Virginia Environment Grants

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.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides added support to our customer-owners and the rural communities we call home through our Charitable Contributions Fund, in which we extend grant funding to charitable organizations in our territory. The fund allows our cooperative to support the growth of agricultural programs, invest in the future of agriculture and enhance the quality of life in the rural communities we serve. Mission and Objectives Through the Charitable Contributions Fund, Farm Credit of the Virginias continues to build strong partnerships with organizations that preserve and promote farmers and families in our rural communities. Objectives we support include food security, veteran services, youth agriculture involvement and more. Applications Grant applications for the current funding cycle will be accepted May 1, 2024 through July 1, 2024. Grants will be awarded in August 2024. Grants will be awarded for up to $10,000 in funding. Please send your questions and/or concerns to Katie Frazier, Chief Brand Officer, by email to [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-919-3276.

If you are a direct-market agribusiness located in Albemarle County, you’re invited to apply for an Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant. Donor Name: Albemarle County State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant supports agribusinesses who are experiencing longer-term impacts of the pandemic, which includes higher costs due to inflation and rising interest rates. These impacts result in higher cost of capital overall and less capital to fund growth and reinvestment. To help offset these impacts, Albemarle County will distribute a second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants. Grants are available for direct-market agribusinesses – those selling products to restaurants, caterers, local stores; orchards, wineries, and cideries; or at farmers markets. Funding Information  The total budget for this round is $60,000 and staff anticipates making 3-8 grants total. Grant funding may be use for: New capital investments like machinery, tools, other business equipment. Expenses incurred to advance sustainable agricultural practices since July 1, 2022. Expenses incurred to enhance public health, safety, welfare of employees or visitors since July 1, 2022. Expenses incurred to comply with state or local regulations since July 1, 2022. Up to 20% of awarded funds may be used for advertising/marketing. Criteria  Must have a County business license and be in good standing with the County.  Proof of payment must be provided for all eligible expenses.  Grant awardees will be required to schedule a farm visit with the Economic Development Office prior to June 30, 2024.  For more information, visit Albemarle County.

This program provides funding to schools, organizations, and agencies to support youth-led environmental education projects and professional development for educators focused on local environmental issues.

The Virginia Emergency Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund was established by Senate Bill 350, introduced by Senator Lucas, effective from July 1, 2020. This fund is dedicated to providing matching funds to local governments for installing, maintaining, or repairing emergency shelter infrastructure to enhance resilience against natural disasters. This includes infrastructure for backup energy generation, such as solar energy generators, and wind retrofitting to improve structural integrity. The fund prioritizes projects that protect vulnerable populations, offer long-term risk solutions, and support primary shelter enhancements as verified by Local Capabilities Assessment Reports (LCAR). Eligible applicants are local governments with a current and locally-adopted emergency operations plan compliant with Virginia’s Emergency Services and Disaster Laws. Local governments are restricted to one application per year and must have completed any prior funded projects before applying.

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.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Community Climate Action Grant program supports creative local projects that build capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Albemarle County. Donor Name: Albemarle County State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program’s purpose is to leverage community resources outside local government to help implement the County’s Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2020 by the Board of Supervisors. These Community Climate Action Grants will help make local climate action a more inclusive, participatory process. Local community groups and organizations can apply through a competitive process to receive a grant that will support a project that tangibly advances the goals, strategies, and actions of the County’s Climate Action Plan. Projects can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas; projects can also contribute to increasing carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. Program Goals  Funds will be awarded to projects that address four program goals: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Advance equity and inclusion Build community Support thoughtful and achievable projects. Funding Information Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $25,000. The request can represent the total proposed project budget or a fraction of a larger project budget with additional funding sources beyond Albemarle County. The total amount of funding available for 2024 is $100,000. Who may apply? Organizations or groups applying must be principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Any applicant or partnering group located outside of Albemarle County must demonstrate that the population or area served will primarily be people or places within Albemarle County. Eligible applicants must be community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or community-based organizations affiliated with a 501(c)(3) willing to serve as a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Albemarle County.

The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, combined with funds from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), provides a total of $40 million in funding. This initiative aims to safeguard the nation's military readiness, bolster relationships with communities, preserve the environment, and enhance resilience to climate change impacts on military installations and surrounding communities. It focuses on the acquisition of land and/or development of new outdoor public recreation facilities near military installations or airspace, promoting compatible land uses and preventing incompatible development. The initiative underscores the importance of partnerships, particularly between the Department of Defense (DoD) military bases and local communities, to achieve its goals. Projects must be situated within a designated REPI Partnership Opportunity Area and should serve both the general public and military families, highlighting the program's dual focus on enhancing outdoor recreation and supporting military missions.

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.