ESVCF Community Grants Program- Spring Cycle

The ESVCF Community Grants Program supports capital projects and ongoing programs that positively impact residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for initiatives in areas such as arts, education, health, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that directly benefit local communities, with a focus on sustainable outcomes and collaboration. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and innovative solutions.

NOTE: Concept proposals may be submitted at any time. Foundation staff and/or the Grant Review Committee will review Step 1 (Letter of Inquiry) material to determine whether the project meets current grant making priorities and guidelines.
The contact person listed on the Concept Proposal sheet will be notified regarding whether the proposal has been selected for further consideration. Applicants should NOT complete or submit Step 2 (Full Proposal) until notified the Concept Proposal has been approved and selected for further consideration. However, Steps 1 (Letter of Inquiry) and 2 (Full Proposal) both must be completed and filed prior to a final review.
Spring Grants Program
This program focuses on capital projects and ongoing programs with documented successful outcomes.
Purpose & Focus Areas
The Spring Grants Program funds capital projects and proven programs that address the needs of Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) residents in these broad focus areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Promoting participation in arts and cultural activities and preserving cultural heritage for current and future generations.
• Child, Family, and Social Welfare
• Improving quality of life for vulnerable ESVA residents, particularly by addressing basic human needs.
• Community Vitality
• Enhancing physical spaces, services, and programs that enrich civic life and connection.
• Economic Resilience
• Helping individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and prosperity, including projects addressing housing and employment readiness.
• Education
• Preparing children for academic, work and lifelong success.
• Environment
• Protecting natural resources and promoting environmental education and stewardship.
• Health & Wellness
• Supporting access to health services and programs that encourage healthy behaviors.
• Grant Priorities
• Capital Projects

Emphasis on long-term benefits such as construction, renovations, and equipment purchases.Priority will be given to applications that fulfill matching grants.Routine or ongoing maintenance projects are generally not considered.
Program Support
Priority for programs with demonstrated positive impact in one of the six ESVCF focus areas.Innovative projects addressing critical unmet needs will be considered if the organization demonstrates sound management and fiscal accountability.Grants generally do not cover operating or administrative costs.
Special Initiatives
ESVCF may participate in time-limited collaborative funding efforts for priority community needs.ESVCF may support initiatives such as studies, needs assessments, and other projects that enhance understanding of local needs, identify new opportunities to benefit residents, or strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits.

Eligibility

Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3).Projects must directly benefit residents of Accomack or Northampton counties.The foundation makes grants on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, disability, national origin or age.Any organization that has received a Spring Grant beginning in 2025 (or any ESVCF Competitive Grant prior to 2025) must wait 5 years after receiving the grant before applying for another Spring Grant.

Ineligibility

ESVCF does not fund:IndividualsGeneral operating expensesFundraising events or campaignsEndowmentsScholarships, fellowships, or scholarly researchExisting obligations or debtsPolitical, fraternal, or religious activitiesPrivate schools or religious organizations unless the program provides a significant (broad-based and inclusive) community benefitNational or international organizations unless grant funds are restricted to local benefit