Virginia Safety Grants

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 financial support to nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life in Loudoun County, focusing on areas like economic development, education, public safety, and community health.

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 support organizations planning new special events in the Richmond Region that will attract visitors from outside the area.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that implement programs focused on education, public health, economic development, and the arts for residents of Charlottesville, Virginia.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public housing agencies in Charlottesville to enhance housing stability and services for low-income residents and those at risk of homelessness.

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 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds to assist organizations in combatting hate crimes. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: DCJS is soliciting applications to make competitive grants to local governments which have established partnerships with eligible non-profit, 501(c)3 institutions, and organizations that have been targets, or are at risk of being targets, of hate crimes. The goal of this program is to minimize bias-motivated incidents by providing funding that supports institutions and/or nonprofit organizations within a locality that may be at risk for targeted, bias-motivated violence based on race, religious conviction, color, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. Funding Information The amount of funding available for the Combatting Hate Crimes Grant Program is determined by the state budget bill. On May 13, 2024, Governor Youngkin signed the 2025–2026 biennium budget bill that included $3,500,000 for the FY2025 fiscal year to fund the Combatting Hate Crimes Grant Program. The maximum amount that may be requested is $150,000 per locality. Localities are expected to collaborate with eligible non-profit, 501(c)3 institutions, and other similarly situated organizations within their jurisdiction that have been targets, or are at risk of being targets, of hate crimes. Organizations that have conducted a threat assessment with their local crime prevention officer within their locality to identify and address their most critical vulnerabilities are most likely to be funded. Grant Period Applicants for this competitive solicitation may be awarded grants for a twelve (12) month period, from January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Uses of funds  The funds can be used for projects, including but not limited to: Equipment: Target hardening activities. Critical technology and infrastructure. Security and monitoring equipment. Contractual security services: On-site security services. Cybersecurity activities. Inspection and screening systems. Training: Security-related training for employed and volunteer security staff. Training related to response to serious incidents (not already available) Terrorism awareness training for employees. Personnel: Part-time staff to perform security assessment for non-profit organizations and institutions to determine risk. Eligibility Criteria  This grant announcement is open to local governments within the Commonwealth that have established partnerships with non-profit organizations or institutions within their jurisdiction. All applications must be submitted by the local government. One application per locality may be submitted but the application may include multiple partnerships with separate nonprofits, organizations, or institutions. Restrictions Grant funds cannot be used to supplant state or local funds that would otherwise be available for the same purposes.  Reimbursement will be based on paid invoices for approved expenditures or through requested advance drawdowns with expected expenditures.  Changes to the grant budget after award must be approved by DCJS prior to expending funds based on the changes.  Transactions occurring outside of the grant period will not be eligible for reimbursement. For more information, visit VDCJS.

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 Twice is Nice Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation seeks innovative proposals from local nonprofit agencies who provide services to local seniors in need. Donor Name: Charlottesville Area Community Foundation State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA), Fluvanna County (VA), Greene County (VA), Louisa County (VA), Nelson County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Twice Is Nice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to raise revenue to support programs that benefit seniors in need. They do this by promoting sustainability through the resale of donated clothing, furniture, and household items. These grants will support specific programs/activities or general operations, thus advancing solutions to solve caregiving challenges and enhance the well-being of seniors in the community. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged, but optional, as are letters of support from partners, community members, and other stakeholders.                 Funding Information Requests that align with TIN’s stated emphasis and do not exceed $15,000 are encouraged. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization, governmental agency, faith group, or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. Twice is Nice will consider applications from organizations working to benefit vulnerable seniors in the City of Charlottesville and/or the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. Twice is Nice does not support building or capital campaigns through its discretionary fund grant programs. Small scale renovations that improve home safety and promote aging in place are permissible. Organizations may submit one application per TIN’s annual grant cycle. Evaluation Criteria The TIN Grants Review Committee will use the following criteria when reviewing proposals. Community Benefit – the proposed activity is responsive to the real needs of vulnerable seniors and advances equity and inclusion for that part of the community. Leadership – the leadership and personnel of the organization have the requisite skills and experience to carry out the proposed activities. Capacity and Feasibility – the organization has the programmatic approach and resources to conduct the proposed activity. Ideally, the value of gift-in-kind and volunteer resources are captured to demonstrate the full capacity of an applicant. Financial Health/Stability – the organization has a healthy budget and can complete the proposed activity with the available internal and external resources, including the use and results of previous TIN grants. Partnerships – the organization is aware of other organizations working on similar or related issues, and, when appropriate for achieving shared goals, has developed partnerships that are contributing to the success of the initiative. For more information, visit CACF.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners in Portsmouth for improving and renovating commercial spaces to enhance the local streetscape and attract more interest in the area.

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 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 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.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has opened the Clean Water Heritage Grant to applicants. Donor Name: James City County State: Virginia County: James City County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Clean Water Heritage Grant Program is to promote the maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities (BMPs) in a manner that best supports the safety and general welfare of all County residents. What is a Neighborhood Drainage System?  Neighborhood drainage systems include structures such as inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales and outfall structures, located outside of the VDOT roadway, which move runoff originating on or off-site safely through residential areas in order to protect citizens and property. Roof and footing drains and privately installed on-lot drainage structures are not considered part of a neighborhood drainage system. What is a Stormwater Management Facility (BMP)?  Stormwater management facilities, also known as best management practices or BMPs, include structures that reduce the quantity of storm runoff and improve the water quality of the runoff. BMP components include, but are not limited to, inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales, ponds, bioretention features, embankments, outfalls and energy dissipation structures. Available Grants  Inspection Grants – Inventorying and mapping the existing drainage structures and inspecting the system for operating condition. Results are for planning future maintenance or for inclusion in a homeowners association (HOA) reserve study. Inspection may include a photo record or pipe video and documentation in GIS. Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a drainage system. BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a BMP. Only non-routine maintenance or repairs will be considered. Funding Information Inspection: Up to $6,000 per award 75% – 25% split (JCC – Owner). Maintenance & Repairs: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. BMP Maintenance & Repair: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. Eligibility Criteria  Non-HOA Neighborhoods. HOAs with Public Roads. HOAs with Private Roads. For more information, visit James City County.

The City of Newport News is now accepting grant applications for a Gun Violence Intervention Grant. Donor Name: City of Newport News State: Virginia City: Newport News Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant awardees will be granted funding to implement or enhance evidence-based strategies and/or projects that will reduce gun violence within the City of Newport News. The City of Newport News remains committed to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) to reduce gun violence in the communities. They will continue to prioritize this effort using evidence-based strategies and best practices to support the work to interrupt cycles of violence and help those at the highest risk for violent crime. The City Manager’s recommended operating budget for FY 2025 includes an allocation of $1,000,000 to community-based organizations to continue their prevention and intervention work to reduce gun violence that began in FY 2023 and continued in FY 2024. These funds represent the third and final year of the GVIP cohort that began in FY 2023. Organizations will be eligible to apply for funding beyond FY 2025 through the annual City of Newport News Community Support Agency Grant program. Applications for the Community Support Agency Grant will open in October 2024. Organizations will continue their work in FY 2025 by prioritizing the violence reduction efforts around addressing seven critical areas: Effective Conflict Resolution Healthy Family Functioning Economic Prosperity Gun Control & Safety A Caring Community Mental Wellness & Healing Effective Deterrence & Adjudication. Grant Period The grant period will begin July 1, 2024, and end June 30, 2025. Eligible Project Proposals Proposals must benefit children, youth, young adults, and families who reside in Newport News. Funds may be used to expand or enhance the project the organization was funded for during FY 2024. Proposals must demonstrate the utilization of evidence-based strategies that address gun violence. Proposals should have a clear sustainability plan. This plan must include other sources beyond the City of Newport News. Applicants seeking to expand or enhance their FY 2024 project must demonstrate progress and success in what has already been done through the project’s life. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of the following critical areas: concentrated poverty, access to guns, desensitized communities and individuals, judicial system, mental health/unaddressed trauma, family dysfunction, or poor conflict resolution. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of the priorities listed below as they relate to youth violence prevention or early intervention, according to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): individual and family risk factors, community risk factors, peer and social risk factors. Collaboration between organizations is highly encouraged. Eligible Expenditures Allowable GVIP grant projects and purchase includes, but are not limited to: Personnel Expenses (fringe benefits will be calculated at 10%) Project and Program evaluation Overtime Supplies Travel expenses (direct service only) Food Stipends/incentives. Project Requirements  Grant funds will allow community-based organizations to implement strategies to reduce gun violence in the City of Newport News by continuing or expanding existing projects that began in FY 2023 (August 2022 – June 2023) and continued in FY 2024 (July 2023 – June 2024). All projects should: Be community-based Be evidence-based Serve Newport News residents Focus on prevention or intervention Address one or more of the seven critical areas. Eligibility Requirements  Must be the same legal business entity that received funds from the City of Newport News during FY 2024. Serve youth and young adults in the City of Newport News with evidence-based projects and programming that reduce gun violence. For more information, visit City of Newport News.

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.