Hampton Roads Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Hampton Roads Community Foundation supports culture, economic stability, education, the environment, health and wellness, and other community needs in Southeastern Virginia.
FUNDING AREAS: Cultural vitality, economic stability, educational success, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, vibrant places
IP TAKE: This community funder has an accessible community grants program that is open to unsolicited requests and has a well-established set of annual deadlines.
PROFILE: Established in 1950, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (HRCF) is a community funder based in Norfolk. It was originally known as the Norfolk Foundation and merged with the Virginia Beach Foundation in 2010 to broaden its regional focus throughout Southeastern Virginia. HRCF aims to “make life better in Hampton Roads through leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement.” It funds local efforts for culture, economic stability, education, the environment, health and wellness, and vibrant places.
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation has a competitive community grants program that focuses on these six topics. Community impact, collaboration, equity, and innovation are principals that guide HRCF’s grantmaking. The funder also provides special interest grants for causes that range from mental health research to youth sports. Additionally, HRCF awards planning grants to help nonprofits launch new projects as well.
Grants range between about $50,000 and $500,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the recent grants page of its website. Grantmaking focuses on Southeastern Virginia and is largely centered on Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach as well as Franklin, Isle of Wight County, and Accomack and Northampton counties on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Past local grantees include Friends of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, Virginia Beach Art Center, Chesapeake Humane Society, and YWCA South Hampton Roads.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits via its online process. The application deadlines occur throughout the year and vary based on program type. HRCF encourages nonprofits to discuss a proposal idea before submitting an application. Direct general questions to the staff at 757-622-795 or to individual staff members via email.
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