Grant Program - Nonprofit Grants

Grant Program for Nonprofits Overview

Geographic Scope: Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Virginia

Key Statistics:

• $9.3 million in grants awarded in 2025
• Multiple grant funding opportunities through various fund types
• 354 funds and growing supporting community needs

Program Types

The Community Foundation manages grants through several mechanisms:

• Designated endowment funds created by donors to benefit specific nonprofits
• Agency funds established by nonprofits for reserve building and sustainability
• Donor advised funds allowing donors to recommend grants
• General community grants from unrestricted fund sources

Focus Areas

Grants support:

• Organizations addressing community needs
• Nonprofits with measurable community impact
• Various charitable causes (76+ local nonprofits supported)
• Programs aligned with donor charitable intent

Eligibility

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Organizations serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
• Must demonstrate community impact and measurable outcomes

What They Fund

• General operating support
• Program-specific support
• Emergency assistance (with board approval for agency funds)
• Long-term sustainability initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Specific donor-designated restrictions apply to individual funds
• Guidelines vary by fund agreement

Additional Opportunities

Great Community Give - Annual giving day (April 22, 2026) supporting 158 participating nonprofits

Contact Information

• Phone: 540-432-3863
• Address: P.O. Box 1068, Harrisonburg, VA 22803; 317 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
• Website: tcfhr.org

How to Apply for a Grant

1. Visit the Funding Opportunities page at tcfhr.org to review available grant programs
2. Determine grant type:
   • General community grants
   • Agency fund distributions
   • Designated endowment grants
3. Contact TCFHR staff to discuss your organization's funding needs and eligibility
4. Prepare grant proposal with information about:
   • Organization's mission and history
   • Specific project or program details
   • Community impact and measurable outcomes
   • Budget and funding request
5. Submit application according to specific fund guidelines

For Agency Fund Distributions

If your nonprofit has an agency fund:

• Distributions can be taken flexibly based on fund agreement
• No requirement for annual distributions from endowed funds
• Emergency spending allowed with board approval (depending on fund agreement)
• Contact TCFHR to request distribution from your fund

Application Deadlines

• Early giving deadline: April 3 (for Great Community Give on April 22)
• Other deadlines: Vary by specific grant program; contact TCFHR for details

Support Available

• Staff available to discuss funding needs and strategy
• Assistance with identifying appropriate fund sources
• Guidance on meeting fund requirements and reporting