Grants

Awarding Grants

Funding the Nonprofit Sector

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.

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.

Make a Grant Suggestion

Donor Advised Fund
Agency Endowment Fund
Field of Interest fund

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
  • 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 31st
Fall Grants: July 31st

PLEASE 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.