Dignity of Work is a private foundation based in Midlothian, Virginia. It supports people facing employment barriers related to incarceration or substance use disorder, with assistance focused on transportation and other resources that can help them secure work.
Key facts about Dignity of Work
In short: Dignity of Work gave $30K across 24 grants in 2025 (avg $1K), mostly in Virginia. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 87-2697170
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $29,901
- Grants made (2025)
- 24
- Average grant
- $1,246
- Median grant
- $520
- Total assets
- $11,730
- Primary geography
- Virginia (97% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The website provides an application for assistance, but the 2024 filing states that the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12K
-53.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$30K
+1850.5% YoY
Grant Count
24
+2300.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1K
-18.7% YoY
How Dignity of Work gives
- Giving grew 3298% from 2022 to 2025. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to empower people who have experienced hardship through incarceration or substance use disorder to overcome transportation-related obstacles that hinder access to the workplace. It describes support for resources such as vehicle maintenance, restoring driving privileges, vehicle purchase and insurance, computers, tools, uniforms, tuition, and skills training. Its 2024 filing also describes direct charitable activity as providing physical and monetary resources for people seeking employment after incarceration and alcohol or drug rehabilitation.
The 2025 grants included payments for car purchases, driver’s license expenses, insurance, repairs, vehicle parts, computers, and a drive-to-work program. Among the organizations it supported, Mechanics of Faith says its mission is to provide affordable automotive repairs for people in need so they can access safe, reliable transportation. The Center for Nonprofit Excellence describes itself as a champion, learning partner, and advisor for Virginia nonprofits.
Grantmaking
In 2025, Dignity of Work reported 24 grants totaling $29,901. Grant amounts ranged from $55 to $7,105, with a median of $520. Notable recipients included Meek Motors ($7,105 for car purchases), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ($5,252 for driver’s license fees), National General Insurance ($4,372 for car insurance), Chesterfield Auto Parts ($2,200 for vehicle parts), and Goodwill ($1,616 for computer purchases). Mechanics of Faith received $1,130 for car repairs, and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence received $100.
The foundation’s website says eligibility is assessed using income level, work history, the application, references, and an interview. Its application page says applicants may be asked for more information, invited to an interview, or declined. Applicants are asked about their employment goals, needed resources, and work history; they may attach a resume or provide work history and explain employment gaps. The website says priority is given to people graduating from substance use disorder recovery programs or released from incarceration. It also states that race, creed, religious or political affiliation, and non-violent felony convictions are not considered in decisions. The 2024 filing states that the foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
How to Apply
The website provides an application for assistance, but the 2024 filing states that the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Dignity of Work?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The website identifies Richmond and surrounding counties as its service area and says Virginians are its priority. In 2025, 97% of grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia and 3% to recipients in Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $489 (2023) to $30K (2025). In 2025 it made 24 grants totaling $30K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Meek Motors ($7K). Together the top 10 received $26K.
Grant Size Distribution
27 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 27 grants of 27 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meek Motors Powhatan, VA | Car purchases | $7,105 |
| Dept of Motor Vehicles Richmond, VA | Drivers license fee | $5,252 |
| National General Insurance Glen Allen, VA | Car insurance | $4,372 |
| Chesterfield Auto Parts Richmond, VA | Vehicle parts | $2,200 |
| Goodwill Richmond, VA | Computer purchases | $1,616 |
| Sara R Wilson Trust Richmond, VA | Drive to Work program | $1,292 |
| Sixty Service Richmond, VA | Car repairs | $1,273 |
| Mechanics of Faith King William, VA | Car repairs | $1,130 |
| Civitek Tallahassee, FL | Drivers license expenses | $893 |
| Midas of Richmond Richmond, VA | Car repairs | $707 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $11,730 | $28,095 | $44,307 | $29,901 |
| 2024 | $25,071 | $45,807 | $22,288 | $1,533 |
| 2023 | $1,552 | $15,168 | $16,294 | $489 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $11,730 | $25,071 | $1,552 |
| Revenue | $28,095 | $45,807 | $15,168 |
| Expenses | $44,307 | $22,288 | $16,294 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $29,901 | $18,452 | $13,488 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 24, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Thomas Walker as President, Mike Morrison as Vice President, Denise White as Secretary, and Victoria Phillips as Treasurer. It lists Beverly Smith, Mike Kiefer, Christian Vaughn, and Kevin Bender as directors.
Dignity of Work is led by Thomas Walker, President on every filing since 2021; none of the 8 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Thomas Walker
President
On filings since 2021
25 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christian Vaughn
Director
Trustee → Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Kiefer
Director
Trustee → Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Beverly Smith
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Bender
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Morrison
Vice President
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denise White
Secretary
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victoria Phillips
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Julie Tucker (2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Ann Forloines (2021–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Nathan Jones (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Kayte Oard (2023) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 16102 Founders Bridge Terrace, Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone: (804) 837-0953
Website: https://www.thedignityofwork.org
Frequently asked questions about Dignity of Work
How much does Dignity of Work give each year?
Dignity of Work gave $30K across 24 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2K across 1 grant.
What is Dignity of Work's typical grant size?
Dignity of Work's median grant in 2025 was $520, and its average grant was $1,246, across 24 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Dignity of Work give grants?
Dignity of Work gives mostly in Virginia: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Richmond, VA (15 grants).
Does Dignity of Work give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 24 grants with a stated purpose on Dignity of Work's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Car repairs" (5 grants) and "Property tax payment" (3 grants).
Who are Dignity of Work's largest grantees?
Dignity of Work's largest 2025 grantees include Meek Motors ($7,105), Dept of Motor Vehicles ($5,252) and National General Insurance ($4,372), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 56% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Dignity of Work?
Dignity of Work reported $12K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $28K.
What does Dignity of Work fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to empower people who have experienced hardship through incarceration or substance use disorder to overcome transportation-related obstacles that hinder access to the workplace. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Dignity of Work?
The website provides an application for assistance, but the 2024 filing states that the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Dignity of Work's EIN?
Dignity of Work's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-2697170. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does Dignity of Work accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Dignity of Work by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Dignity of Work's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common
The Farkas Family Foundation
Charlottesville, VA
The Farkas Family Foundation supports environmental protection, education, health-related causes, wildlife, and other charitable activities, primarily in Virginia, with occasional funding in Washington. Its 2026 grants ranged from $2,000 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5M
Grants
10
Total Given
$2.1M
Sauer Lewis Foundation
Richmond, VA
The Sauer Lewis Foundation supports charitable organizations across education, environmental stewardship, social services, and religious causes, with 2024 grants going to recipients in Virginia and Florida. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $175,000, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.2M
Grants
14
Total Given
$384K
The William H - John G - Emma Scott
Richmond, VA
The foundation supports charitable, religious, and educational organizations in the greater Richmond, Virginia area, with an emphasis on capital projects and services for families and children; it also funds schools and, to a lesser extent, arts and humanities. In 2025, its 17 grants ranged from $12,500 to $90,000, with a median of $30,000. It accepts requests by letter describing financial need, according to its 2023 filing.
Assets
$12.4M
Grants
17
Total Given
$673K
The Rimora Foundation
Charlottesville, VA
The Rimora Foundation supports education, youth programs, children with medical needs, conservation, and community organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $600,000, with a median of $10,000, and primarily went to organizations in New York, Virginia, and Maryland. It funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
32
Total Given
$1.1M
United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA
United Way of Greater Charlottesville funds programs supporting financial stability, school readiness, and a connected community, as well as local small businesses. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,000 to $50,000, with a median of $10,000; business grants include $5,000 awards. It primarily serves Greater Charlottesville and the surrounding region, and no general process for unsolicited requests is stated.
Assets
$9.0M
Grants
34
Total Given
$384K
The Stone-Wood Family Foundation
Stamford, CT
The Stone-Wood Family Foundation supports charitable organizations in areas including health care, social services, education, and emergency response, primarily in Virginia. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $15,000, with a median of $4,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
42
Total Given
$180K
Honey Foundation
Richmond, VA
Honey Foundation supports kindness education and a range of charitable, education, sports, and community organizations, primarily in Virginia. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $2.2 million, with a median of $5,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
48
Total Given
$3.1M
National Council of Nonprofits
Washington, DC
It funds capacity-building and organizational-strengthening awards, primarily for state and regional nonprofit associations and organizations supporting the nonprofit sector. In 2025, its 51 grants ranged from $30,000 to $34,000, with a median of $30,000, and went to organizations across multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.9M
Grants
51
Total Given
$1.5M
The Hartfield Fdn Inc
Philadelphia, PA
The Hartfield Foundation funds organizations working in areas including the environment, arts and culture, community food systems, and journalism. In 2024, its 52 grants ranged from $1,000 to $110,000, with a median of $10,000; its grantmaking was concentrated in Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$34.1M
Grants
52
Total Given
$1.4M
The Brooke Brown Barzun Philanthropic
Louisville, KY
The Brooke Brown Barzun Philanthropic supports organizations in parks, arts, education, libraries, civic engagement, and community work, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Kentucky. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $333,453, with a median of $22,500. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.3M
Grants
56
Total Given
$2.7M
Perry Foundation Inc
Charlottesville, VA
The foundation supports public charities working to improve quality of life for economically disadvantaged people, across areas including education, health, economic opportunity, arts and culture, and sustainable development. Its 2025 grants went to Virginia organizations and ranged from $1,000 to $300,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts requests by letter describing the organization and proposed request, and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$32.1M
Grants
57
Total Given
$2.8M
Manning Family Foundation
Charlottesville, VA
The Manning Family Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health and life sciences research—especially Type 1 diabetes and retinal diseases—or local health, education, youth development, and financial literacy in Charlottesville. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards ranged widely; local giving is focused on Charlottesville, while research grants can support organizations elsewhere. It accepts applications on a rolling basis through its online portal; first-time applicants and returning grantees absent for over two years must submit a letter of inquiry first.
Assets
$302.4M
Grants
65
Total Given
$13.5M
More Funders in Virginia
Dignity of Work down — hundreds of funders to go?