Visionaries for Change Grant

Visionaries donate money to a pooled fund, and together fund grants that improve life in Black communities experiencing economic distress in Hampton Roads.

Focus Area

In 2025, Visionaries for Changewill fund Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Black-serving nonprofits are those with the majority (51% or more) of their clients being Black.

Grant applications should explain how the program for which funding is sought addresses one or more of the following priority impact areas:

• Strengthen businesses and current entrepreneurs by providing mentorship activities, technical assistance and access to capital.
• Create wealth and build long-term financial assets by providing financial literacy and education and employment opportunities for adults.

Grant Range

Visionaries for Change anticipates awarding grants that average $5,000. Visionaries may award grants that are smaller and larger than $5,000.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Eligible Organizations
  • Visionaries for Change will accept grant applications from Black-serving nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity organizations that provide program and services within any of the following cities or counties: Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg or York County.
  • In good standing with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity organization with uninterrupted status since January 1, 2023.
  • Has an operating budget of $50,000 or less annually. Audited financials or a full 990 are preferred, but a 990-EZ or 990N with a profit and loss statement for the current year may be considered.
  • In good standing with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to operate in Virginia.
  • In good standing with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to solicit contributions in Virginia.
  • Board membership includes at least four individuals not including the CEO or Executive Director.
• Organizations that have a current Foundation grant may apply for this opportunity.
  • Applying for this grant will not impact the organization’s ability to apply for a Community Grant, Special Interest Grant or any other grant program at the Foundation for which it is otherwise eligible.
• Only one grant application from any eligible nonprofit organization will be accepted.

Ineligibility

• Visionaries for Change will NOT fund the following:
  • Salaries for administrative purposes
  • Purchases or activities occurring prior to grant decisions
  • Deficit funding
  • Fiscal sponsorships
  • Scholarships or support for specific individuals
  • Political or Fraternal organizations
  • Private or Public Schools
  • Private Hospitals and similar Health Care Facilities
  • Endowments
  • Capital Campaigns
  • National or International organizations without a presence in Hampton Roads
  • Political Advocacy and/or Lobbying to influence legislation
  • Religious activities or Houses of Worship
  • Multi-year grant requests