Robins Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Robins Foundation supports children and youth, education and other community needs in Richmond, Virginia
FUNDING AREAS: Children and youth, education, community
IP TAKE: This family-run foundation has a narrow geographic focus, so review the list of recent grantees to learn about its preferred types of grantees and programs.
PROFILE: Established in 1957, the Robins Foundation is a private foundation based in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded by E. Claiborne Robins, Sr. and Lora M. Robins, who were Richmond philanthropists. The foundation’s current board consists of the couple’s children and grandchildren. The foundation aims to "lead transformational change in the greater Richmond community by listening, learning and engaging through innovative philanthropy that inspires solutions to society’s greatest challenges.” It funds local efforts for children and youth, education and community.
The Robins Foundation awards community focus grants that support early childhood education all the way up through higher education. Community innovation grants support unmet community needs and emerging issues in Richmond neighborhoods. Other funding comes from strategic partnerships to strengthen an organization’s resources and director-initiated grant opportunities. Robins does not generally fund disease-focused national organizations, private schools, local sports programs, travel funds or political or religious activities.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $150,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the recent grants page of the funder’s website. Grantmaking focuses on the greater Richmond area of Virginia. Past local grantees include Children’s Home Society of Virginia, the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance and St. James Children’s Center.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. It accepts community focus grants applications for early March and early June deadlines. It accepts innovation grant applications typically in September and October. Robins has an online application system but requires applicants for certain grant opportunities to speak to a program office about their proposals within at least a week after the application becomes available. Alternatively, the funder encourages organizations to attend information sessions before applying for community innovation grants. Direct general questions to the staff at info@robins.org or 804-523-1144.
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