Foundations
2,900
Total Assets
$17.7B
Total Giving
$6.2B
Active Grants
684
National Rank
#14
Virginia Grant Programs: Funding for Community Growth, Agriculture, and Economic Development
Virginia offers a robust and diverse portfolio of state-administered grant programs designed to support communities, businesses, and organizations across the Commonwealth.
From the rolling mountains of the Shenandoah Valley to the tidewater regions of Hampton Roads, Virginia's grant landscape reflects the state's commitment to balanced economic development, workforce readiness, and community resilience.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) serves as one of the primary conduits for state and federal pass-through funding, administering programs that target housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, and small business creation in both urban and rural communities throughout the state.
Key State Programs
GO Virginia (Growth and Opportunity for Virginia)
A regional economic development initiative administered by DHCD that funds collaborative projects to diversify and strengthen Virginia's economy. Recent rounds have awarded over $6.8 million for workforce training, entrepreneurship, and industry cluster development across nine regions.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Competitive grants for non-entitlement localities addressing housing rehabilitation, infrastructure, economic development, and public services. Includes a $1 million allocation for planning grants to increase project success and community impact.
Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund
Infrastructure grants for food hubs, farmers markets, commercial kitchens, and value-added processing facilities. Planning grants of up to $20,000 for single-locality and $35,000 for multi-locality applications support agriculture and forestry promotion.
Virginia Industrial Revitalization Fund
Leverages local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated industrial and commercial properties, supporting the revitalization of Virginia's built environment.
Community Business Launch
Administered by DHCD to support small business creation and fill vacancies in historic downtown districts and commercial corridors, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Virginia's main street communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for Virginia CDBG grants?
Only non-entitlement units of local government (towns, cities, and counties that do not receive CDBG funding directly from HUD) are eligible to apply for Virginia CDBG funding. However, these local governments may contract with nonprofit organizations and other competent entities to carry out project activities in areas such as housing rehabilitation, infrastructure, economic development, and public services.
How does the GO Virginia program work?
GO Virginia is a state-funded initiative that encourages regional collaboration to grow and diversify the economy. Funds are distributed through nine regional councils that identify high-priority economic opportunities. Projects must involve collaboration between businesses, education institutions, and government entities, and they focus on workforce development, entrepreneurship support, and industry cluster growth.
What types of agricultural projects does the AFID program fund?
The AFID Infrastructure Program awards reimbursable grants primarily for capital projects at new and existing food hubs, farmers markets, commercial kitchens, and other value-added facilities used for processing and packaging meats, dairy products, produce, or other Virginia agricultural products. AFID Planning Grants of up to $20,000 (single locality) or $35,000 (multi-locality) support planning efforts to promote agriculture and forestry.
Are there small business grants available in Virginia?
Yes. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) offers microloans targeted at smaller-scale businesses needing short-term financial assistance, as well as a Small Business Capital Access Fund. Additionally, the Community Business Launch program supports new business creation in historic downtown districts and commercial corridors. The GO Virginia program also funds entrepreneurship ecosystem projects.
Where can I find a comprehensive list of Virginia grant opportunities?
The Governor of Virginia maintains a regularly updated list of grants offered by Virginia state agencies at governor.virginia.gov/constituent-services/grants. You can also visit the DHCD website at dhcd.virginia.gov for housing and community development programs, and grants.gov for federal funding opportunities available to Virginia applicants.
Explore
Virginia Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Virginia
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Gates Foundation | $1.5B |
| 2 | Jack Kent Cooke Foundation | $890.3M |
| 3 | Charles Koch Foundation | $758.9M |
| 4 | Endeavour Legacy Foundation | $731.7M |
| 5 | Barbara Brunckhorst Foundation | $425.7M |
Active Grants