Grants

SEVACF makes grants and works with fund holders to support promising projects that enhance the quality of life for all those across southeast Virginia through addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. Through a careful review process, the Foundation’s board and staff work together to award grants that strengthen the nonprofit sector.

Proudly, in the 2023 Spring and Fall cycle, we awarded $197,750 to 39 organizations.

Throughout the year, grant-making is directed by our donors to the causes they care about.  Additionally, grants are made possible through our Community Needs Fund.  Our Grants Committee meets twice a year to identify and address critical issues and community needs. 

Arts & Culture – $10,400

Portsmouth Community Concerts, Inc., Program Support
Tidewater Arts Outreach, Arts Outreach for Older Adults in Portsmouth and Chesapeake
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum Tours for Students
Young Audiences of VA/Arts for Learning, I.D.E.A.L. (Intentional Designs of Expression in Artistic Languages) Year 2

Capital – $18,000

Holiday House of Portsmouth, Inc., Two Porch Enclosures at the Facility
Sentara Foundation – Hampton Roads, Nightingale Air Ambulance Program
St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, State-of-the-Art Sensory Gym
Tidewater Youth Services, Westhaven Home: Renovate Kitchen

Civic & Economic Development – $3,700

Chesapeake Humane Society, Crisis Boarding Program

Education – $41,300

All District Reads, Reading Program for 700 Students
Don Carey REECH Foundation , STEAM in Schools Program
Joy Ministries, Summer Reading Camps, Learning Centers. & Mentoring
PIN Ministry, Purchase Laptops and Backpacks
Starbase Victory, AEROBASE Program
Tidewater Friends of Foster Care, Tutoring Support for Foster Youth
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, BeAR Literacy Project
Virginia Zoo, Educational Programs for Portsmouth Students
Wesley Community Service Center, Tutoring Program

Health & Human Services – $112,350

America Red Cross, Disaster Services Program: Response & Recovery in Ches.& Ports.
Benjamin Goldberg Foundation, Peace Out Portal
Boys & Girls Clubs, Out of School Programming
Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation, Supplying Our Students for Success
Children’s Assistive Technology Service, Clinical Coordinator Salary
Connect With A Wish, Strengthening Support – Supporting Success
Eliza Hope Foundation, Hope Stars Programs & Early Intervention Preschool Program
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCA Camp
Foodbank of Southeastern VA, Mobile Pantry Program
Girls on the Run, Program Support – Food as Fuel
Give Back 2 Da Block, Community Violence Reduction Strategy Training Program
Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, Support Construction of Single Family Home
Horizons Hampton Roads, Inc., Student Swim Program
Joy Ministries, Bread of Life Food Delivery Program
Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake, Inc., Meals for Low-Income Homebound Neighbors
Portsmouth Reads, Child Care Provider Training Series
Revival Center Virginia Beach, Meet the Need Initiative
Roc Solid Foundation, ROC Solid Ready Bags
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, Adopt-a-Room
Therapy on the Move, Timeless Living Fall Prevention Program
Young Life Chesapeake, YoungLives in Chesapeake

Learn more about our continued efforts.

Grants From Philanthropists

Many grants are made from funds that do not accept requests. These funds are established and advised by individual donors, and the distributions are determined by the donor for specific philanthropic purposes. Grant distributions are made on the suggestion of the donor or fund advisor, with final approval given by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Grants From SEVACF

Grants available from our Community Needs Fund, which are established by visionary philanthropists, are awarded through our two competitive grant cycles each year. Priority is given to projects that:

  • Address current pressing problems
  • Reach a broad section of the community
  • Demonstrate innovation
  • Have a track record of success
  • Encourage matching gifts or added funding from other sources
  • Yield substantial benefits for the costs involved
  • Promote cooperation among agencies within their fields of interest

The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation generally does not make grants for the following:

  • Programs/equipment that were committed to prior to the grant application period
  • Debt reduction
  • Annual appeals or membership contributions
  • Projects/organizations benefitting individuals or a few persons
  • Travel expense for individuals or groups
  • Support of public or private educational institutions or government agencies except in special situations where support is essential to projects/programs that meet critical community needs
  • Political purposes
  • Capital and endowment building unless matching funds are generated within the particular organization

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Grants: January 15th
  • Fall Grants: July 15th

NOTE: The guideline is to recommend one-year grants. Organizations cannot receive a grant more than once in a twelve (12) month period. If an organization is funded for three (3) consecutive years, we kindly ask that you wait a year before applying to another grant cycle. All grant applicants will be notified upon a decision by the Board.