Grant Programs Overview
Source of Grant Funds
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) Grant Programs are 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.
Other Grants
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.
Community Grants Program
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
Please click the button below for the full guidelines for the Spring and Fall Community Grants Programs.
Field of Interest Grant Program
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation currently administers two Field of Interest grants.
Eastern Shore Physicians’ Fund
This fund was established in 2025 by retired Eastern Shore pulmonologist Dr. James L. McDaniel. Additional contributions from individuals or businesses interested in supporting health care initiatives on the Eastern Shore are welcome.
Purpose
This fund will provide grants to advance health and well-being on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by providing sustainable financial support for innovative healthcare initiatives, healthcare access, and professional education.
How to Apply
Application Guidelines will be available in 2026, with initial grants targeted for Fall 2027.
The Fund to Provide Support for Those Impacted by Child Labor in Accomack County
This fund was established in 2025 to address the exploitation of children and support individuals impacted by child labor.
Purpose
This fund will provide grants to organizations that:
Serve individuals who have been or may be affected by child labor, or
Work to prevent and combat the exploitation of children through labor trafficking.
Funding Priorities Include
Basic needs assistance (e.g., housing, food, transportation, healthcare)
Legal services and representation
Childcare, recreation, and youth enrichment programs
Scholarships, education, vocational training, and ESL certification
Financial literacy and tax guidance
Staff training, capacity-building, or service delivery support for nonprofits working with the target population
Eligibility
Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Priority will be giving to projects serving Accomack County.
How to Apply
Grant application deadlines and review timelines will align with our Fall Small Grants program (September 1 deadline for completed applications).
Interested applicants must first submit a concept proposal via our website. Full proposals will be invited after review.
Questions? Contact us at (757) 789-0910 or grants@esvcf.org
Eastern Shore Physicians’ Fund
This fund was established in 2025 by retired Eastern Shore pulmonologist Dr. James L. McDaniel ”to advance health and well-being on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by providing sustainable financial support for innovative healthcare initiatives, healthcare access, and professional education.”