Community Needs Fund Grants

The Community Needs Fund Grants, offered by the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation, support impactful projects that improve life quality in Southeast Virginia. Through two competitive cycles annually, grants prioritize innovative projects addressing pressing community needs, fostering wide participation, and demonstrating financial sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental bodies serving the area. This initiative aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector and enhance community cooperation, ensuring substantial benefits for the costs involved.

SEVACF makes grants and works with fund holders to support promising projects that enhance the quality of life for all those residing across southeast Virginia through addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. Through a careful review process, the Foundation’s board and staff work together to award grants that strengthen the nonprofit sector.
Grants available from our Community Needs Fund, which are established by visionary philanthropists, are awarded through our two competitive grant cycles each year. Priority is given to projects that:
Address current pressing problemsReach a broad section of the communityDemonstrate innovationHave a track record of successEncourage matching gifts or added funding from other sourcesYield substantial benefits for the costs involvedPromote cooperation among agencies within their fields of interest

Eligibility

Applicants must:be classified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code; or part of a governmental body (such as schools or parks department that serves Southeast Virginia).serve those in Southeast Virginia, or is located in Southeast Virginia.

Ineligibility

The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation generally does not make grants for the following:Programs/equipment that were committed to prior to the grant application periodDebt reductionAnnual appeals or membership contributionsProjects/organizations benefitting individuals or a few personsTravel expense for individuals or groupsSupport of public or private educational institutions or government agencies except in special situations where support is essential to projects/programs that meet critical community needsPolitical purposesCapital and endowment building unless matching funds are generated within the particular organizationOrganizations cannot receive a grant more than once in a twelve (12) month period. If an organization is funded for three (3) consecutive years, we kindly ask that you wait a year before applying to another grant cycle.