Virginia Science and Technology Grants

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.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, offered through the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), aims to provide federal funds for comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime. The program's mission aligns with supporting organizations within the Western District of Virginia in their efforts to mitigate gun and gang violence. This initiative seeks to foster public safety by supporting a broad range of activities, including deterrence efforts, evidence-based programs, proven enforcement strategies, and the prosecution of significant firearm, controlled substance, and violent crime offenses. The grant targets 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). Multi-jurisdictional partnerships are also eligible. The primary impact goal is to reduce violent crime through a full range of appropriate strategies. Expected outcomes include a decrease in gun and gang violence, stronger community trust in law enforcement, and a more effective justice system in addressing violent offenses. The program prioritizes four key PSN design features. "Community Engagement" emphasizes meaningful communication and relationship-building between communities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other stakeholders to build trust and shared public safety values. "Prevention and Intervention Effective" focuses on problem-solving approaches that address violent crime by leveraging resources like education, social services, job training, and reentry programs to provide individuals with skills and alternatives. "Focused and Strategic Enforcement" directs efforts towards identifying and addressing problem places and prolific offenders driving violent crime, often involving gangs and violent street groups. This includes utilizing technology and analytics, developing enforcement strategies, and deterring violence through public awareness. Finally, "Accountability" highlights the importance of analyzing and assessing the impact of PSN strategies on violent crime and community health, often in partnership with research entities, to ensure the program's success and credibility. The funding available is approximately $302,000, with grants awarded for a twelve-month period, potentially extending to 24 months based on need.

The Virginia Department of Energy invites proposals for energy innovation within the Commonwealth of Virginia, with grants awarded at its discretion through the Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program. This initiative is designed to support research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage. The program aligns with the department's mission to foster energy advancement and secure Virginia's energy future through competitive grants. The program aims to establish a Virginia nuclear innovation hub and award grants to support energy innovation across the Commonwealth. Target beneficiaries include higher education institutions conducting research on advanced nuclear and advanced reactor technologies, and programs focused on nuclear energy workforce development. The initiative also supports site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. The overarching impact goals are to enhance energy affordability, reliability, and clean energy objectives within the Commonwealth. Key priorities for grant awards include projects demonstrating a strong return on investment, significant impact on energy affordability and reliability, and alignment with clean energy goals. The department also prioritizes capital investment and the utilization of research-based technologies. The program's focus areas are critical for advancing a diverse energy portfolio and ensuring long-term energy security for Virginia. Expected outcomes include advancements in innovative energy technologies, a more robust nuclear energy sector in Virginia, and a skilled workforce capable of supporting these developments. Measurable results will be assessed based on the return on investment, the positive impact on energy metrics within the Commonwealth, and the successful implementation of research-based technologies. The Virginia Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, will oversee the grants and ensure thorough reporting on each project. Funding for individual grants can range from $10,000 to $1,000,000, with an overall program funding cap of up to $3 million, pending available funds.

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 program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

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

This grant provides funding for organizations specializing in cultural resource management to support archaeological surveys and compliance with preservation laws at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

This grant provides financial support to local sports organizations in the Richmond Region to enhance their events and attract more visitors, boosting tourism and the local economy.

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 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 funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit organizations in Rockingham County, Virginia, focusing on crisis intervention, improving human services, cultural development, and promoting civic engagement within the community.

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants program is designed to encourage the development and advancement of the arts in Fairfax County, Virginia, and to serve the artistic and cultural needs of its residents. ArtsFairfax, the donor, aligns its mission with these grants by providing funding to both arts organizations and individual artists for projects that engage the community. This program supports established and developing arts organizations, promotes opportunities for individual artists, and aims to be a catalyst for increased private sector support for the arts through leveraged public funding. The target beneficiaries of these grants include eligible nonprofit arts organizations, both established and developing, as well as individual artists and non-501(c)(3) arts groups through partnerships. The program specifically aims to engage new audiences in the arts and contribute to the vibrancy and quality of life in Fairfax County. Impact goals include fostering artistic development and recognition, strengthening arts engagement, and ensuring diverse cultural programming is available to all residents, including underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes activities that are not part of an organization's usual activities, such as designing and implementing new class offerings, bringing in guest artists who might normally be financially out of reach, or enhancing and expanding existing program offerings. The four grant subcategories—Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships with Individual Artists, Artist Teams/Cooperatives, non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups, and Arts Access—each focus on specific areas of artistic engagement and development. Arts in Education projects provide high-impact art experiences, Opportunity projects enable organizations to take advantage of atypical opportunities, Partnerships support collaborations, and Arts Access projects strengthen engagement in underserved communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased participation in the arts, the creation and presentation of new artistic endeavors, enhanced scope of program offerings, and reduced barriers to high-quality arts experiences in communities with limited access. The grants range from $1,000 to $30,000, with a grant period of two years. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed as numerical targets, the emphasis on engaging new audiences, supporting diverse programming, and strengthening arts engagement suggests that successful outcomes would be demonstrated through increased attendance, participation, and the development of new artistic initiatives within Fairfax County.

The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards grants to support innovative STEM opportunities for girls and young women in the region. Since 2014, the BWGC has awarded over $520,000 in grants, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. This grant program is a key part of the Foundation's strategic approach to investing in the future workforce and leadership within Northern Virginia. The target beneficiaries are girls and young women, from preschool through college-age, residing in Northern Virginia. Specifically, organizations providing services in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, are eligible. The impact goal is to create measurable positive changes in the lives of these girls and young women by providing them with exciting and enriching experiences in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to their educational and career development. The BWGC grant cycle prioritizes nonprofit organizations and schools that offer STEM programs with an emphasis on innovative components such as entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship. Funding is considered for both existing and new programs that directly support these areas. Applications for general organizational support, capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards are not considered, highlighting the program's focus on direct program delivery and innovation. Expected outcomes include increased participation and engagement of girls and young women in STEM fields, enhanced leadership skills, and the development of entrepreneurial mindsets. Measurable results are demonstrated by the impact on over 3,500 girls and young women since 2014. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship programs for girls and young women, they will empower the next generation of leaders and innovators, contributing to the economic vitality and social well-being of Northern Virginia.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation's Economic Stability Community Grants program aims to empower individuals facing barriers to achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and prosperity. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's core mission and belief that the region thrives when all residents have opportunities and support to lead self-determined lives. By fostering economic stability, the foundation seeks to create an environment where children can learn and grow, individuals can pursue their aspirations, and the anxieties associated with economic insecurity are alleviated. The program focuses on a strategic approach to address systemic challenges that prevent individuals from achieving economic well-being. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are people with barriers to success and low-income individuals residing in South Hampton Roads, including specific counties in Virginia such as Accomack, Northampton, Franklin, and Isle of Wight, as well as the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate a pathway for these individuals to become stable, self-sufficient, and prosperous, thereby strengthening the entire region. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing targeted support in key areas, individuals can overcome economic disadvantages and build a more secure future for themselves and their families. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined across three main areas. Firstly, it seeks to end homelessness by supporting programs that provide safe and affordable housing, along with supportive services to ensure long-term housing stability. Secondly, it emphasizes workforce readiness, training, and certification acquisition, connecting low-income individuals to employment opportunities, with a preference for programs that offer support to maintain employment for at least one year. Thirdly, the program promotes the development of sound financial education and savings programs to help low-income individuals build financial assets for long-term economic well-being. These strategic priorities aim to address the root causes of economic instability. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation outlines clear expected outcomes and measurable results for grant proposals. These include individuals and families experiencing homelessness being permanently housed in safe/affordable housing and remaining there for at least one year. Economically disadvantaged adults are expected to develop job-relevant skills and maintain employment for at least one year. Underemployed individuals should secure higher-wage positions post-training and remain employed for at least one year. Finally, economically disadvantaged individuals are expected to improve their financial literacy, participate in banking services, and increase their savings. Proposals must articulate their fit with these priorities, desired outcomes, and a plan for measuring program effectiveness in reaching these goals.

The Roanoke County Economic Development Authority’s Business Equipment Acquisition Program (BEAP) Grant is designed to support eligible for-profit businesses within Roanoke County by providing funding for the acquisition of new capital. This program aligns with the Authority's mission to foster economic growth and strengthen local businesses by enabling them to bolster their operations. The grant directly addresses the need for capital investment, which is crucial for business expansion and modernization. The primary target beneficiaries of the BEAP Grant are for-profit businesses located in Roanoke County that meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, businesses must employ more than three full-time employees at a physical location in the county, have operated for at least one year, hold a current County or town business license, and be in good standing with all local ordinances and tax requirements. The program's impact goal is to stimulate economic activity by encouraging businesses to invest in new equipment, thereby enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and contributing to the overall economic vitality of Roanoke County. The program prioritizes the acquisition of new capital that falls under taxable business personal property or business machinery and tools, as defined by the Roanoke County Code. Examples of eligible acquisitions include tangible personal property such as furniture, fixtures, office and business machines, tools, and equipment used in various professions. Computer equipment (excluding software) and machinery and tools used in manufacturing, mining, processing, broadcasting, dry cleaners, commercial laundry, and dairy businesses are also specifically eligible. This focus ensures that funding supports tangible assets that directly contribute to operational improvements and business growth. The expected outcomes of the BEAP Grant include increased capital investment by local businesses, enhanced operational capabilities, and ultimately, job retention and creation within Roanoke County. Measurable results will be tied to the number of grants awarded, the total value of capital acquisitions facilitated, and the subsequent economic impact, such as growth in business personal property tax rolls. By providing financial incentives, the program aims to accelerate the modernization and expansion of local enterprises, reinforcing the Authority's strategic priority of nurturing a robust and competitive business environment through direct support and strategic investment.

The Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant, offered by Albemarle County, is designed to support direct-market agribusinesses within the county that are experiencing long-term financial impacts from the pandemic, including those caused by inflation and rising interest rates. The program aims to offset these increased costs of capital, which can hinder growth and reinvestment opportunities for local businesses. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" is not explicitly stated as this is a county grant rather than a foundation, the county's implicit mission aligns with supporting local economic resilience and sustainable development within its agribusiness sector. The primary target beneficiaries are direct-market agribusinesses located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This includes businesses that sell products to restaurants, caterers, and local stores, as well as orchards, wineries, cideries, and those operating at farmers markets. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the financial stability and operational capacity of these agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and continue their contributions to the local economy. The grant prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include new capital investments such as machinery, tools, and other business equipment, which directly support operational improvements and expansion. Additionally, the grant focuses on expenses incurred since July 1, 2022, to advance sustainable agricultural practices, enhance public health, safety, and welfare for employees or visitors, and comply with state or local regulations. Up to 20% of awarded funds can also be allocated for advertising and marketing, recognizing the importance of market visibility for direct-market businesses. The expected outcomes include strengthened agribusinesses within Albemarle County, leading to sustained operations, improved competitiveness, and continued economic activity. Measurable results would involve the number of grants distributed (anticipated to be 3-8 grants in this round), the total budget utilized ($60,000 for this round), and the types of investments made by awardees. Although not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the county's approach suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for critical investments and operational needs, agribusinesses will be better positioned to adapt to economic pressures, fostering a more resilient and thriving local agricultural economy.

This program provides financial support to organizations and event planners to develop and promote multi-day athletic events in Virginia Beach, boosting tourism and the local economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. area to promote economic independence through education and development initiatives.

Grant Title: NIST MEP is seeking applications to establish and manage Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers in designated states to provide essential services that enhance the productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of small and mid-sized manufacturers.