Grant Programs
The Community Foundation
Strengthening Families – Strengthening Communities is the prevailing theme that guides The Community Foundation’s competitive grantmaking to charitable organizations. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by using our resources to promote strong, healthy families and build nurturing, sustainable communities. We seek to achieve these goals by focusing our grantmaking in five strategic areas.
Community Grants
Open to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Richmond and Central Virginia region that are seeking program or operating support. This is the same process used by our funding partners listed below. How to Apply
Deadline: May 5 and November 5
Capacity Building Grants
Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that have received a community grant from The Community Foundation or its funding partners within the past three years. Grants will support opportunities to provide professional and timely assistance to enhance organizational capacity and effectiveness. Learn more
Deadline: Ongoing; Reviewed on a quarterly basis
Strategic Grants
Organizations will be invited by TCF’s Board of Governors. Grants will support organizations, programs or collaborative initiatives that have the potential to make a transformational impact in one or more of the Foundation’s five strategic areas.
Participating Funding Partners
The Community Foundation is pleased to support the grantmaking of several supporting organizations and committee-advised funds. While they follow the same process as outlined above for The Community Foundation’s community grants, each funding partner has established its own focus areas and eligibility criteria. Please use the links below to learn more.
Garland & Agnes Taylor Gray Foundation
Supports cultural, historical and educational institutions that have a significant impact on the quality of life in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Learn more
Deadline: May 5
Jenkins Foundation
Supports nonprofit organizations that have the potential to make a significant impact on the quality of health, especially for our youth, in the Greater Richmond area. Learn more
Deadline: May 5 and November 5
Richmond Eye & Ear Foundation Fund
Supports local nonprofits that provide health care education, preventative services or access to medical care related to conditions of the ear, eye, nose, throat or mouth. Learn more
Deadline: May 5 and November 5
Sheltering Arms Foundation Fund
Supports organizations that provide services to uninsured and underinsured adults with physical or cognitive disabilities or those who are at risk for developing functional limitations. Learn more
Deadline: May 5
Special Funding Opportunities
The following funding opportunities are available outside of The Community Foundation’s regular grant cycles. Please use the links below to view the focus areas and application procedures for each of the following collaborative grant initiatives.
Impact 100 Richmond
The mission of this program is to advance transformative giving in the Richmond region by uniting women's ideas and actions through philanthropy. The membership will award one transformational grant of at least $100,000 per year to a nonprofit in one of five focus areas. Learn more
Deadline: March 2011 (check back for specific date)
Richmond Giving Circle
This program is designed for young professionals who wish to leverage their philanthropy by pooling contributions to achieve greater impact together than they would individually. Grants support innovative grassroots organizations that are making a difference with limited staff and resources. Learn more
Deadline: March 2011 (check back for specific date)
Youth Philanthropy Project
Led by a committee of area middle and high school students, this program awards grants to youth-driven community service projects that are designed to promote safer neighborhoods, stronger families or opportunities for academic success. Learn more
Deadline: April 12 and October 12