Community Grant Program Overview

Source of Grant Funds

Please note that many grants are made from endowed funds that do not accept requests. These funds are established and advised by individual donors, and the distributions are determined by the donor for specific philanthropic purposes. These grant distributions are made on the suggestion of the donor or fund advisor.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) Community Grants Program is made possible by:

Visionary Philanthropists

Individuals or families who establish unrestricted endowed funds or leave unrestricted bequests for the benefit of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Annual Gifts

Donations of any amount, both large and small, made by generous and caring community members throughout the year are added to the Community Fund and used for future grantmaking.

Community Grants Programs

ESVCF’s Board of Directors meets twice annually to review and approve grant applications addressing community needs through our Community Grants Program. Our two grant cycles are differentiated as follows:

Spring Grants Program

• This program focuses on capital projects and ongoing programs with documented successful outcomes. 

• Spring Grant Size Limit: Up to $50,000

Fall Small Grants Program

• This program focuses on smaller grants and seed funding for innovative new projects in our priority areas, as well as non-profit capacity building grants. 

• Fall Grant Size Limit: Up to $10,000

General Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all ESVCF Community Grants programs:

Eligibility

• Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3).

• Projects must directly benefit residents of Accomack or Northampton counties.

Evaluation

• ESVCF Staff and/or Board/Committee member(s) may request a site visit prior to considering a grant as well as upon completion of project. 

• A final grant report is required, detailing outcomes, financial accounting, challenges, and testimonials/photos (where applicable). 

Exclusions

ESVCF does not fund:

• Individuals

• General operating expenses

• Fundraising events or campaigns

• Endowments

• Scholarships, fellowships, or scholarly research

• Existing obligations or debts

• Political, fraternal, or religious activities

• Private schools or religious organizations unless the program provides a significant (broad-based and inclusive) community benefit

• National or international organizations unless grant funds are restricted to local benefit

Equal Opportunity

The foundation makes grants on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, disability, national origin or age.