Community Grants for Economic Stability

The Community Grants for Economic Stability aim to foster self-sufficiency in southeastern Virginia by providing funding for programs that help individuals overcome barriers to success. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve residents in South Hampton Roads, ensuring economic stability and improved quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Their generosity gives us the flexibility to fund a variety of causes in southeastern Virginia. We channel this funding through our competitive Community Grants.
Why it matters
Economic stability helps to create the conditions for children to learn and grow, strengthens an individual’s resolve to pursue hopes and dreams, and reduces the anxiety and stressors that accompany economic insecurity.
Economic Stability Community Grants focus on providing opportunities for people with barriers to success to become stable, self-sufficient, and prosperous. Programs that we support address:
Ending homelessness in our region with a preference for programs that provide safe and affordable housing for individuals and/or families and provide supportive services to ensure housing stability.Workforce readiness training/certification acquisition and connection of low income individuals to employment. Preference is given for programs that offer supports to help the individual remain employed for at least one year.Development of sound financial education and savings programs to help low income individuals build financial assets for long-term economic well-being.
Desired Outcomes
Grant proposals should address one or more of the following outcomes:
Individuals and families who are homeless are permanently located in safe/affordable housing and remain in housing for at least one year.Adults who are economically disadvantaged develop skills for jobs available in Hampton Roads and are employed for at least one year.Individuals who are underemployed obtain a higher-wage position post-training and remain employed for at least one year.Individuals who are economically disadvantaged improve their knowledge of financial literacy and participate in banking services to include increasing funds in a savings account.
Proposals for program funding must be able to articulate:

• Program’s fit with our stated prioritiesProgram’s desired outcomesOrganization’s plan for measuring program effectiveness in reaching outcomes

Eligibility

Requests for funding minor equipment needs may be submitted as part of the grant request. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads, including those in:ChesapeakeEastern Shore of Virginia (Accomack and Northampton counties)*FranklinIsle of Wight CountyNorfolkPortsmouthSuffolkVirginia Beach

Ineligibility

Grants are generally not available for:Organizations without public charity tax-exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue CodeIndividualsFundraising events (such as tickets, raffles, auctions or tournaments), annual fundraising appeals or agency celebrationsOngoing operating supportCapital projects and facilities and equipment upgrades that can be considered routine maintenance or replacementsHouses of worship unless applying for the Nightingale Fund for Faith Community Nursing or the E.K. Sloane Fund for pianosReligious activities (organizations and activities that require religious participation by those receiving services)Political or fraternal organizationsEndowment buildingExisting obligations, debts or liabilities or costs that an agency has already incurredScholarly researchScholarships, camper fees, fellowships or travelPassenger vans for transporting youthNational or international organizations or purposesHospitals and similar health-care facilities unless applying for a Special Interest GrantProjects or services normally considered the responsibility of governmentPrivate primary or secondary schools, daycare facilities or academies other than those whose primary purpose is for students with special needs**Capital campaign requests exceeding 5% of a campaign valued at $1 million or more