Education

To increase the number of children and adults who are prepared to enter a competitive workforce.

2025 Education Grantee, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect

Northern Virginia leads the Commonwealth and the nation in educational attainment, with 57% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, this figure has remained steady over the past decade, while national and statewide rates have increased. Most local youth perform above average on Standards of Learning (SOL) exams in reading and math, though areas such as Manassas City, Manassas Park City, and Alexandria City report lower scores. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted academic performance. Despite strong educational outcomes, disparities exist across demographics, and continued investment in education and support services is essential to ensure all youth in Northern Virginia can thrive. (A Portrait of Northern Virginia's Youth, 2025)

Educational attainment and academic performance are positively correlated with social and economic status, health status, and community well-being. To help increase the number of children and adults who are prepared to enter a competitive workforce, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia makes grants with a focus in Education annually through the Community Investment Funds grant cycle.

The Education Fund is a component fund of The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia, an unrestricted endowment at the Community Foundation that makes grants to help build a community that works for everyone.
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Nonprofits: Learn More & Apply

For 2026, applications will be accepted from organizations that provide Early Childhood Education to prepare children for elementary school and Basic Math and English Literacy skills to prepare adults for certificate, job training programs, community college, or university education.

The 2026 Grant Cycle will run from November 3 through December 8. Find all available resources and information here. 

See the list of 2025 Community Investment Fund grantees here.