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.

What is the exact geographic area your foundation serves?
The Foundation concentrates its 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.

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. Foundation 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.

What are the deadlines for applications?
Yes. Deadlines vary depending on the grant program to which you are applying and the program area your project addresses. Please review the Community Grant Guidelines for the appropriate deadlines for your project. Applications for grants from the E.K. Sloane Piano Fund, Nightingale Fund and Dal Paull Fund are accepted once per year. Please see the appropriate grant guidelines for the deadlines for each program. Building Excellence grant applications are accepted at any time.

Should I contact someone in your office before submitting a proposal?
Definitely. It is to your organization's advantage for a Foundation staff member to have discussed your proposal with you before you submit a proposal. A conversation with a Foundation program officer is required to obtain a Building Excellence grant application.

What is the criteria for selecting grant recipients?
Our board looks for strong nonprofits with projects and programs that are likely to continue to strengthen our community beyond the requested period of funding. The highest priority is given to requests for specific capital projects, such as building, renovation or equipment needs. In addition, the Foundation has six funding priority areas that are listed on our Website under For Nonprofits.

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.

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

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.