Advance the Northern Virginia region through philanthropy and community leadership by connecting donors with causes, stewarding charitable funds, awarding grants and scholarships, providing research and community leadership, and building an inclusive, resilient community.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Inc uses philanthropy as a regional operating tool: it awards discretionary grants, manages giving-circle funds, and stewards endowed resources that support Northern Virginia priorities. Recent grantmaking shows a strong mix of higher education, scholarships, human services, health, and community resilience, with large awards reaching universities outside the region alongside substantial local support. In 2025, the foundation made a $1,500,000 grant to Drexel University and a $1,050,260 grant to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, alongside seven-figure and six-figure grants to other education and community organizations. That pattern reflects a funder that works both through long-term charitable funds and through targeted program grants. The foundation also supports place-based initiatives tied to Northern Virginia, including school wellness, foster care assistance, environmental protection, arts, and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Its grant portfolio includes operating support, scholarship aid, and competitive thematic funds, all aligned with a regional mission to build community capacity and address critical needs.
Education and scholarship support are a major part of the foundation’s work. In 2025, it gave $1,500,000 to Drexel University for higher education institutions and $1,050,260 to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for scholarships, student financial aid, and awards. It also funded Augustana University with $534,000 and Clemson University with $180,000, both under higher education categories. Beyond colleges, the foundation backs school-based and youth-serving programs in Northern Virginia. It awarded $375,000 to Mountainside Montessori School for education and $197,000 to Edututorva for education, showing support for learning at multiple stages. Its youth and family work also includes foster care, mental health, and basic needs, while environmental and arts grants support conservation, outdoor learning, and performing and visual arts in the region.
Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,000 at the median, and $25,000 at the 75th percentile, even though the recent record also includes several much larger awards tied to education and scholarship programs. The foundation functions as a mixed community foundation, using endowed and discretionary grantmaking alongside donor-connected funds. Some recipients appear in more than one year, including Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Inova Health Foundation, Virginia Tech Foundation Inc, Northern Virginia Family Service, Best Buddies, Edututorva, and Augustana University, which suggests recurring relationships rather than one-time awards only. The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia is discretionary, while several active grant programs accept unsolicited applications.
$7.1M
$118.7M
$18.6M
$12.8M
Most grants fall between $10K and $25K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$25K
RENEE YANCEY
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Grantmaking is heavily centered in Virginia: 60% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and Virginia is the top state by grant count. Within the region, awards land in Fairfax, Alexandria, Oakton, Tysons, Fairfax Station, McLean, and Loudoun County, with the broader Northern Virginia footprint also including Arlington, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Falls Church. Recent grants also reach recipients outside Virginia, including Philadelphia, Sioux Falls, Evanston, Westville, Clemson, Tampa, Costa Mesa, and Washington, DC. All listed recipient-country activity is in the US.
It funds a broad set of nonprofit and educational organizations tied to Northern Virginia priorities, including higher education, scholarships, youth and family services, health and wellness, environmental conservation, arts and culture, aging services, military and veteran support, disability services, and safety net support.
The typical grant size is $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,000 at the median, and $25,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants list also shows larger awards for higher education and scholarship-related purposes.
Yes. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Inova Health Foundation, Virginia Tech Foundation Inc, Northern Virginia Family Service, Best Buddies, Edututorva, and Augustana University.
Yes. Active programs that accept unsolicited applications include Healthy Kids Grants, Our Children Fund, Environment Fund, Micron STEM Opportunity Fund, NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Grants, Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts Grants, and Community Investment Funds. The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia does not accept unsolicited applications.
Virginia is the top state by grant count, and 60% of grants go to recipients in Virginia. Within the region, grants have gone to places such as Fairfax, Alexandria, Oakton, Tysons, McLean, Fairfax Station, and Loudoun County.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Community Foundation for Northern Virginia that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Not specified in the provided content.
Deadline: A 2025 grant cycle is referenced, but no active deadline is shown in the provided content.
Who can apply: Eligibility depends on the circle's funding priorities; organizations should review the specific cycle details.
Deadline: Applications open September 1 through September 30 at 5:00 pm.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | EVANSTON, IL | $675,000 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OR TECHNOLOGICAL |
| PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (PENN STATE UNIVERSITY) | UNIVERSITY PARK, PA | $450,000 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OR TECHNOLOGICAL |
| CLAUDE MOORE OPPORTUNITIES | FAIRFAX, VA | $362,775 | 2026 | OTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT N.E.C. |
| DREXEL UNIVERSITY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $350,000 | 2026 | HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS |
| NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY (NOVA PARKS) | FAIRFAX STA, VA | $238,792 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENT |
| MOUNTAINSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL | MARSHALL, VA | $200,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION NEC |
| CHAPEL HAVEN SCHLEIFER CENTER | WESTVILLE, CT | $200,000 | 2026 | GROUP HOME, RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY |
| AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $200,000 | 2026 | HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS |
| GOLDMAN SACHS PHILANTHROPY FUND | NEW YORK CITY, NH | $142,794 | 2026 | FUNDRAISING ORGS THAT CROSS CATEGORIES |
| GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION INC | FAIRFAX, VA | $130,250 | 2026 | FUNDRAISING AND/OR FUND DISTRIBUTION |
| ARC OF LOUDOUN | LEESBURG, VA | $102,000 | 2026 | HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS |
| VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION INC | BLACKSBURG, VA | $100,000 | 2026 | SINGLE ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL | MEMPHIS, TN | $92,200 | 2026 | HOSPITAL (SPECIALTY) |
| INOVA HEALTH FOUNDATION | FAIRFAX, VA | $72,825 | 2026 | SINGLE ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR LOUDOUN AND NORTHERN FAUQUIER COUNTIES | LEESBURG, VA | $67,553 | 2026 | COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS |
| EPILEPSY FOUNDATION | BOWIE, MD | $62,500 | 2026 | EPILEPSY |
| SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN | ATLANTA, GA | $57,500 | 2026 | HOSPITAL (SPECIALTY) |
| NORTHERN VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICE | FALLS CHURCH, VA | $53,500 | 2026 | FAMILY SERVICES |
| UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE | NEWARK, DE | $52,167 | 2026 | UNIVERSITY OR TECHNOLOGICAL |
| MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $50,340 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, AWARDS |
| MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION OF THE UNION | MOUNT VERNON, VA | $50,250 | 2026 | HISTORY MUSEUMS |
| BEST BUDDIES IN VA AND DC | TYSONS, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | SERVICES PROMOTE THE INDEPENDENCE OF SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF JACKSON HOLE | JACKSON, WY | $50,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS |
| PEBBLE BEACH COMPANY FOUNDATION | PEBBLE BEACH, CA | $50,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS |
| NATIONAL BREAST CENTER FOUNDATION | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | BREAST CANCER |
| US NAVAL INSTITUTE FOUNDATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $50,000 | 2026 | SINGLE ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BETHEL NO 1 JOB'S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL | ARLINGTON, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | GIRLS CLUBS |
| LIVING HOPE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | WARRENTON, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | PROTESTANT |
| WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN | WASHINGTON, DC | $43,750 | 2026 | DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RELIEF SERVICE |
| SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $42,000 | 2026 | PRIMARY/ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
| ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF TAMPA | TAMPA, FL | $40,000 | 2026 | EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND SCHOOLS |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAMPTON | HAMPTON, VA | $40,000 | 2026 | RELATED NEC |
| AMARA LEGAL CENTER INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $40,000 | 2026 | CIVIL RIGHTS, ADVOCACY FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS |
| SECOND STORY | DUNN LORING, VA | $35,500 | 2026 | TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS |
| NORTHERN VIRGINIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION | FAIRFAX, VA | $35,000 | 2026 | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM |
| CHILDREN'S SCHOLARSHIP FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $35,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, AWARDS |
| FAIRFAX COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) | FAIRFAX, VA | $32,500 | 2026 | CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
| SPECIALLY ADAPTED RESOURCE CLUB (SPARC) | RESTON, VA | $31,000 | 2026 | HUMAN SERVICES NEC |
| COMMUNITY COALITION FOR HAITI (CCH) | VIENNA, VA | $31,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, CAPACITY BUILDING |
| CHARITIES AID FOUNDATION OF AMERICA | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $30,191 | 2026 | FUNDRAISING &/OR FUND DISTRIBUTION |
| CULPEPER HOUSING & SHELTER SERVICES (CHASS) | CULPEPER, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT |
| FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS | RESTON, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | FOOD SERVICE, FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM |
| CHILD AND FAMILY NETWORK CENTER | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION NEC |
| CORNERSTONE CRAFTSMAN INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | PHILANTHROPY/CHARITY/ VOLUNTARISM PROMOTION |
| NUEVA VIDA INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | CANCER |
| SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS | WOODSTOCK, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROTECTION AND BEAUTIF |
| TRUE GROUND HOUSING PARTNERS | ARLINGTON, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT |
| GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL | WASHINGTON, DC | $27,000 | 2026 | SECONDARY SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL |
| SEVATRUCK FOUNDATION | FAIRFAX, VA | $27,000 | 2026 | FOOD SERVICE, FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM |
| PRATHAM USA | HOUSTON, TX | $26,700 | 2026 | PUBLIC FOUNDATIONS |
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (PENN STATE UNIVERSITY)
$450,000UNIVERSITY OR TECHNOLOGICAL
CLAUDE MOORE OPPORTUNITIES
$362,775OTHER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT N.E.C.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY (NOVA PARKS)
$238,792ENVIRONMENT
MOUNTAINSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
$200,000EDUCATION NEC
CHAPEL HAVEN SCHLEIFER CENTER
$200,000GROUP HOME, RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY
AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY
$200,000HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS
ARC OF LOUDOUN
$102,000HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
$50,340SCHOLARSHIPS, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, AWARDS
SERVICES PROMOTE THE INDEPENDENCE OF SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS
BETHEL NO 1 JOB'S DAUGHTERS INTERNATIONAL
$50,000GIRLS CLUBS
LIVING HOPE EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$50,000PROTESTANT
SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL INC
$42,000PRIMARY/ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAMPTON
$40,000RELATED NEC
AMARA LEGAL CENTER INC
$40,000CIVIL RIGHTS, ADVOCACY FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
FAIRFAX COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA)
$32,500CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
SPECIALLY ADAPTED RESOURCE CLUB (SPARC)
$31,000HUMAN SERVICES NEC
COMMUNITY COALITION FOR HAITI (CCH)
$31,000COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, CAPACITY BUILDING
CULPEPER HOUSING & SHELTER SERVICES (CHASS)
$30,000COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
FOOD FOR NEIGHBORS
$30,000FOOD SERVICE, FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
CORNERSTONE CRAFTSMAN INC
$30,000PHILANTHROPY/CHARITY/ VOLUNTARISM PROMOTION
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
$30,000ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROTECTION AND BEAUTIF
GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
$27,000SECONDARY SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL
SEVATRUCK FOUNDATION
$27,000FOOD SERVICE, FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM