Carpenter Foundation - Performing Arts Grant

Carpenter Foundation - Performing Arts Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Summary

The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, established in 1975, supports performing arts initiatives in Richmond, Virginia. Grants are available to public charities with a connection to the Carpenters and are intended for specific projects or operational support. The Foundation does not fund private education, individuals, or large public charities. Its mission is to enhance the cultural landscape of Richmond through dedicated support to the performing arts.

Overview

E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation was formed in 1975 as the E. Rhodes Carpenter Foundation by E. Rhodes Carpenter, founder of the Richmond, Virginia based company now known as Carpenter Co. During Mr. Carpenter's lifetime, the Foundation made a few substantial gifts but for the most part had minimal assets. In accordance with Mr. Carpenter's wishes, the Foundation received significant funding following his death in 1980. His wife, Leona B. Carpenter, died a year later leaving substantial assets to the Foundation. In 1982, the name of the Foundation was changed to the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. The Foundation operates independently of and has no connection to Carpenter Co. Performing Arts Grants The Foundation will consider grant requests from public charities in communities where Carpenter Co. has had long-time manufacturing facilities. In regard to the community of Richmond, Virginia, the Foundation will consider requests only for support of the performing arts.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation will consider grant requests from public charities which had direct relationships with Leona or Rhodes Carpenter during their lifetimes.The Foundation will consider requests from organizations in or outside Richmond, provided that the performing arts activity for which funding is requested occurs within the Richmond City limits.Grants are made for specific projects, programs and operating support.

Ineligibility

The Foundation generally will not consider requests to support private secondary education, individuals, local religious congregations, or large public charities, e.g., the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, United Way, etc.The Foundation generally will not transfer funds from its endowment to the endowment of another organization.