The Virginia Service Foundation awarded 11 mini grants to organizations honoring Dr. King’s legacy through community service. Projects will take place on or around January 16th, 2023.

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.

Find a Volunteer Opportunity

Sign up with one of the projects listed below, or use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search, powered by VolunteerMatch, to find an opportunity near you.

2023 Mini Grant Awardees

Aspire! Afterschool Learning — Arlington

Every day, the team at Aspire! serves over 120 students from marginalized communities, connecting students and families with the resources and support to help them thrive. In honor of Dr. King’s idea of a “beloved community”, Aspire! will gather community members through a “Listen and Learn” session with Volunteer Arlington and a service project in collaboration with Eco-Action Arlington. Through the Listen and Learn session, Aspire! will engage community members in a dialogue about educational equity, and the academic challenges facing students in Arlington. Afterwards, participants and volunteers will participate in a park and stream clean-up, helping to protect a resource often utilized by Aspire! students.

Want more details about the Listen and Learn session or park clean up? Contact Kristy Milburn at Aspire! (kristy@aspireafterschool.org)

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Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center — Chester

Every January, the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center holds a special food distribution in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, promoting his principles of civic-mindedness and community empowerment. Volunteers provide immediate food relief through helping organize and pack donations for the Food on the Move program. In collaboration with Journey Christian Church, this food distribution will provide fresh, nutritious food and nonperishables to residents in need. Volunteers will bag four days’ worth of groceries, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, canned food, pantry items (cereal, beans, rice), and bakery goods.

Sign up to volunteer here, or contact Kim Hill for more information (grants.cfb@gmail.com)

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CRi — Arlington

CRi, Choice. Respect. independence. (formerly known as Community Residences, Inc.), is a community based organization with a focused effort on providing people with developmental disabilities and/or mental health needs the resources, supports and services they need to live their lives with purpose, actively engaged in communities of their choosing. We believe in serving individuals within the communities in which they live and supporting the individual’s choices and independence. CRi, in collaboration with Volunteer Arlington, is planning an in-person service project for MLK Day, Monday, January 16. Volunteers will create over 350 foam Valentines cards complete with a sweet treat. These valentines are specially designed for individuals of all abilities to enjoy, and engage volunteers of all ages. This project, like all of CRi’s work, embodies the teachings of Dr. King of embracing our differences and building community.

Join CRi on January 16th, or contact Janet at CRi to learn how you can get involved.

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Dan River Year AmeriCorps — Danville

AmeriCorps members serving across the Dan River Region will come together to support community members participating in the Healthy Families program offered by Danville Pittsylvania Community Services. Volunteers will build diaper cakes using donated diapers to support new parents, and embody the compassion that is central to Dr. King’s legacy.

Interested in learning more about AmeriCorps in the Dan River Region? Contact Dana Silicki at dana.silicki@ialr.org

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Emory & Henry College, Health Sciences Campus — Marion

Emory & Henry students will volunteer across fifteen different non-profit agencies in the Smyth County, volunteering alongside students from other academic programs and staff and faculty. The participants will begin the day by reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy and the choice to designate the day as a national day of service. At the end of the day, participants will reassemble for a time of reflection and a closing program that will focus on the importance of Dr. King’s work to healthcare providers.

To learn more, contact Tracey Wright at tlwright@ehc.edu.

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Elkton Area United Services Food Pantry — Elkton

Since 1972, Elkton Area United Services has served residents and visitors to eastern Rockingham County with comprehensive social services to meet a variety of critical community needs. In honor of the MLK Day of Service, volunteers will gather and engage in civic reflection while helping others. Volunteers will pack over 50 food boxes for families and seniors, extending the mission of Elkton US.

To get involved, email admin@elktonatheart.org or call 540-298-8685.

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Virginia Peninsula Food Bank — Hampton

With nearly 55,000 food insecure individuals in their service area – 20,800 of whom are children – Virginia Peninsula Foodbank serves communities with one of the highest rates of food insecurity in Virginia. The BackPack Program, supported by volunteers that prepare the bags, is designed for students on free and reduced lunch programs in elementary schools across the Peninsula. Volunteers pack these food bags and deliver them to school sites for the students to take home on the weekends when they don’t have access to their school’s lunch program. To celebrate the MLK Day of service, the Foodbank will enlist the help of volunteers to fill 28 BackPack food bags for students to start the year with full bellies.

For more information about volunteering, visit the Food Bank’s website here.

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King of Kings Lutheran Church — Fairfax

In celebration of Dr. King’s vision for a “beloved community”, volunteers will make toiletry kits for the Dulles South Food Pantry. The kits will contain toiletry items such as shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, toothpaste, soap, etc. These kits will be packed and given to the pantry to distribute to families in need. The service project and reflection on Dr. King’s legacy will inspire the volunteers, and promote faith and hope across the community.

For more information, contact Garrett Wolf, Mission Pastor, at garrett@kofk.org

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Kids Give Back — Fairfax

For the third year running, Kids Give Back will host their annual “Volunteer for Valentines” event. On January 22, Kids Give Back will host a virtual event where to assemble Valentine gifts for senior citizens who are served by local nonprofits. Attendees will receive supplies to make sock “cupcakes” that are packaged with a Valentine’s card. Every Kids Give Back project begins with discussions about why volunteering is important, and reflection on many of the beliefs espoused by Dr. King. Children as young as six-years-old volunteer, and all get the chance to discuss how small gifts can make a big difference. The end of each project also includes time for reflection so that participants can share how the volunteering made them feel and other ideas for continuing to serve the community.

To sign up, visit Kids Give Back here

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Volunteer Fairfax — Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax is proud to offer a weekend of activities for the community to treat MLK Day as a “day on, not a day off.” Volunteer Fairfax will host and promote many volunteer service opportunities for all ages to ensure that families, teens, and grandparents share in the ethic of volunteerism and service to our communities. Through a community conversation, Valentines Challenge, and family friendly volunteer opportunities, everyone is invited to lend a hand and make a difference.

To learn more and see the full schedule, visit Volunteer Fairfax online here.

The Virginia Service Foundation is now accepting applications for 2023 Service Project Mini-Grants as part of MLK Day of Service.

Qualifying organizations may be eligible for an award of up to $250 to use towards hosting a service project connected to the MLK Day of Service and promoting the vision for a beloved community. A limited number of grants are available and applications will be scored based on project scope and community benefits. Applications will be accepted until midnight on November 7, 2022 .

For more information about the grant opportunity and the application questions, please check out this guide. The application process is easy and quick–Apply today!

The application is available here!

If you need an offline application or have technical difficulties, please reach out to VirginiaServiceFoundation@gmail.com.

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What is MLK Day of Service?

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make our communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for the past quarter century.

Making time to volunteer for MLK Day of Service is a great way to engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Whether you plan on cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or assisting those who are food insecure, what you do makes a world of difference.

What types of projects are eligible for a mini grant?

Gathering together in service shows the power of volunteerism to solve problems, as well as renew and strengthen communities, families, and ourselves. As more families are dealing with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we don’t turn inward, but instead create common cause.  Any project that supports the community in a tangible way and is submitted by an eligible organization will be considered.

Any public or private nonprofit organization, serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, includes faith-based and other community organizations, public or private schools, higher education institutions, and government entities. Projects must take place in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Projects must take place in January 2023, preferably the week of or before January 16th, 2023 (MLK Day).

Congratulations to the awardees!

The Virginia Service Foundation is proud to award 10 mini grants to organizations across Virginia in support of 9/11 Day of Service. Check out these Day of Service events, or find an event near you! Use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search, powered by VolunteerMatch, to find an opportunity near you. When searching volunteer opportunities for 9/11 Day, please click the “9/11 Day” box in the search tool to filter.

Capital Caring Health

Capital Caring Health will engage volunteers in making no-sew patriotic blankets for veteran hospice patients. 20-50 volunteers will create and present the blankets to veteran patients on the 9/11 Day of Service. These blankets are presented in coordination with other recognition efforts to honor veterans’ service, and is a meaningful way to honor and support their sacrifice. Learn more about volunteering with Capital Caring Health here.

Center for Civic Engagement @ Shenandoah University

The Center for Civic Engagement at Shenandoah University will partner with Bright Futures, the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department to host a Community Safety Fair. The Community Safety Fair will provide support for the police, fire and rescue organizations, and specifically foster positive relationships with the children of our community. Student volunteers will assist the organizers in preparation and on the day of the event. If you are interested in attending or volunteering at the Community Safety Fair, please check it out on September 11, 11am-3pm!

Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley

The CHIP of Roanoke Valley will partner with community volunteers to create a reflection garden to provide a calming outdoor space to benefit individuals and families. CHIP provides a wide variety of programs for families, and the reflection garden will be especially useful for mental health and family strengthening programs. To learn more about CHIP programs or volunteering with CHIP, check them out here!

Clinch Valley Community Action, Inc.

The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and Senior Companion Programs at the Clinch Valley Community Action supported a community-wide back to school supply drive to benefit the families affected by the severe flooding on the evening of 7/12 and early morning of 7/13. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or uninhabitable, and the collected supplies helped alleviate part of the financial cost burden of the back to school season. For more information about Clinch Valley Community action, see their website here.

Farmville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

The Farmville Alumnae Chapter members will create “Blackout Boxes” for the children in Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Prince Edwards, and Nottoway Counties. These counties are at higher risk to lose electricity during severe weather, and these kits will help families be prepared for emergencies by supplying resources for the children during a potential blackout. These boxes will contain a small number of needed supplies during a blackout such as a small flashlight with batteries, a small snack, card game, Play-doh, toothbrushes, crayons, and etc. In addition, these boxes will also help with the mental health of children during a stressful event such as a blackout. Providing these small items will help in distracting the students from the stress of being in a house without lights and the inability to move about as usual. The goal is to pass out 75 -100 “Blackout Boxes” to children in the local area during one of the voter registration and information event. The Chapter will also host an information session on how to prepare for blackout by disseminating information on how to create a family blackout box and providing blackout boxes for children. To learn more or connect with the Chapter, see their website here.

Dan River Year AmeriCorps

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, hosted by IALR, will engage AmeriCorps members and community volunteers in an event at Riverside Health & Rehabilitation Center on 9/12/22 at 2PM. Members will have art supply stations set up outside (weather permitting) and nursing home residents who would like to participate will come outside and paint with members and volunteers, while also using it as an opportunity for community dialogue about the lasting impact of 9/11. At the beginning, we will have opening remarks regarding the events of 9/11 and a moment of silence. Learn more about Dan River Year AmeriCorps or reach out to attend the event here.

Shalom Farms

Shalom Farms will engage volunteers in a project to increase the ability to provide fresh food year round to communities that are food-insecure, or lack the needed access to healthy foods. Participating volunteers will learn more about the social determinants of health and the work of Shalom Farms, and engage in building curing shelves out of reclaimed materials to reduce food waste and increase the amount of produce that can be distributed through programming. Shalom Farms partners with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities to distribute over half a million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each year, and these curing shelves will ensure that more produce continues to get into the hands of those that need it the most. To volunteer with Shalom Farms, check out their volunteer page here.

Southern Area Agency on Aging

The Southern Area Agency on Aging is hosting the 7th Annual Miles 4 Vets Golf Tournament on September 9th. This annual fundraiser provides resources to support the Miles 4 Vets program, which provides free transportation for local veterans (covering Martinsville/Henry County, Danville/Pittsylvania County, Franklin and Patrick Counties) to the VA Medical Centers and other out of town appointments. The mini grant will support the Golf Tournament and the Miles 4 Vets program that serves an average of 60 veterans each year, completing about 700 one way trips annually. To learn more, check the event out here.

Volunteer Fairfax

Volunteer Fairfax’s annual VolunteerFest brings together local nonprofits and volunteers for a community-wide series of service events. Volunteers complete family-friendly projects that benefit area nonprofit and government partners that support a variety of community needs. Last year, over 1,000 volunteers completed more than 30 virtual, at-home, and in-person service projects. This year’s event will begin with a virtual welcome launch on Patriot’s Day, September 11, and culminate with in-person service on September 17 – honoring both Constitution Day and National Clean-Up Day. Throughout the week, there will be virtual and at-home projects focusing on, among other issues, food insecurity, youth development, hospice care, and animal welfare. VolunteerFest is supported by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and opportunities to serve will be available in every supervisory district. Get involved here.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Rappahannock

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Rappahannock will host a grand opening for their recently constructed playground as a welcoming space for their community. The objective of the event is to celebrate the new playground as a safe, fun place where children can gather, and serve as a space for community building. The Grand Opening on Sept. 11 will engage the public (parents, siblings, family members, neighbors) to have fun at the playground from 1 to 3pm. Community members will get the chance to get to know one another, and build relationships. To participate, find more details here.

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What is 9/11 Day of Service?

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day), is a chance to help others in tribute to those killed and injured on September 11, 2001, first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe.

Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones lead the effort for an appropriate and fitting tribute to honor their loved ones and those who volunteered to serve our country in response to the tragedy. The leadership and efforts of these family members resulted in the legislative establishment of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance in April of 2009. AmeriCorps was charged with supporting this effort across the county. 

Each year, AmeriCorps works with 9/11Day.org, state service commissions, and faith-based, local, and national organizations to expand volunteering that honors the sacrifice of the families affected by September 11, 2001. 

Mini Grant Opportunities

The Virginia Service Foundation offers mini-grants throughout the year to any public or private nonprofit organization, serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, including faith-based and other community organizations, public or private schools, institutions of higher education and government entities.

Qualifying organizations may be eligible for an award of up to $250 to use towards hosting a service project for the 9/11 Day of Service and the MLK Day of Service. For more information about these funding opportunities, please sign up for the Volunteer Virginia Monthly newsletter.

The Virginia Service Foundation is now accepting applications for 2022 Service Project Mini-Grants. Qualifying organizations may be eligible for an award of up to $250 to use towards hosting a service project connected to the 9/11 Day of Service. A limited number of grants are available and applications will be scored based on project scope and community benefits. Applications will be accepted until 5pm, July 29, 2022. The application process is easy and quick! Apply today!

LINK TO APPLY: https://forms.gle/izaKYtmQ3oKcqeda8