General Grants Program

Location: Bedford, Virginia (Town and County)

The Bedford Community Health Foundation awards grants twice per year to non-profit organizations that provide health care or health-related services to Bedford residents. Since inception, BCHF has awarded over $7.3 million in grants and scholarships.

Funding Focus

The Foundation takes a comprehensive approach to health including:

• Direct health care services
• Healthy neighborhood conditions
• Access to healthy foods
• Dental health
• Transportation
• Mental health services
• Emergency medical services
• Nutrition programs
• Hospice services
• Community health initiatives addressing root causes of health disparities

Geographic Scope

Eligible Service Area: Town and County of Bedford, Virginia

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a qualified non-profit organization under IRS regulations (501(c)(3))
• Must provide health care or health-related services to Bedford residents
• Cannot be institutions primarily supported by government funds
• First-time applicants must call the CEO to discuss proposal and may require site visit

What Foundation Does NOT Fund

• Loans
• Grants to individuals
• Organizations that do not qualify as non-profit under IRS regulations
• Institutions primarily supported by government funds
• Efforts to influence elections or legislation
• Research projects
• Debt retirement

Application Deadlines

• Spring Cycle: April 1
• Fall Cycle: October 1

Contact Information

CEO: Denny Huff Mailing Address: Bedford Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1104, Bedford, VA 24523 Physical Address: 2nd Floor, Bedford Central Library Office Hours: 9 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

Grant Application Process

#### For First-Time Applicants
1. Initial Contact: Call the CEO at (540) 586-5292 to discuss the organization's proposal
2. Arrange Meeting: Schedule meeting with Foundation leadership
3. Site Visit: May be required
4. Discussion Topics: Be prepared to discuss:
- Organization leadership
- Mission statement
- Financial status
- Non-profit status
- Specific program or need for which funds will be used
5. Conditional Approval: Once Executive Director agrees request fits Foundation guidelines, organization can submit grant application

#### Complete Grant Application Package

Required Hard Copies (3 originals + 2 additional copies = 3 total sets):
1. Cover letter on organizational letterhead
2. Detailed description of project including impact if funding is NOT received
3. Project timeline
4. Estimated number of participants or measure of project impact on Bedford Community
5. Detailed project budget

Additional Required Hard Copies (1 of each):
1. IRS 501(c)(3) documentation
2. Current list of Officers and Directors
3. Latest financial statement
4. Current organizational budget

Required Electronic Files (PDF format):

PDF #1: Complete grant application (all narrative materials)

PDF #2: Officers and directors list, 501(c)(3) designation, most recent financial statement and budget

Email PDF files to: [email protected]

#### Application Submission

Deadline: Applications must be received by April 1 (Spring) or October 1 (Fall) by 4:30 PM

Late or Incomplete Applications: Will NOT be considered

Delivery Methods:

- Mail: Bedford Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1104, Bedford, VA 24523
- In-Person Delivery: 2nd Floor, Bedford Central Library (can leave at Reference Desk if office is closed)
- Email: Not accepted for application submission

#### After Award

Grant recipients expected to attend meeting to receive grant checks

Recipients encouraged to:

- Deposit checks promptly
- Publicize the award
- Submit completed outcome report within stated deadline using Outcome Grant Evaluation Form

#### Questions
Contact Denny Huff, CEO, at (540) 586-5292