Virginia Environment Grants

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

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 grant provides funding for youth-led initiatives that promote positive lifestyles and community engagement among young people in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties.

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.

This program provides financial support to Norfolk-based civic leagues and neighborhood associations for community improvement projects that foster collaboration and engagement among residents.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist Virginia communities in improving their flood preparedness and resilience against climate change impacts through vulnerability assessments and action-oriented projects.

This program provides funding to local governments for projects that enhance community infrastructure and promote local food production and sustainable agriculture.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Northern Virginia that aim to improve health equity and reduce disparities for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured residents through capacity building and community engagement initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in the Charlottesville area to create innovative projects that combine environmental education with the visual and performing arts for children who have limited access to these experiences.

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 James City County is seeking applications for its Good Neighbor Grant Program to enhance the sense of community and environmental wellness of the neighborhoods through sustainable community planning. Donor Name: James City County State: Virginia County: James City County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this grant is to encourage community members to take pride in and responsibility for their communal space. Projects will focus on the physical aspects of common areas through the installation of native plants, erosion control methods, place making for community members and other methods to improve environmental quality and minimize negative impacts. Examples: community garden, entryway landscaping, trail improvements, communal compost, playground and pool area landscaping, energy saving techniques and litter prevention measures. Funding Information  Matching grant awards up to $500. For more information, visit James City County.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation awards grants to organizations that are exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), not classified as a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a), and either located in the greater Richmond region or having a direct impact in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Donor Name: Mary Morton Parsons Foundation State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation enriches communities across the Commonwealth by providing capital support to cultural arts institutions, historic preservation sites, environment and conservation initiatives, community development efforts, education infrastructure, and the social services sector. Focus Areas Arts & Culture Civic & Community Needs Education Environment & Conservation Historic Preservation Social Services & Welfare Funding Information The grants awarded are in the range of $50,000 – $500,000, depending on the scope of the project. Eligibility Criteria  To receive a grant from The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, organizations must meet the following criteria: Be exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Not classified as a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a). Be an organization located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Be seeking support for a capital project in one of the focus areas. Not have received a grant payment from the foundation in the last five years. Not have submitted an unsuccessful application to the foundation within the last 12 months. Additionally, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation does not consider grants to support: Individuals Public sector agencies. State and local government majority-supported entities are not eligible for Foundation support; however, exceptions may be made for a limited number of institutions. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia fall into this category. Endowment funds (including scholarship funds, debt reduction, or funding of deficits). Research General operating expenses associated with ongoing programs or activities or other general administrative expenses. Churches or religious programs without a secular or community service focus; except for historic preservation. Local chapters of national associations and societies, mass mailings, and umbrella organizations. For more information, visit Mary Morton Parsons Foundation.

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.

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.

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 grant provides financial support to organizations that assist the visually impaired and offer medical care to individuals in need, focusing on a variety of community services including health, education, and the arts.

Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants are available to small businesses for energy efficiency upgrades (appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, etc). Donor Name: Community Climate Collaborative State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal is to help businesses achieve emissions reductions and financial savings through capital investment. Funding Information Grants are up to $2,000 each! Eligibility Criteria Have a business license in the City of Charlottesville or County of Albemarle. Qualify as a Microbusiness by Virginia SBSD criteria (25 employees or fewer). Preference will be given to Woman- or Minority-owned Business as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria. SWaM certification is desired, but equivalence is acceptable with valid documentation. Proposed upgrade must have demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions. For more information, visit Community Climate Collaborative.

The City of Alexandria is accepting applications for its 2024 Small Business Resiliency Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Alexandria State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Alexandria contributed funds to support the 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) Grant Program to provide vital assistance to Alexandria’s small businesses, fostering a resilient and inclusive business environment within the community. The program aims to assist businesses in overcoming challenges in accessing essential resources. Administered by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), this initiative underscores the City’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and nurturing a thriving business environment. Funding Information Up to $7,000 in grants is available. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, businesses in Alexandria must:  Have one or more location(s), including the principal place of business, in the city of Alexandria. Have 100 or fewer employees. Have been established and revenue-generating before December 31, 2023. Have business revenue in 2022 or 2023 that did not exceed $250,000. Be in “good standing”. Be current on all local taxes or have a payment plan with the City of Alexandria. Not currently in any bankruptcy proceedings. Ineligible businesses include: Non-profits, banks, financial institutions, and gig economy contractors. Corporate-owned locations, branches, subsidiaries, and franchise businesses (unless locally owned and operated within the City of Alexandria). For more information, visit City of Alexandria.

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) is accepting applications 2025 grant program. Donor Name: Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) State: Virginia County: Carroll County (VA), Grayson County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Twin County Community Foundation offers three (3) different types of funding opportunities. These opportunities include Project-Based, Capacity Building, or Capital Needs applications. Project-Based Grants: These grants are awarded to projects or programs that offer services that will be provided within the community. Projects clearly demonstrate a need in the community, have measurable outcomes, provide activities or services to meet the needs and obtain the outcomes, and are existing or new programs within the Twin Counties. Capacity Building Grants: Capacity building can be defined as the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. It is important for organizations to have strong internal and external controls in order to be viable, sustaining, and able to fully meet their missions. A strong organization helps to strengthen the community. Capacity building activities may include the following: Training and/or training resources Strategic planning Use of consultants for organizational assistance Investing in new IT capacities. Priorities The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) provides grant opportunities to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations (or government entities) serving Carroll County, Grayson County and the City of Galax in Virginia. TCCF strives to support organizations seeking to promote and/or improve the health of citizens including but not limited to meeting unmet needs, supporting health education, and programs geared toward improving and/or reducing illness and disease. Priority will be given to projects related to the following: Unmet Healthcare needs Obesity Health and Nutritional Issues Mental Health Health Education Substance Abuse Prevention EnvironMental Health. Funding Information Project-Based Grants: At the present time the Foundation has not set limits on the size of grants. Capacity Building Grants: Funding limit is $2,000. Capital Needs Grants: Funding limit is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Additionally, the Foundation may carry out other charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board, in making grant decisions, will place the greatest priority on projects that: Meet the specific priorities noted above. Are accompanied by matching funds from other sources. Have little or no administrative overhead expenses as the Board believes these expenses should be provided by the organization through matching funds. Funding may be provided for support or direct staff positions, but little or no support for administrative positions. Are not of a recurring nature unless the project and the need(s) it serves requires otherwise. The Board recognizes the need for and encourages new projects (i.e., projects not traditionally funded via other sources such as United Way, etc.) For more information, visit TCCF.