What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are public charities dedicated to strengthening the places we call home. They connect the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses with the local nonprofits doing meaningful work in the community. Through grants, endowments, and partnerships, community foundations support a wide range of causes: education, healthcare, social services, the arts, the environment, and more.

Because they’re rooted in the communities they serve, community foundations are uniquely positioned to respond to emerging needs and long-term challenges. The very first was founded in Cleveland in 1914. Today, there are nearly 1,000 across the U.S., including 29 in Virginia.

What does the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation do?

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) has been partnering with donors and nonprofits to support Accomack and Northampton counties since 2004. We manage charitable funds and award grants that tackle critical needs across our region. To date, we’ve invested more than $4.5 million in local organizations—and with over $15 million in assets, we’re here for the long haul.

As an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, we benefit from the experience and resources of one of the country’s largest and most respected community foundations.

Why should I support ESVCF? 

Giving to ESVCF is an investment in your community’s future. Your support helps build a lasting source of funding for the entire Eastern Shore, one that’s flexible, resilient, and able to meet changing needs over time.

Together, we can do more than any one of us could do alone.

What types of causes does the Foundation support?

Through our Community Grants, we support a broad spectrum of local nonprofits that serve Accomack and Northampton counties, including those focused on:

• Education

• Health and wellness

• Arts and culture

• Environmental conservation

• Economic opportunity

• Child, family, and social services

Our Spring Community Grants fund capital projects and successful on-going programs, while our Fall Community Grants program supports new initiatives and nonprofit capacity building.

Applications are accepted online, with deadlines on March 1 and September 1 each year.

Have a Question?

How can I support the Foundation?

You can make a meaningful difference in several ways:

• Annual Gifts: Make a one-time or recurring gift to support our community grantmaking or direct your gift to a specific fund. Tribute gifts in memory or honor of someone special are also welcome.

• Establish a Fund: With a gift of $25,000 or more, you can create a named endowed fund tailored to your interests, whether it’s donor-advised, designated for a specific organization, focused on a cause, or unrestricted.

• Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy by including ESVCF in your will, trust, or retirement plan.

All gifts are tax-deductible, and we’re happy to work with you and your advisor to find the best giving strategy. Contact us at info@esvcf.org or 757-789-0910 to learn more.

How can I start a fund?

Starting a fund with ESVCF is easier than you might think! With a minimum gift of $25,000, you can create a named endowed fund in your name or in honor of someone special. We’ll work with you to design a fund that reflects your charitable goals.
Options include:

• Donor-Advised Fund – You recommend grants each year to nonprofits of your choice.

• Designated Fund – You name one or more specific nonprofits to support annually.

• Field of Interest Fund – You choose a focus area, and we award grants to strong local organizations doing work in that space.

• Unrestricted Fund – You entrust ESVCF to identify and address the community’s greatest needs over time.

We handle all the administrative details, investment management, and due diligence—so you can focus on making a difference.Who oversees the Foundation?

ESVCF is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of dedicated local leaders. They bring deep knowledge of our community and help ensure that our grantmaking aligns with local needs and donor intent.

Are there opportunities for smaller donors to make a difference?

Absolutely. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact. Smaller contributions can:

• Be directed to our Community Fund, supporting competitive local grants.

• Be made in honor or memory of someone special.

• Be added to existing funds that align with your interests.

These gifts add up, and because we pool resources, even modest donations help fund meaningful work across the Eastern Shore.