GLCF: Century Fund Grant

The GLCF Century Fund offers $100,000 annually to tax-exempt charitable organizations in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. This grant supports transformational projects that significantly improve nonprofit operations and community services. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to innovative change. The fund aims to enhance various project categories, including arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Organizations can apply every five years, ensuring a continuous opportunity for impactful funding.

Grant Philosophy
Grants are made to tax-exempt charitable organizations and institutions in our service area that have received a 501(c)(3) classification from the Internal Revenue Service.
The Century Fund provides the opportunity for GLCF to provide significant funding for a transformational project in our region through an annual grant of $100,000.
A transformational project is one that:

• Fundamentally changes how a non-profit functions
• Nets positive results for the nonprofit and those it serves
• Results in positive, innovative, and significant change for the organization and our community
• Significantly improves or creates a new service, facility, or program of the organization
• Creates new opportunities or resources for many people in our community
• Is a significant step forward for the nonprofit organization, while remaining within the scope of their mission
• Project Category
• Arts
• Education
• Environment
• Healthy & Independent Living
• Historical Preservation
• People in Crisis
• Strengthening Families
• Successful Children
• Funding

The Century Fund grant is $100,000, which is awarded to one organization for one project. The Century Fund grant must be a significant portion of the total amount needed to complete the project or program. The Century Fund grant may or may not be awarded in a given year if, in the judgment of GLCF, no applications meet the criteria for granting.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving the city of Lynchburg and/or the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell that are organized and operated for charitable purposes and recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt public charities under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Public educational institutions without an IRS determination letter may also be eligible to receive grants.The grant may be for programs or projects, including "bricks and mortar."Organizations that have previously received the Century Fund may reapply in five years.