Grants to support furthering counseling initiatives across Virginia
The Virginia Counselors Association Foundation offers the Suzee Leone Grants Program twice annually.
The grants program reflects her commitment to advancing counseling through creative, research and service. These grants provide funding for creative ideas and innovative work that aligns with the foundation’s mission to promote and enhance counseling throughout Virginia.
Learn more and apply
2026 applications will be accepted twice, with a March 31 and October 1 deadline for each of the two offerings. Grants will be awarded based on activity alignment with the purpose and vision of the Virginia Counselors Association Foundation.
Applicants steps include:
1 – Download the application
2 – Compete the information
3 – Print to get signatures
4 – Complete this survey for biographical information and upload all application documents
5 – Upload all application documents to the VCAF Google Drive folder for Grants 2026 Spring
For assistance with the process, email Celeste Hall, grants program chair.
The grants committee will request a summary of results and an itemized list of final expenses within 30 days of project completion. Failure to provide this information may result in a request for returned funds and/or ineligibility for future Suzee Leone Grant awards.
About the scholarship
The Suzee Leone Grants Program, originally launched in 2011, honors the memory of Susan Leone, a longtime leader and advocate of the Virginia Counselors Association.
The grants program reflects her commitment to advancing counseling through creativity, research and service, by supporting funding for creative ideas and innovative work that aligns with the foundation’s mission to promote and enhance counseling throughout Virginia.
Leone was a distinguished leader in the Virginia Counselors Association, a generous supporter, board member, and active participant in the foundation.
Read more about Leone.
Program Overview
The Suzee Leone Grants Program awards competitive grants to projects that demonstrate innovation, practical impact and alignment with the foundation’s mission to promote professional development and strengthen counseling throughout Virginia.
These small project-based grants help counselors bring new ideas to life and expand access to effective counseling services.
Key details
• Grants of up to $1,000 are awarded per project
Funding decisions are based on available resources, the number of applications received and the overall value and impact of the proposed project.
• Applications are reviewed twice annually
• Eligible applicants must be members of the Virginia Counselors Association in good standing
• Graduate student members are welcome to apply
• Projects must align with the mission and vision of the VCA Foundation
Grants may support initiatives in schools, community organizations, higher education, private practice or other counseling settings across Virginia.
What We Fund
The foundation seeks to fund projects that advance counseling practice and expand the impact counselors have in their communities.
Examples of supported initiatives may include:
• Innovative counseling programs or pilot projects
• New resources or tools that enhance counseling services
• Professional development initatives
• Community-based counseling outreach programs
• Research or program evaluation that benefits the counseling program
Projects funded through the program in the past have addressed topics such as trauma-informed care, expressive arts in counseling, mindfulness programs and tools that help counselors support student and client mental health.
Special Recognition: The Esther Pincus Grant
Within the program, one award is designated as the Esther Pincus Grant, recognizing a proposal that reflects the compassion, dedication and commitment to students by longtime counselor Esther Pincus.