Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding Grant

Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Last Updated: December 09, 2025

Summary

The Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding initiative by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation aims to foster conservation practices among youth in South Hampton Roads. It emphasizes education about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, encouraging hands-on experiences and action plans for watershed preservation. By equipping students with knowledge and skills, the program seeks to enhance environmental stewardship and ensure a healthier future for the region's natural resources.

Overview

About Us The Hampton Roads Community Foundation connects you with charitable causes to improve life in our region. The community foundation manages permanent funds created by people from all walks of life. Its mission is to inspire philanthropy and transform the quality of life in southeastern Virginia. Environmental Stewardship - Seed & Program Funding Why it matters Environmental stewardship requires the practice of conservation and sustainable activities that protect the natural environment for future generations. We believe it is vital that Hampton Roads youth are knowledgeable of our waterways’ health and the implications of sea level rise and, accordingly, adopt positive behaviors in caring for the natural environment. After many years of good progress to improve them, many Hampton Roads waterways fall below the desired ratings for healthy waterways. Our region also ranks in the top 10 worldwide for sea level rise vulnerability. We believe that preparing the region’s youth to be good environmental stewards is critical to improving our region’s natural environment now and in the future. Environmental Stewardship Community Grants focus on programs that educate youth, grades 3-12, about Hampton Roads waterways’ health and the impact of sea level rise in our region. Programs should be sustained efforts that: Provide hands-on outdoor experiences,Include education on environmental issues related to our water-based region, andOffer the opportunity for youth to develop and implement an action plan around watershed preservation and restoration. Desired Outcomes: Grant proposals should address one or more of the following outcomes: Hampton Roads youth increase their knowledge of our waterways’ health and exhibit positive behaviors that improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Hampton Roads youth increase their knowledge of sea level rise and its potential impact on the region. Proposals for program funding must be able to articulate: Program’s fit with our stated priorities Program’s desired outcomes Organization’s plan for measuring program effectiveness in reaching outcomes

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants should be nonprofits working to improve lives in South Hampton Roads.The Hampton Roads Community Foundation welcomes grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads, including:ChesapeakeEastern Shore of Virginia - (Accomack and Northampton counties) Grants to Eastern Shore nonprofits are awarded in partnership with our affiliated Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation.FranklinIsle of Wight CountyNorfolkPortsmouthSuffolkVirginia BeachRequests for funding minor equipment needs may be submitted as part of the grant request.The community foundation will consider awarding grants to specific municipal entities or component units of government for projects generally provided by nonprofit agencies in other communities. This policy does not prohibit public and private colleges and universities from applying for funding.

Ineligibility

If your organization has received a Hampton Roads Community Foundation grant in the past three years, it is NOT eligible to apply for funding for the same type of grant. Please also note that grants are generally not available for:Organizations without public charity tax-exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Individuals Fundraising events (such as tickets, raffles, auctions or tournaments), annual fundraising appeals or agency celebrations Ongoing operating support Capital projects and facilities and equipment upgrades that can be considered routine maintenance or replacements Houses of worship unless applying for the Nightingale Fund for Faith Community Nursing or the E.K. Sloane Fund for pianos Religious activities (organizations and activities that require religious participation by those receiving services) Political or fraternal organizations Endowment building Existing obligations, debts or liabilities or costs that an agency has already incurred Scholarly research Scholarships, camper fees, fellowships or travel Passenger vans for transporting youth National or international organizations or purposes Hospitals and similar health-care facilities unless applying for a Special Interest Grant Projects 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 needsCapital campaign requests exceeding 5% of a campaign valued at $1 million or more