Virginia Workforce Development Grants

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

The Loudoun County Disability Services Board sponsors an awards program that honors businesses and organizations that display a strong commitment toward the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. Donor Name: Loudoun County State: Virginia County: Loudoun County (VA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Nominations are open for the 2024 Full Accessibility and Inclusion: Moving toward Equity (FAIME) Awards, which honor businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to recruit, hire, train and promote people with disabilities and that have an inclusive workplace and business model.   Eligibility Requirements for Award Nominees Businesses and organizations must demonstrate a commitment to hiring people with disabilities, providing accommodations in the workplace and offering people with disabilities professional development opportunities so they can grow their skills. Nominees may be for-profit or nonprofit businesses and organizations, but may not be government agencies, nonprofits or businesses whose mission is to provide services to people with disabilities. Businesses and organizations may nominate themselves. For more information, visit Loudoun County.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is currently accepting applications for the spring round of the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant program. Donor Name: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The AFID Infrastructure Program is focused on awarding reimbursable grants primarily for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers’ markets, commercial kitchens and other value-added facilities such as those used for processing and packaging meats, dairy products, produce, or other Virginia-grown products. Small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates and others interested in building their community’s local food and farming infrastructure are encouraged to learn more about the program and work with their localities to identify and develop suitable projects. Project Types  Projects receiving funding through the AFID Infrastructure Program must be infrastructure development projects that directly support local food production and sustainable agriculture/forestry and demonstrate a broad community benefit. Grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures. Priority Project Types Consideration will be given to the following project types: Processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including commercial kitchens, packaging and labeling facilities, animal slaughtering facilities, or other facilities, and that are primarily utilized for the processing of meats, dairy products, produce, or other products. Farmers markets. Food hubs and other agricultural aggregation facilities. Funding Information The maximum award per grant is $50,000. Eligibility Criteria  Applications must be made by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, typically Counties and Cities, but also Towns, Industrial and Economic Development Authorities, or Planning District Commissions. Applications may be made on behalf of more than one locality, provided each applicant contributes matching funds and a single political subdivision serves as the lead applicant and grant administrator. Applicants are permitted to have multiple active AFID Infrastructure Program grants but will only be eligible for one grant award per grant round. Applicants must be in good standing with any other awards from the AFID program. For more information, visit VDACS.

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.

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.