Virginia Grants

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

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 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

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) Infrastructure Grant Program provides grants of up to $50,000 per grant to political subdivisions for community infrastructure development projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture. The grants are awarded competitively, paid out as reimbursements, and require matching funds. Projects that may be considered include processing facilities, farmers markets, food hubs, and other agricultural aggregation facilities. Priority is given to projects that benefit multiple small-scale agricultural producers and projects located in economically distressed communities. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, such as Counties, Cities, Towns, Industrial and Economic Development Authorities, or Planning District Commissions. Matching funds are required, with a dollar of matching funds required for every dollar requested. The matching funds can be a combination of applicant match and other match, with applicant match consisting of local cash match and local in-kind match. Other match can come from federal grant awards, contributions from non-profit organizations, or funds from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Reduced match requirements are available for projects in economically distressed localities and for projects benefiting multiple small-scale agricultural producers at shared-use facilities. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry will make funding recommendations to the Governor and determine how and when grant applications are reviewed and awards made. There will be two funding rounds each fiscal year, with specific application periods and award announcement dates. Awards will be made on a competitive basis, with criteria including the expected impact of the project, likelihood of success, support from the agricultural community, and demonstration of sustainable agriculture practices. Grant awardees have two years to complete their deliverables and are required to submit interim and final grant reports. The completed application can be emailed or submitted by mail to Genette Harris at the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline:October 1st to November 15th April 1st to May 15th

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) Infrastructure Grant Program provides grants of up to $50,000 per grant to political subdivisions for community infrastructure development projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture. The grants are awarded competitively, paid out as reimbursements, and require matching funds. Projects that may be considered include processing facilities, farmers markets, food hubs, and other agricultural aggregation facilities. Priority is given to projects that benefit multiple small-scale agricultural producers and projects located in economically distressed communities. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the Commonwealth, such as Counties, Cities, Towns, Industrial and Economic Development Authorities, or Planning District Commissions. Matching funds are required, with a dollar of matching funds required for every dollar requested. The matching funds can be a combination of applicant match and other match, with applicant match consisting of local cash match and local in-kind match. Other match can come from federal grant awards, contributions from non-profit organizations, or funds from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. Reduced match requirements are available for projects in economically distressed localities and for projects benefiting multiple small-scale agricultural producers at shared-use facilities. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry will make funding recommendations to the Governor and determine how and when grant applications are reviewed and awards made. There will be two funding rounds each fiscal year, with specific application periods and award announcement dates. Awards will be made on a competitive basis, with criteria including the expected impact of the project, likelihood of success, support from the agricultural community, and demonstration of sustainable agriculture practices. Grant awardees have two years to complete their deliverables and are required to submit interim and final grant reports. The completed application can be emailed or submitted by mail to Genette Harris at the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline:October 1st to November 15th April 1st to May 15th

The Twice is Nice Fund, administered by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, is offering grants to local nonprofit agencies that provide services to seniors in need. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, or fiscally-sponsored organizations serving the community in the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. Each organization can submit one application per grant cycle unless they are acting as a fiscal agent for another organization. The grant size should not exceed $15,000 and should align with the fund's stated emphasis. Partial funding is possible, and there is no minimum request amount. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2024 at 11:59PM EST. Decision notifications are anticipated by November 15th. Grant partners will be required to submit a written report at the conclusion of the grant cycle or upon completion of the funded project. For more information and to access application guidelines and forms, visit their website or contact Chaquita Venable, Donor Relations Manager at [email protected].

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Virginia-based technology companies in the early stages of development to help them validate their products and grow their businesses in the state.

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 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 program provides financial support for agricultural and forestry businesses in Tennessee to develop value-added processing projects, including those in produce, dairy, meat, specialty foods, and aquaculture.

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.

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 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 performance-based financial support to businesses in the Tobacco Region that create jobs and contribute to the local economy, focusing on projects that attract new capital and enhance community prosperity.