Grant Programs

The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia (TCF) manages a broad range of charitable funds and endowments established by individuals, families, corporations and other foundations to enhance the quality of life in our region.  The charitable interests of these funds are as varied as the donors who established them.  The Community Foundation supports the grantmaking activities of the following grant programs.  Please use the links for an overview of each funding partner's interests, criteria and restrictions.

The Community Foundation (Strengthening Families-Strengthening Communities)

Garland & Agnes Taylor Gray Foundation

Jenkins Foundation

Richmond Eye & Ear Fund

Sheltering Arms Fund

Our grantmaking falls into two basic categories:  those in response to proposals (community grants) and those in response to donor recommendation (donor advised or donor designated grants).  We accept unsolicited letters of intent only for community grants. 

TCF and its funding partners consider proposals two times each year, except the Gray Foundation and the Sheltering Arms Fund, which consider proposals only in the summer funding cycle.  Our policies limit organizations to competitive grant support one time in a calendar year from TCF and/or its funding partners.  However, from time to time, organizations may be considered for additional community grant support in a calendar year if the funding partners undertake a special initiative or by invitation.

How to Apply

How do I request a grant?

Organizations wishing to request support from TCF, or any of its funding partners, should address the organization’s letter of intent to The Community Foundation.  Letters of intent should be no more than two pages and should: 

  1. explain the organization's mission;
  2. describe the proposed project; and
  3. outline a budget summary of major expense and income line items. 

In addition, please provide the name of your agency’s board president and note on the Letter of Intent that a copy (cc) has been sent to the agency’s board president.  

Based on the nature of the request and the funding criteria and restrictions of each funding partner, staff will determine which funding partner(s) will consider the organization’s letter of intent.  These factors, along with the amount requested, availability of grant funds and funding priorities, are considered by committee.  A limited number of organizations will be invited to submit fully-developed proposals.  Specific guidelines and forms for the proposal will be sent at that time.  Through this process, we hope to make the best use of an organization's limited time and resources.  

What are the deadlines?

All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. receipt deadlines, not postmark deadlines. When a deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to the following Monday. We cannot accept Letters of Intent sent by facsimile or e-mail. 

Winter Cycle Summer Cycle
Letter of Intent November 5 May 5
Foundation Response November 19 May 19
Proposal Deadline January 5 July 5
Grant Decisions 3rd week of March 3rd week of September
Grant Programs