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.
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.
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
Please click the button below for further information about both the Spring and Fall Community Grants Programs.
NEW! Field of Interest Grant Program
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation is pleased to announce a new Field of Interest Grant Program established 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
