Virginia Grants

The Community Foundation of the Virginias, Inc. has approved 80 grants totaling $479,795.69 in its 25th annual grant cycle, aimed at supporting local nonprofit groups. The grant cycle for 2024 will open early in the year, with applications accepted from April 1 through the last business day of June. Eligible applicants must be non-profit tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other non-profits as defined by section 501(c), or public institutions located in or serving Mercer County, West Virginia, and/or Tazewell County, Virginia. Grants are available in four categories: Education, Health, Human Services, and Arts and Humanities. The Foundation does not support individual salaries, annual campaigns, ongoing operating expenses, private schools, hospitals, sectarian religious programs, political purposes, or lobbying. Grant renewed every year. Annual opening/ closing deadline: April 1st to the last business day of June.

This program provides funding to local governments and fire training facilities in Virginia for the construction, renovation, or repair of live fire training structures to improve fire safety and community development.

The Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) aims to create more accessible, safe, and regionally significant transit networks by funding projects across four categories: zero and reduced fare, regional connectivity, public safety, and passenger amenities and facilities. The program encourages applications for both capital and planning projects related to these categories, with requirements and match rates generally mirroring those of the MERIT Capital and Technical Assistance Programs. Regional Connectivity focuses on improving regional transit services and accessibility, especially in urban areas with populations exceeding 100,000. Zero and Reduced Fare projects support the deployment of fare reduction programs to enhance system accessibility and ridership. Public Safety initiatives fund equipment, infrastructure, and programs to ensure the safety of transit riders and workers. Passenger Amenities and Facilities projects invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance the rider experience and system accessibility. Grant renewed every year. Annual opening/closing deadline: December 1st to February 1st

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and local governments in Virginia to improve access to freight rail services, promoting economic growth and reducing highway congestion.

This funding program provides financial support to Virginia localities for acquiring and improving training equipment that enhances fire service training and safety across multiple jurisdictions.

The Conference and Education Assistance Grant Program, established under §38.2-401-F of the Code of Virginia, is designed to support the professional development of Virginia's fire services community. This program provides financial assistance for training conferences and seminars sponsored by Virginia-based non-profit organizations. The grants aim to further the education of fire services personnel across the Commonwealth, enhancing their skills and knowledge through participation in relevant educational events. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: July 1st

In accordance with §38.2-401-D of the Code of Virginia, the Live Fire Training Structure Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as "the Grant”) was established to provide defined grants to Virginia localities seeking to construct, renovate (including additions), or repair permanent Live Fire Training Structure in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 1402. The term Live Fire Training Structure refers to a structure specifically designed for conducting live fire training evolutions on a repetitive basis in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 1001 and 1403. The Grant is a matching/cost sharing program. The percentage of match/cost share is relative to the size of the capital project the locality intends to construct; however, the purpose of the Grant for permanent Live Fire Training Structure is to provide funding to localities for the construction, renovation, or repair of the Live Fire Training Structure only. As approved by the Virginia Fire Services Board, the Grant may also provide exclusive funding to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs for the acquisition, renovation, repair, service, and management of the Mobile Live Fire Training Structure Props Program to provide training opportunities to multiple jurisdictions in support of Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II Training throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia per the most current edition of NFPA 1001 & 1403 training standards. As approved by the Virginia Fire Services Board, the Grant may also provide funding to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs for the execution and delivery of an exclusive contract for engineering consulting services to the VFSB. The engineering firm is on contract to VDFP exclusively, and to prevent conflict of interest may not contract with local jurisdictions on the Grant projects for which funding is sought through the Grant. The engineering firm is on contract to and is tasked by VDFP. The principal point of contact to the engineering consulting firm shall be the Executive Director of VDFP, or his VDFP staff

The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering a business assistance program to existing City-based businesses. The ACE Program serves both new and existing businesses. New businesses, less than six months, may apply for $500 grants and existing businesses, more than six months, may apply for $1,500 grants. Eligible businesses may apply for one-time grant funding that will directly lead to increasing business revenue through acquiring new equipment, products, or services. Business owners are encouraged to apply for equipment, marketing/advertising, or technical assistance that will directly lead to increased business revenue. If you would like to be notified when the application period is active please contact the Business Development Manager at 434-970-3110. The ACE Program is targeted towards existing businesses with the immediate potential to increase revenue and business opportunities. To be eligible for the program, business owners must not exceed certain income limits based on household size. The ACE Program is a competitive grant process that serves business owners who emphasize organization, initiative, and the dedication to make their business a success. Initial funding for this program was provided from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Additional funding from the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority has allowed the program to be expanded.

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), part of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, offers a range of financial programs to support the growth and expansion of businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities within Virginia. These programs include direct loans to businesses and non-profits, credit enhancements for banks lending to these entities, bond financing for businesses and non-profits, and an equity incentive grant program to attract investments in small businesses. Over its 30+ year history, VSBFA has helped many Virginia businesses access the capital needed for expansion and job creation in the Commonwealth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Virginia-based for-profit technology companies in the early stages of commercialization to help them develop prototypes, validate their market, and protect their intellectual property.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region that focus on improving financial literacy, developing future leaders, and enhancing personal and professional development for individuals and communities.

This program provides matching funds to small, locally owned businesses and property owners in Virginia Beach for significant exterior improvements to enhance the visual appeal of commercial and industrial properties.

This grant provides funding to small grassroots nonprofit organizations in Vermont, North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, and New York City that are focused on creating equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges.

This grant provides Virginia landowners who harvest timber with a tax credit for preserving streamside forest buffers, promoting water quality protection while incentivizing sustainable forestry practices.

This grant provides financial support to Virginia localities for attracting and expanding facilities that process or add value to agricultural and forestry products sourced from within the state.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, researchers, local governments, and small businesses in Virginia to enhance recreational fishing through conservation, habitat restoration, and fisheries research.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Virginia's Tobacco Region to attract and expand businesses that create jobs and invest in the local economy.