Home > Nonprofits > FAQs

FAQs for Nonprofits

  1. Are all nonprofits eligible to apply for grants?
    Nonprofits that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Service code are eligible to apply for grant funding. They should serve the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

  2. What is the exact geographic area your foundation serves?
    We concentrate our grantmaking in southeastern Virginia, primarily in the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach as well as Isle of Wight County and the Eastern Shore.

  3. Is there a specific grant application form to complete?
    Yes. Grant applications for the Community Grant Program, E.K. Sloane Piano Fund, Nightingale Fund and Dal Paull Fund are available on our website. Our staff will review the materials and select projects for further consideration. If you are applying for a Building Excellence grant you will receive an application form after discussing your proposed project with a program officer.

  4. What are the deadlines for applications?
    Deadlines vary depending on the grant program to which you are applying and the program area your project addresses. Please review the appropriate grant guidelines for the deadlines for each program.

  5. Should I contact someone in your office before submitting a proposal?
    Definitely. It is to your organization's advantage to have discussed your proposal with a program officer before submitting it. You can make an appointment to come by or stop by for our monthly Drop-in Day, which is usually the first Thursday of each month.

  6. What is the criteria for selecting grant recipients?
    Our board looks for strong nonprofits with projects and programs that are likely to strengthen our community beyond the requested period of funding. High priority is given to requests for specific capital projects, such as building, renovation or equipment needs as well as innovative seed funding. We fund primarily in five funding priority areas.

    7. Health and Human Services
    Education
    Arts and Culture
    Civic Engagement
    Environment

  7. How many copies of a grant proposal do you need?
    We need an original and one unbound copy of your proposal and all supporting documents.

  8. How will my organization be notified as to whether it received grant funding or not?
    One of our staff member will call you within a few days after grant decisions are made. You will also receive an official letter in the mail.

  9. If my organization receives grant funding when can we expect payment?
    Payment schedules are determined on an individual basis. If your project has specific needs with respect to the timing of payments, please note that in your proposal.

  10. Will your grant policies remain the same in future years?
    Our grant policies are reviewed annually and may change in future years. Current grant guidelines are always posted to this website. Upcoming grant guideline changes are publicized in the monthly Grant Seekers Gazette e-newsletter for nonprofits.