Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Virginia

About Virginia Energy

Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia's energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future by:

• Providing for safe and environmentally sound stewardship of Virginia's mineral and energy resources;
• Encouraging economic development through the sound stewardship of Virginia's energy, mineral, land and water resources; and
• Successfully pursuing federal funding and implement the Virginia Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy.

Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (“VCEIB”) Direct Funding

Accelerating the Deployment of Clean Energy Infrastructure Statewide

The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) accelerates the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors.

VCEIB serves as a hub for financing cleaner, more reliable energy infrastructure throughout the commonwealth. It connects projects and companies with capital from federal, state, and private funding sources. The bank partners with a range of other state agencies and programs to identify investment opportunities and is currently seeded with $10 million through the amounts as allocated in the 2024 State Budget. By housing it within the Department of Energy, only $750,000 of the $2 million set aside for administrative purposes is slated for use due to economies of scale, leaving the remaining $9.25 million used for investments into clean energy infrastructure projects.

What types of projects are be eligible for funding under VCEIB?

Projects that support the goals of Virginia's Energy Plan, such as clean power generation and energy infrastructure, are eligible for funding. For example, projects may include advanced nuclear energy innovations, solar supply chain investments, microgrid installations, grid modernization, battery storage deployments, and more.

What forms of funding does VCEIB provide to projects?

VCEIB will provide loans, credit enhancements, and other forms of support, with a focus on financial instruments that recycle such that the bank can continuously reinvest the funds in additional projects across the Commonwealth.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The VHCF Health Access Grants aim to enhance healthcare access for uninsured Virginians and those in underserved areas. This funding supports initiatives to expand care capacity, establish broader services, and address the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations include public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The program prioritizes projects that create coordinated systems of care to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The Commonwealth History Fund, established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, aims to enhance history education and preservation projects across Virginia. With annual grants of approximately $400,000, totaling nearly $2 million in its first five years, the Fund supports diverse initiatives that focus on underserved communities and significant historical narratives. Managed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, it emphasizes project urgency, community impact, and the qualifications of applicants.

The Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program aims to enhance cybersecurity for vital infrastructure through innovative seed research grants. Led by CCI and in collaboration with DC Water, this initiative seeks proposals that use advanced AI models for safeguarding critical sectors like energy, healthcare, and water systems. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, the program encourages research that translates into practical benefits for Virginia companies, ensuring the resilience of privately owned infrastructure amidst increasing cyber threats.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Virginia Program Grant by the Virginia Environmental Endowment focuses on enhancing water quality, restoring the Chesapeake Bay, and promoting land conservation. It encourages projects that improve local watersheds and foster environmental literacy. The program prioritizes innovative strategies, matching funds, and collaborative approaches to address climate adaptation and emerging environmental issues. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, while ineligible costs include litigation and land purchases.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Amazon Loudoun County Community Fund Grant, a $150,000 initiative by Amazon and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier, aims to empower local nonprofits and organizations. This program supports transformative projects that enhance inclusion, resilience, and community well-being in Loudoun. Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 will address critical areas such as health, food security, and homelessness, fostering a strong and connected community for residents.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Coal Mine Methane Capture & Utilization Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Energy, aims to mitigate methane emissions from coal mines in Southwest Virginia. With $79.5 million in funding from the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, this initiative supports projects that capture and utilize fugitive methane, enhancing mine safety and promoting cleaner energy. It is open to entities working collaboratively with coal mine owners through September 2029, prioritizing environmental and economic benefits.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

CDBG Project Grants

CDBG Project Grants are awarded competitively to aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. There are four primary project types under this funding source: Housing Rehabilitation, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services.

Localities with potential projects that have activities applicable to more than one of these project types should contact DHCD for technical assistance

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Opportunity

Opportunity projects provide the resources for an organization to take advantage of an atypical or out-of-the-ordinary opportunity that otherwise would be out of reach. Opportunity projects should further the growth and development of the applicant organization or engage audiences in new arts experiences. Project Support Grants can support performances by guest artists, activities, or infrastructure enhancements, including programs, exhibitions, and performances for diverse populations (including, but not limited to age, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, socio-economic status, or neighborhood of residence) and/or in underserved areas of the Fairfax County.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

In July 1973, Virginia took measures to ensure that the Commonwealth and its residents would be protected from the effects of disasters, both natural and human-caused. Just 13 months after Hurricane Agnes caused record-breaking flooding, the Virginia Office of Emergency Services was created. The office was renamed the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) in 2000 (Va. Code Ann. § 44-146.18). Today, VDEM works with with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and voluntary organizations to provide crucial resources during all hazard disasters.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The NGSP, via State Administrative Agencies (SAA), provides funds to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack to meet the following three objectives throughout the period of performance:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.
• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.
• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

Given the evolving threat landscape, it is incumbent upon DHS/FEMA to continuously evaluate the national risk profile and set priorities that help ensure appropriate allocation of scarce security dollars. In assessing the national risk profile, the following National Priority Areas (NPAs) shape current and future guidance:

• Enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places.
• Supporting Homeland Security Task Forces and Fusion Centers
• Enhancing Cybersecurity
• Enhancing Election Security
• Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement

Likewise, there are several enduring security needs that crosscut the homeland security enterprise. The following are second-tier priorities that help recipients implement a comprehensive approach to securing communities:

• Effective planning;
• Training and awareness campaigns; and
• Exercises

Effective August 13, 2020, FEMA recipients and subrecipients may not use any FEMA funds under open or new awards to:

• Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system;
• Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any system; or
• Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

Virginia Applicants

Up to $3,381,162 will be available for Virginia applicants in 2025. Of that amount, funding will be split across two applicant groups: NSGP-Urban Areas (NSGP-UA), and NSGP-State (NSGP-S).

NSGP-Urban Areas (NSGP-UA)

Up to $981,162 will be available for applicants located in a designated Urban Area by DHS. Individual awards may be up to $200,000. In Virginia, the UASI-designated areas are the Hamptons Road Area (with an allocation of $554,191) and the Richmond Area (with an allocation of $426,971).