Virginia Science and Technology Grants

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in the Charlottesville area to create innovative projects that combine environmental education with the visual and performing arts for children who have limited access to these experiences.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund (ULARF) is offering grants for its 2024 cycle, continuing the legacy of Ursula Landsrath, a dedicated animal welfare advocate. Founded in 2019 as a tribute to Ursula, ULARF builds upon her previous work with the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia, which distributed over $1 million in grants. The fund's mission is deeply aligned with its founder's lifelong commitment to animal welfare, supporting nonprofit organizations that serve or rescue animals within Virginia. This grant program is a direct reflection of Ursula Landsrath's strategic priority to protect and care for animals, ensuring her advocacy continues to have a tangible impact. ULARF targets nonprofit animal welfare organizations that are incorporated and operational in Virginia, serving or rescuing animals in the Commonwealth. These beneficiaries include organizations working with farm, domestic, and wild animals. The overall impact goal is to improve animal welfare in Virginia through various initiatives, ranging from direct care to preventative measures and public education. By supporting these organizations, ULARF aims to create a more humane environment for animals across the state, fostering better health, safety, and reduced suffering. The grant program has clear funding priorities and focuses. These include spay/neuter and Trap Neuter Return programs for feral cats, emergency medical funds for various animal types, costs for emergency repairs to organization facilities, and expenses for public outreach and education programs. Additionally, ULARF prioritizes Virginia-based regional animal assistance organizations that provide support to smaller, local rescue groups. These priorities align with a theory of change that by addressing critical needs like population control, emergency care, infrastructure, and public awareness, a significant positive impact on animal welfare can be achieved. Grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $3,000 per organization, with an overall size of the grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the expected outcomes include increased spay/neuter rates, improved access to emergency medical care for animals, enhanced operational capacity of rescue facilities, and broader public understanding of animal welfare issues. The foundation's strategic priority is to fund direct services and support infrastructure that directly benefit animals, rather than administrative or fundraising costs, ensuring that the grants lead to direct and measurable improvements in animal well-being.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area for projects in healthcare, education, human services, arts, culture, and religion.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in underserved communities to improve local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible spaces for youth sports and community engagement.

This grant provides funding to local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to implement sustainable urban greening projects that improve stormwater management and enhance community green spaces.

This grant provides financial support to K–12 schools and nonprofit organizations in the TVA service area to enhance robotics education and encourage student participation in competitions.

This program provides funding for innovative projects that enhance Virginia's coastal fishery resources, specifically targeting individuals in the fishing industry who seek to improve conservation and efficiency through practical initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy businesses in the Southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico to adopt precision technologies that improve sustainability, efficiency, and profitability in dairy operations.

This program provides funding for community-driven conservation projects that improve water quality and habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, targeting local organizations, governments, and educational institutions.

This program provides funding to local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in areas where Meta operates data centers, focusing on technology-driven community development and enhancing STEAM education.

This funding opportunity provides local law enforcement agencies in Virginia with financial support to acquire advanced forensic and analytical technologies aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing investigative capabilities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Virginia to support community service projects that honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by addressing local needs and promoting equity.

This program provides funding to state governments to enhance their ability to detect and manage unmanned aircraft systems, particularly in areas hosting significant national events.