W.A. Cooke Foundation Grant Fund

The W.A. Cooke Foundation Grant Fund aims to support local public projects in Louisa and Orange counties, enhancing community welfare through scholarships and grants. The foundation prioritizes projects involving governmental units or 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring that they benefit residents and promote sustainable support. Past initiatives include the Earthquake Relief Fund and adult education programs. Funding is contingent on project alignment with community needs and the foundation's evolving priorities.

Cooke Foundation is to furnish support in connection with the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Counties of Louisa and Orange, through scholarships and grants for local public purposes that benefit the inhabitants of Louisa and Orange counties.
Grantmaking
The grant making process is conducted by the Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each project request. Therefore, solicitation of individual members of the William A. Cooke Foundation Board of Directors by potential recipients for specific William A. Cooke Foundation grant requests is discouraged.
Priorities for funding will vary from time to time. Even though a project meets established criteria, it may not be adopted because of limited funds or other priorities.
The W.A. Cooke Foundation Grant Fund provides funding for projects that benefit the residents of Louisa and Orange counties. In the past, we've been able to support a diverse range of public projects, including the Earthquake Relief Fund, the Cooke-Haley Theatre, renovation of area homes, and adult education programs.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, projects must be efforts involving a governmental unit or a not for profit
tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization as described in Section 509 (a)(1) or (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.Projects must have the support of appropriate organizations and must benefit the inhabitants of Louisa and/or Orange Counties. The grant/project must:

• Be for local public purposes that benefit the inhabitants of Louisa and Orange Counties.

Reasonably ensure continued support after involvement by the William A. Cooke
Foundation is discontinued.Not involve liability to the William A. Cooke Foundation, except to provide the amount
of the grant. Demonstrably benefit others beyond the individual organization recipient of the grant.
Be located in Louisa and/or Orange Counties or impact or be “linked” to
Louisa and/or Orange Counties.

Ineligibility

Projects must not:Carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation. Restrict the services or facilities or employment provided by the grant to individuals based on race, creed, color, sex or national origin. Benefit a William A. Cooke Foundation Director or manager; or his spouse, ancestor, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the spouses of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Duplicate any existing Foundation grant. Involve the payment of general administration cost for the sponsoring organization. Involve the establishment of a permanent foundation or trust or a permanent interest- bearing account, or involve support for the general operating costs of any organization.