Building Stronger Communities Through Civic Investment.
The Edmund Cheney Foundation channels private philanthropy into lasting public good. Over three decades, we have directed more than $12.4 million in grants toward historic preservation, STEM education scholarships, community infrastructure, and emergency relief throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our endowment-driven model ensures sustainable impact for generations to come, honoring the vision of our founder, industrialist Edmund R. Cheney (1921–2002).
Grant & Scholarship Applications
Our Spring 2026 grant cycle is open for historic preservation projects, STEM scholarships, community infrastructure improvements, and arts micro-grants. Applications are reviewed by our Grants Committee on a rolling basis with priority deadlines for each program track.
- ✓ Scholarships up to $7,500/year
- ✓ Project grants $2,500 – $285,000
- ✓ Emergency relief funds available
35+ Years of Measurable Community Investment
Since 1987, the Edmund Cheney Foundation has grown from a modest family endowment into one of central Virginia’s most active civic grant-makers, directing philanthropic capital toward projects that preserve heritage, expand educational access, and strengthen community infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
Five Pillars of Civic Investment
Each grant program reflects a core commitment established in our founding charter. From safeguarding irreplaceable architectural heritage to equipping the next generation of scientists and engineers, our grantmaking strategy prioritizes measurable outcomes, community partnership, and long-term sustainability over short-term visibility.
Historic Preservation
Capital grants for structural stabilization, facade restoration, and adaptive reuse of historically significant buildings and sites throughout Virginia. Our largest program area, with individual awards ranging from $25,000 to $285,000 depending on project scope and preservation urgency. We partner with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to prioritize endangered structures on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Learn More →STEM Scholarships
Merit and need-based scholarships for Virginia students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Awards cover tuition, laboratory fees, and research stipends. Our flagship Cheney STEM Excellence Award provides $7,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, with priority given to first-generation college students from underserved rural communities.
Check Eligibility →Community Development
Targeted infrastructure grants for public-benefit projects including vocational training centers, public park improvements, pedestrian safety upgrades, and community gathering spaces. We work closely with county and municipal governments to co-fund projects that leverage our investment with matching public dollars, maximizing the impact of every philanthropic dollar deployed in Virginia communities.
View Programs →Recent Grant Awards
Explore our recent grant awards by category and year. Each project represents a carefully vetted investment in Virginia’s heritage, education, and community resilience.
Impact Through Partnership
“The Cheney Foundation’s historic preservation grant allowed us to stabilize the 1842 Wickham House portico before we lost it permanently. Their team understood the urgency and moved with unusual speed for a private funder. The foundation doesn’t just write checks — they genuinely invest in understanding the architectural significance of every structure they help save.”
“As a first-generation college student from rural Louisa County, the Cheney STEM Excellence Award changed the trajectory of my education. The four-year renewable scholarship meant I could focus on my biochemistry research instead of working three part-time jobs. I graduated with honors and now lead a clinical research team at VCU Medical Center.”
Ready to Apply for Funding?
Whether you are preserving a historic landmark, pursuing a STEM degree, or strengthening community infrastructure, the Edmund Cheney Foundation is accepting applications for our Spring 2026 grant cycle. Our Grants Committee reviews submissions on a rolling basis through March 15, 2026.