Virginia Environment Grants

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 grant provides funding to established organizations in southeastern Virginia for new programs or facility improvements that promote cultural, economic, educational, environmental, and health initiatives.

The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aims to increase knowledge of the value of oysters, advance technologies for increasing oyster populations or aquaculture production, and improve oyster population monitoring techniques. This program supports projects in Maryland and Virginia and welcomes requests from members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, including community organizations and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The grant awards up to $10,000, with applications due by September 19, 2024. Match is encouraged but not required.

The Home Office Giving Program aims to enhance the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, making it an ideal place for families by supporting underserved youth and/or adults in specified localities. Eligible nonprofits must focus on promoting education and workforce success, health and wellness, or fostering resilient communities. They should also demonstrate a clear need for their program based on demand or the population served. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/ closing deadline: September 1st to October 15th, with nonprofits being informed of their application status by the following spring.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Hampton Roads, Virginia, focusing on education, community enrichment, and sustainability initiatives to improve the quality of life in the region.

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.

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 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.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Virginia. A total of up to $1,200,000.00 is available for the Virginia CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $900,000.00 For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 10th, 2024, For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

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.

The Freeman Family Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes with a focus on organizations in the state of Virginia that benefit the arts, children, and the environment. Donor Name: Freeman Family Foundation State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000 to $20,000. Geographic Limitations There are no geographic limitations; however, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting organizations located in Virginia. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This grant provides funding for programs that educate and engage youth in Hampton Roads about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, promoting environmental stewardship and hands-on outdoor experiences.

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.

This grant provides funding to partnerships and organizations working to improve water quality and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through innovative practices that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-federal partners involved in assessing and restoring oyster reefs in the Great Wicomico River, Virginia, as part of efforts to enhance the ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific eastern U.S. states for projects that focus on human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.

Albemarle County is offering the second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants to support direct-market agribusinesses impacted by the pandemic, including local farms, food businesses, orchards, wineries, and cideries. The program aims to mitigate the effects of higher operating costs and difficulties in accessing capital by providing financial aid. The grants can be used for new capital investments, sustainable agricultural practices, public health and safety enhancements, and compliance with regulations. The application period is from April 19 to May 10, 2024, and applicants must be in good standing with a County business license.