Visionaries for Change Grant

Overview

About Us

Visionaries for Change, a giving circle of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, was established in 2019 by Black business and civic leaders in Hampton Roads. Visionaries donate money to a pooled fund, and together fund grants that improve life in Black communities experiencing economic distress in Hampton Roads. Members want to invest in organizations that build a healthy community, increasing everyone’s opportunity for success.

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