Virginia Safety Grants

This program provides financial assistance to Virginia public school divisions for purchasing and installing security equipment to enhance safety in schools and on school buses.

This funding opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations in Virginia to implement or enhance programs that reduce firearm violence through prevention and intervention strategies.

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.

This program provides funding to local governments in Virginia for the development and improvement of shared fire training facilities that serve multiple jurisdictions.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote health, fight hunger, and assist everyday heroes in communities served by Wawa.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities within 30 miles of Norfolk Southern's rail lines to improve community safety through targeted projects and initiatives.

This program provides funding to Virginia communities to reduce wildfire risks through various hazard mitigation projects, requiring a 20% community match and formal recognition in the Firewise USA program.

The Loudoun County Disability Services Board sponsors an awards program, the Full Accessibility and Inclusion: Moving toward Equity (FAIME) Awards, designed to recognize businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This program aligns with the broader mission of promoting equity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities within the community. The awards are given to those who go above and beyond in fostering an inclusive workplace and business model. The target beneficiaries of this program are people with disabilities who seek employment and professional development opportunities. The program aims to increase the recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of people with disabilities, ultimately enhancing their participation in the workforce. The impact goals include creating more inclusive work environments and business models that provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The FAIME Awards program prioritizes businesses and organizations that actively demonstrate a commitment to hiring people with disabilities, providing necessary accommodations in the workplace, and offering professional development opportunities to help them grow their skills. The focus is on encouraging practices that support the long-term career growth and integration of people with disabilities. Expected outcomes of this awards program include a greater number of businesses and organizations adopting inclusive hiring and workplace practices. Measurable results could include an increase in the employment rate of people with disabilities in Loudoun County, a rise in the number of businesses offering accommodations, and a measurable improvement in professional development opportunities available to this demographic. The program serves as a strategic initiative by the Loudoun County Disability Services Board to drive systemic change and foster a more equitable and inclusive society through the workplace.

This funding opportunity provides sheriff departments in Virginia, which are not the primary law enforcement agencies in their areas, with financial support to purchase essential equipment that enhances public safety and operational efficiency.

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is actively seeking applications from organizations dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, rights, and justice. This grant program is deeply aligned with Borealis Philanthropy's broader mission to foster a more vibrant, just, and joyful world for people with disabilities. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in intersectional cross-movements and collaborative efforts, supporting initiatives ranging from arts and culture to policy and advocacy that dismantle ableism and promote authentic representation of disabled people. The primary beneficiaries of DIF grants are organizations whose work is driven by and accountable to the disability justice movement, with a particular emphasis on those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. This includes disabled people with multiple and intersecting social and political identities, such as race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. The fund prioritizes organizations led by disabled people, specifically Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer, gender non-conforming, and women with disabilities, where over 50% of the leadership (management staff, advisory committees, or governing boards) identify as disabled. DIF's core focuses include promoting radical inclusion by removing barriers and ensuring access, valuing lived experience, and emphasizing the leadership of those most impacted. The program also fosters cross-movement solidarity, encouraging collaboration and bridge-building among disability justice activists and across various social movements like Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, and queer and trans liberation. This approach reflects a theory of change that believes systemic change occurs through interconnected movements and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Expected outcomes include strengthening grassroots disabled-led organizations, expanding their operational capacities for ongoing movement building, and driving narrative change that dismantles ableism in policy, society, and culture. Measurable results will stem from work that moves practices of disability inclusion and justice forward through community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and policy work, as well as strategies that celebrate and elevate the authentic representation of disabled people in arts, media, and literature. This two-year grant opportunity provides $75,000 per year, totaling $150,000, for eligible U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 organizations or fiscally sponsored entities with an annual budget under $1 million.

The Arlington County Department of Human Services is offering a grant funding opportunity to support its Food Security Strategic Plan. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to address food insecurity and improve nutrition equity within Arlington County. The grant aims to support projects that enhance food access, promote outreach and education, build capacity among food assistance providers, and facilitate informed decision-making through data collection. The maximum grant award for a single project is $25,000, with funds to be spent by June 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Arlington County residents experiencing food insecurity. The program targets various populations through strategies such as enhancing school-based supplemental food offerings, establishing new charitable food distributions in underserved neighborhoods, and increasing nutrition education opportunities for residents of all ages. The overarching impact goal is to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in food security, ensuring that all those in need receive adequate support. The grant prioritizes projects that address at least one of five key strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan: Systemic Change, Food Access, Outreach & Education, Capacity Building, and Informed Decision Making. Specific focuses include improving nutrition equity, increasing food rescue and redistribution, promoting food assistance resources like SNAP, developing training materials for staff and volunteers, and collecting data on usage trends and services. Eligible organizations include IRS-designated 501c3 nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and public schools or universities that serve Arlington residents. Expected outcomes include improved access to nutritious food for Arlington residents, increased awareness and enrollment in food assistance programs, enhanced operational capacity for food pantries and meal programs, and better-informed decision-making based on collected data. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of residents served, the quantity of food distributed, the number of individuals participating in nutrition education, and the implementation of new or improved food security policies and practices. The grant period is from October 2024 through June 30, 2025, with funding awards announced in September 2024.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is seeking applications for its Victim Witness Grant Program (VWGP). This program provides financial support to local victim witness and statewide victim assistance programs. Its core mission is to offer direct services, information, and assistance as mandated by the Virginia Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. The primary purpose of this funding, derived from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Rule, is to support the delivery of essential services to crime victims. The program aims to address the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims, help them stabilize their lives after victimization, assist them in understanding and participating in the criminal justice system, and restore a measure of security and safety. The target beneficiaries of the VWGP are victims of crime across all counties in Virginia. The program's impact goals center on providing comprehensive direct services across various categories. These include information and referrals (e.g., about the criminal justice process, victims' rights, and other services), personal advocacy and accompaniment services (e.g., to medical care, forensic examinations, and criminal justice events), emotional support and safety services (e.g., crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, and support groups), shelter and safe housing options (e.g., emergency shelter, transitional housing, and relocation assistance), and criminal and civil justice system assistance (e.g., notification of events and accompaniment to court hearings). The VWGP prioritizes projects that directly serve victims of crime and utilize the Victims Services Data Collection System (VSDCS) to document these services. Furthermore, eligible projects must promote community collaboration, assist victims in seeking crime victim compensation benefits through the Virginia Victims Fund (VVF), and actively involve volunteers in grant-funded activities. Recipients are also required to provide program information to other victim assistance agencies, maintain statutorily required civil rights statistics, offer services free of charge, maintain confidentiality, and serve victims of federal crimes on the same basis as state/local crimes. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the effective delivery of the aforementioned direct services to victims. Through the VSDCS, the program will document the reach and types of services provided by grant-funded staff and volunteers. Success will be measured by the program's ability to respond to victims' needs, assist in their stabilization, facilitate their participation in the justice system, and enhance their safety and security. The grant period for these subawards is for state fiscal year 2025, from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with applicants submitting one budget for the 12-month period. This framework ensures a focused and accountable approach to supporting crime victims throughout Virginia.

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.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Virginia law enforcement agencies and educational institutions to establish and maintain co-responder teams that collaborate with mental health professionals in crisis situations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local and public campus law enforcement agencies in Virginia for purchasing essential equipment and technology to improve their operational efficiency and community safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local public housing agencies in Virginia to develop and implement programs that reduce firearm violence and enhance safety in public housing 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.

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 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.

This funding provides local governments with matching funds to improve emergency shelters by enhancing energy generation capabilities and structural integrity, particularly for facilities serving vulnerable populations.