General Guidelines
These guidelines apply to all ESVCF Community Grants programs:
Deadlines
March 1 for Spring Grants
September 1 for Fall Grants and Field of Interest Grants
Eligibility
Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Projects must directly benefit residents of Accomack or Northampton counties.
With rare exceptions for special projects, the organization must have completed at least 1 full fiscal year of operations and have submitted a Form 990.
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.
Contact Information
We are here to help! Grant applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation Executive Director with any questions pertaining to the grant application process:
Email: grants@esvcf.org
Phone: (757) 789-0910
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Organizations may apply for grants from both ESVCF and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Applications to the latter are governed by its independent policies.
Application Process
BEFORE YOU APPLY: Confirm Eligibility
Carefully review our updated Grant Guidelines to ensure your organization and application meet all criteria for the Spring, Fall or Field of Interest Grant Program.
First-time applicants or those with questions are strongly encouraged to contact the Foundation directly via phone or email for guidance.
STEP ONE: Submit a Concept Proposal
The Concept Proposal form is available by clicking on the button below
Provide a concise summary of the proposed project or program.
STEP TWO: Submit a Grant Application (by Invitation Only)
Proceed with the full grant application only after a staff member has contacted your organization to confirm that your concept proposal has been reviewed and approved for further consideration.
PROJECT NARRATIVE - The project narrative should include the following information:
Background Information - Why is this project important and why is your organization uniquely positioned to undertake it? This section should include a brief summary of your organization’s mission, history and accomplishments. Do you have data to demonstrate your impact and reach?
Statement of Need - What compelling community need will this project address?
Project Goals and Objectives - Identify both big picture goals and interim milestones that will be achieved.
Project Activities - What are the steps you will take to implement the project?
Project Timeline
Key Personnel - Who will carry out the work?
Sources of Funding - Please identify any other funds available for this project, including any matching funds.
Evaluation Plan - How will you evaluate the project’s impact and determine whether the project is meeting the needs that you identified?
Sustainability - How will the project be sustained after the grant?
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS - The grant application requires the following:
Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status
Most recent IRS Form 990
Current and prior year financial reports (Statement of Activities/P&L and Statement of Financial Position/Balance Sheet)
A list of current board members, including contact information
Detailed project budget
SUBMISSION
When ready to submit your Step 2 Grant Application, please send the Project Narrative and Supporting Documents by email to grants@esvcf.org prior to the deadline listed below. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your grant application.