The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF) is a public charity based in Chesapeake, Virginia. It connects donors with charitable causes and manages charitable, grant-making, nonprofit endowment, and scholarship funds supporting communities in southeast Virginia.
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation at a glance
In short: The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation gave $464K across 30 grants in 2024 (avg $15K), top state Virginia. 40% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $463,608
- -41.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 30
- -14.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $15,454
- -32.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $18,286,819
- +8.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (12 of 30, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (46% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
- How to Apply
-
For Community Needs Fund grants, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or part of a governmental body and provide programming to families, children, or individuals in Chesapeake and/or Portsmouth. The Foundation asks applicants to arrange a preliminary discussion, complete the online application, and submit a signed request referencing that discussion and the contact person. A 2–3 minute video presentation is optional. The Foundation says to use its most recent application and discourages common grant proposals. Restrictions include debt reduction, general or administrative expenses, individual or group travel, political activity, annual appeals or membership contributions, and capital or endowment building unless matching funds are generated within the organization. Support for educational institutions or government agencies is generally excluded except in special situations where it is essential to a project addressing critical community needs.
- Review Cycle
- The application page says to return in December 2026 for the spring grant program and lists January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. as the deadline for requests serving Chesapeake and/or Portsmouth residents. It also states that the fall grant cycle is closed.
- Deadline
- The application page says to return in December 2026 for the spring grant program and lists January 31, 2027, at 11:59…
- Contact
Mailing address: 1435 Crossways Blvd Suite 303, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: (757) 397-5424
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
Who The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr Cycle for Survival ($87K). Together the top 10 received $306K.
Grant Size Distribution
135 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 126 grants of 135 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
SEVACF describes its work as serving Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and the greater southeast Virginia region. For its Community Needs Fund application, it specifies that eligible organizations must provide programming to residents of Chesapeake and/or Portsmouth.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 30 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 30 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $219K (2020) to $795K (2023). In 2024 it made 30 grants totaling $464K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr Cycle for Survival New York, NY | Health & Human | $87,100 |
| St Pius X Catholic Church | Religion | $50,000 |
| Medical College of Virginia Fdn Richmond, VA | Education | $40,000 |
| Hruhca Memorial Scholarship Foundation | Education | $25,000 |
| Four States Christian Mission Inc | Religion | $23,000 |
| Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Road Virginia Beach, VA | Health/Human Svcs | $20,000 |
| East Palo Alto Greyhounds Youth Sports Club | Health & Human SRV | $18,000 |
| Edmarc Inc Portsmouth, VA | Health & Human SRV | $15,969 |
| Rotary Club of North Suffolk VA | Health & Human SRV | $15,000 |
| Oscar Smith High School Chesapeake, VA | Education | $12,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $18,286,819 | $1,521,800 | $919,484 | $463,608 | 30 | $989,966 |
| 2023 | $16,891,410 | $267,674 | $1,249,304 | $795,104 | 35 | $-332,830 |
| 2022 | $15,296,794 | $921,181 | $1,194,480 | $366,890 | 29 | $235,532 |
| 2021 | $18,769,876 | $2,013,297 | $1,214,837 | $326,595 | 25 | $1,069,332 |
| 2020 | $16,851,243 | $1,944,868 | $1,139,355 | $219,035 | 16 | $798,976 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
SEVACF’s mission is “to connect people who care with causes large and small to benefit the communities we serve.” Its stated grant areas include arts and culture, capital and operating support, education, health and human services, civic and economic development, and religion. It also administers scholarship funds.
The organizations it has supported illustrate a range of activities. Edmarc Inc. describes its mission as easing the trauma of a child’s illness or death and reducing the effects of pediatric illness, loss, and bereavement on families. ROC Solid Foundation says it builds hope for children and families fighting cancer. Horizons Hampton Roads Inc. says it advances educational equity through partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools. All District Reads Inc. says it donates books to local public schools to increase children’s reading. Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation says it works to expand workforce development, especially for youth and veterans.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, SEVACF reported 30 grants totaling $463,608. The grants ranged from $5,500 to $87,100, with a median of $10,000. Among the largest were $87,100 to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for health and human needs; $50,000 to St. Pius X Catholic Church for religion; $40,000 to the Medical College of Virginia Foundation for education; and $25,000 to HRUHCA Memorial Scholarship for education. Other notable awards included $20,000 to the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads, $15,969 to Edmarc Inc., and $12,000 each to Oscar Smith High School and ROC Solid Foundation.
The Foundation makes grants from donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds, as well as through its Community Needs Fund. Many donor-established funds distribute grants on the suggestion of the donor or fund advisor, subject to final approval by the Foundation’s Board. Community Needs Fund grants are awarded through two competitive cycles each year. Priorities include addressing pressing problems, reaching a broad part of the community, demonstrating innovation and a track record of success, encouraging matching or additional funding, and promoting cooperation among agencies.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Richard E. H. Wentz as CEO and Stephen Korving as president. Other listed officers and directors are Amy W. Folkes and Timothy S. Culpepper, past presidents; Michelle Butler, secretary; Carl L. Hardee, vice president; Charles G. Hackworth Sr. and Thomas E. Wood, officers; Carolyn Bernard, director; and Doris Cobb, treasurer.
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation is led by Richard E. H. Wentz, CEO since 2021 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 16 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Richard E. H. Wentz
CEO
Vice President → CEO, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$52K (2021) → $67K (2024)
Stephen Korving
President
Secretary → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashton Lewis Jr.
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carolyn Bernard
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emily Robbins
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott W. Matheson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clay Robertson
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bett Cornetta
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Rampersad
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy W. Folkes
Past President
President Pr → President, 2023
President → Past President, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carl L. Hardee
Vice President
Director → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles G. Hackworth Sr.
Officer
Director → Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Butler
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas E. Wood
Officer
Director → Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Timothy S. Culpepper
Past President
Immediate Pa → Past President, 2021
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Doris Cobb
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Ross Cherry (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Daniel Grubb (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Don Carey (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Patrick L. Reynolds (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Stephen Best (2020–2021) — Past CEO
- Former: William H. Oast III (2020) — President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $67K, to Richard E H Wentz (CEO).
Frequently asked questions about The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation
How much does The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation give each year?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation gave $464K across 30 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $795K across 35 grants.
What is The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's typical grant size?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $15,454, across 30 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation that year got $15K on average.
Where does The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation give grants?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's top state is Virginia, with 46% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest state was New York (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chesapeake, VA (7 grants), Portsmouth, VA (6 grants) and Norfolk, VA (5 grants).
Does The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 30 grants with a stated purpose on The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Health & Human SRV" (10 grants), "Education" (9 grants) and "Capital" (3 grants).
Who are The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's largest grantees?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr Cycle for Survival ($87,100), St Pius X Catholic Church ($50,000) and Medical College of Virginia Fdn ($40,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 38% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation reported $18.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.5M.
What does The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation fund?
SEVACF’s mission is “to connect people who care with causes large and small to benefit the communities we serve.” Its stated grant areas include arts and culture, capital and operating support, education, health and human services, civic and economic development, and religion. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation?
For Community Needs Fund grants, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or part of a governmental body and provide programming to families, children, or individuals in Chesapeake and/or Portsmouth. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's EIN?
The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-2529017. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 19, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 5, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-southeast-virginia-community-foundation-morg_55bce51e420d4ad1a3e91623ee57f996
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_272529017_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-southeast-virginia-community-foundation-morg_55bce51e420d4ad1a3e91623ee57f996},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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