Field of interest funds support a broad area of concern, such as education, the arts, medical research and services for abused women. The Foundation then makes grants to the most appropriate programs or organizations within the field of interest specified by the donor. Grants are typically made quarterly after the Foundation’s board of director reviews applications from area nonprofits. Click here to download the Field of Interest Funds sample form.

Example: Tyler Cultural Fund

Mabel Burroughs Tyler had a life-long fascination with the arts. The Virginia Beach resident loved to watch the New York City Ballet perform. As a young mother, she hauled her daughters to art museums, particularly to see portraits, which she collected.

When Mabel Tyler did her estate planning, she made arts and culture a top priority. By establishing the Tyler Cultural Fund through The Norfolk Foundation, she ensured that her estate would permanently benefit performing and visual arts organizations in Hampton Roads. In 1995 a $175,000 gift from Tyler's estate created the field of interest fund.

The cultural fund was the second one Tyler, a widow, established with the Foundation. In 1987 she started the Mabel B. Tyler Fund, which is discretionary and can be used for any purpose.

"Mother believed in the Foundation because it was so diversified,' says Calvert Tyler Lester of Virginia Beach. "Both my parents believed strongly that if you take from a community, you have to give back."