History

Click here to learn more about community foundations – one of the fastest-growing segments of philanthropy in the United States.

• In January 1, 2010 the Hampton Roads Community Foundation formed when The Norfolk Foundation and The Virginia Beach Foundations merged becoming the largest grant and scholarship provider in Hampton Roads.
  
  
• Our roots extend to 1950 when Norfolk civic leaders donated $2,350 to create The Norfolk Foundation -- the first community foundation in Virginia. It was started to serve residents of Norfolk “and a 50-mile radius.”
   
• In 1987 civic leaders from Virginia Beach created the Virginia Beach Foundation to provide charitable resources primarily to benefit Virginia Beach residents.
  
  
• Since then hundreds of people from all walks of life have started named, permanent charitable funds with our predecessor foundations.
  
  
• Over the years our funds have provided more than $140 million in grants and scholarships to improve life in Hampton Roads.
  
  
• Grants from our two predecessor foundations have helped thousands of nonprofits and scholarship students from throughout Hampton Roads. Click here for a list of recent grants.

To learn highlights of our history view our milestones page.