistance programs, specifically SNAP and WIC, and help residents apply. Provide trauma-informed care training for staff & volunteers working with food insecure residents. Create a cultural foods guide for charitable food providers with partners from the region. Increase the capacity to share locally-grown produce from gardeners and farms with food pantries through expanded donation processing infrastructure. Collaborate with Arlington Public Schools (APS) through its forums to review existing programs and practices and address food equity. Informed Decision Making Use varied levels of engagement to encourage food assistance recipients to provide valuable feedback on programs and services. Collect data from food assistance organizations that provides information about usage trends and services provided. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations must serve or wish to serve Arlington residents through one of the above-listed strategies outlined in the Food Security Strategic Plan and be either: an IRS designated 501c3 nonprofit organization OR a faith-based organization OR a public school or university Organizations may be based in other jurisdictions, provided that the proposed project benefits eligible Arlington County residents. If projects are sponsored by faith-based organizations, outreach efforts and services must be provided to any eligible beneficiary, regardless of affiliation. Programs cannot be marketed exclusively to members of the sponsoring organization’s religious affiliation or denomination, and proselytizing while providing services related to this grant funding is prohibited. For more information, visit ACV.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance for healthcare services to low-income residents of Halifax County, Virginia, ensuring they can access necessary medical treatment and support.