G.I.F.T. Program (Grant Initiative Fundraising Team)

Community Knights has awarded over $1/2 million in grant funds to the Virginia Peninsula through the quarterly GIFT program since 2013. The program supports local nonprofits and public school organizations with funding to enhance their programs and services.

Geographic Scope

• Service Area: Virginia Peninsula of Hampton Roads (includes Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg area)
• All grants must directly benefit the citizens of the Virginia Peninsula of Hampton Roads

Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants:
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Public school organizations
  • Non-profits deemed a benefit to the community by the Community Knights' Board

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate ideals aligned with Community Knights
• Show fiscal responsibility with use of grant funds
• Submit close-out statements from past grant awards (required for payment disbursement)
• Show commitment to community collaboration and innovation

Focus Areas

Funding supports a wide range of programs including:

• School athletics and sports teams (track, robotics, soccer, archery, football)
• Arts programs (band, choral, drama, show choir, visual ensemble)
• STEM education (robotics, math equipment, technology)
• Student activities and leadership programs
• Environmental education and field trips
• Nonprofit community services (food banks, housing, child development, therapeutic services)
• Equipment, uniforms, supplies, transportation, and program operational needs

Example Awards (September 2017 cycle: $100,050 total)

• Phoebus High School Track Team: $1,600
• Menchville High School Band: $5,000
• Woodside High School Band Boosters: $5,000
• Spratley 4th Grade Team: $2,200
• Virginia Peninsula Foodbank: $1,000
• Dream Catchers: $2,000 (and separate $5,000 for therapeutic horse sponsorship)
• Individual awards ranging from $875 to $5,000

Contact Information

Corporate Office:

• 11817 Canon Blvd Suite 402
• Newport News, VA 23606
• Phone: 757-884-8097

Bingo Program:

• 12742 Nettles Dr
• Newport News, VA 23606
• Phone: 757-509-5139

Office Hours:

• Monday: 10AM-5PM
• Tuesday: 10AM-5PM
• Thursday: 10AM-5PM
• Friday: 10AM-5PM

Funding Source

Community Knights is funded through their BINGO program operations. The organization has raised over $835,000 in BINGO proceeds in the past 4.5 years (as of late 2017), which funds the grant awards.

Application Process

Detailed application procedures are not provided in the available website content. However, based on grant announcements:

• Quarterly Grant Cycles: Community Knights awards grants quarterly
• Announcement Timing: Grant awards are announced in press releases (example: September 2017 awards announced September 20-28, 2017)
• Disbursement Requirement: Award payments require submission and approval of close-out statements from any previous grant awards
• Award Ceremonies: Open house celebrations are held to present awards (example: September 28, 2017 event hosted by Newport News Branch of Sona Bank)

Required Materials

Based on program requirements:

• Close-out statements from previous grants (mandatory for payment)
• Demonstration of fiscal responsibility
• Evidence of community benefit and alignment with Community Knights values

Contact for Application Details

For specific application procedures, deadlines, and required materials, contact:

• Phone: 757-884-8097
• Address: 11817 Canon Blvd Suite 402, Newport News, VA 23606
• Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10AM-5PM