December 2020
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Save the Date -
Plans for the Virginia Volunteerism Conference
are underway!
Mark your calendars for the Virginia Volunteerism Virtual Conference, May 11-13, 2021! The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Services is excited to present nearly 20 dynamic workshops and activities to help your organization make a bigger impact on your community. Registration will begin soon so stay tuned to VirginiaService.virginia.gov for the latest information. Interested in being a sponsor? This conference annually reaches 400 nonprofit professionals from all over Virginia! Contact the Virginia Service Foundation today at virginiaservicefoundation@gmail.com.
2021 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism Awards Nomination Process to Begin in January
Do you know someone who is always putting others first? How about an organization or business that seems to always be involved whenever there's a need in the community? Volunteers and organizations all over Virginia are quietly serving in our churches, neighborhoods, parks, and schools. Although they never ask for recognition, the Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards highlight the amazing efforts of these individuals and groups as a way to say "thank you" and to inspire others to serve. Awards are presented in 10 categories. Winners will be honored either in-person or virtually at a ceremony in May. 

NOTE: The nomination period has changed! Nominations will be accepted from January 18, 2021-April 23, 2021. Stay tuned to VirginiaService.virginia.gov for more information. 
Opportunities to Volunteer
for MLK Day of Service
Now more than ever, communities are in need of your help! Whether serving virtually or collecting items for donations, there are ways you can still make a huge difference that are safe and will really make a difference in the lives of others. Start planning now for how you will serve for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, January 18th. This nationally-designated day of outreach is the perfect opportunity for all of us to join together and honor Dr. King's legacy through service. Resources and opportunities can be found at the following:


MLK Day Mini Grants
Need additional funds for your project? The Virginia Service Foundation is now accepting applications for mini grants for service projects . The deadline for applications is December 15th.
AmeriCorps NCCC Teams Deployed in Virginia
AmeriCorps NCCC teams have been making a real impact in Virginia communities over the past few months! NCCC engages teams of members in short-term projects to address critical needs. Recently teams have served at Natural Bridge State Park, in the Blacksburg area, and in Manassas. Members have been busy doing everything from cleaning up from flash flooding, conducting park maintenance from the huge influx of visitors due to COVID, performing prescribed burns, and rebuilding/planning park trails.
Nonprofit Toolbox
If you would like to share additional resources with us, please pass them along to us via email at VirginiaServiceInfo@dss.virginia.gov.




  • 30 Day Grant Writing Challenge, from Financially Savvy Nonprofits, is a fantastic strategy for you to begin right now as you gear up for the coming year!









  • Ordinary Kids Change the World Challenge invites teachers of students ages 5-8 to enter an idea their classroom comes up with together. One classroom winner and one individual winner will each receive a $2,500 grant. Deadline: December 31

  • Rebuild VA Grant Fund has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses and nonprofits to apply. Any small business or nonprofit with $10,000,000 or less in gross revenue OR 250 or fewer employees may now apply.

  • Youth Garden Grants award funding to organizations planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. Deadline: December 15
Upcoming Opportunities
Online Training Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Virginia Office on Volunteerism & Community Services