Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia (“The Community Foundation”) operates many individual grant rounds at various times throughout the year. Different funds have different criteria and may serve a particular service area.
To apply to any of the grant opportunities below, please click on the ‘Access Online Grants Account’ button to the right of this page.
1. Letter of Intent
Applications Open: Year-Round
Application Deadline: Phase I – Rolling Deadline
Phase II – Will specify if/when Phase I is approved
Grant Size: The historical average for a competitive grant through this process is in the $14,000 – $25,000 range. We encourage organizations to apply for only what they need.
Grant Decisions Made: Varies
NOTE: Organizations may only submit one LOI during the Foundation’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving the cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke
Focus Areas:
NOTE: The Community Foundation is not considering any large capital campaign/project requests in FY25. Please check back after July 1, 2025.
Community Vibrancy
Building a community with access to enrichment activities can have a positive impact in promoting a strong and healthy economy. To accomplish that, we will provide support to projects/programs that:
• Promote the role that arts and culture play in creating a vibrant community.
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles, improved fitness, environmental sustainability, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Promote and create opportunities for positive social interaction and engagement in the community.
Education and Youth
The Community Foundation recognizes the importance of not only investing in our youth so that every child is given the opportunity to succeed, but to also provide access to educational opportunities for individuals who are seeking to invest in our local workforce. To accomplish that, we will provide support to projects/programs that:
• Encourage and improve literacy efforts across all ages.
• Provide quality childcare/preschool for low-income/at-risk children.
• Provide after-school and summer programs that seek to enrich the lives of children up to age 18.
• Workforce development programs that train and educate individuals to help prepare them for the job market and support economic growth.
Health
Access to healthcare services is critical for individuals and families as it plays a significant role in promoting overall well-being, preventing diseases, and ensuring timely and appropriate care. Additionally, supporting the needs of persons with disabilities ensures them the same opportunities to actively participate fully and equally in all aspects of life. To accomplish that, we will provide support to projects/programs that:
• Provide access to high-quality and affordable medical, dental, and mental health services.
• Improve the mental wellness of individuals in our community.
• Provide access to services for persons with disabilities.
2. Women in Philanthropy
(Requests MUST be between $10,000-$25,000)
Applications Open: June 12, 2024
Application Deadline: By 4:00 p.m. on July 11, 2024
Applicant Presentation: July 31 and August 1, 2024 at King’s Grant Retirement Community
Grant Decisions Made: September
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and/or serving: City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick
Focus Area
Varies
3. Summer Grant Cycle
Applications Open: July 1, 2024
Application Deadline: By 4:00 p.m on August 15, 2024
Grant Decisions Made: September-October
Below is a list of funds that are available as part of the Summer Grant Cycle. There is a separate application for each fund listed.
Larry Woodrow Vest Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in Floyd County that serve its residents.
Focus Area
Varies
The Phalia M. and Guy M. Kinder Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke
Focus Area
*Organizations that are effective and efficient in preventing cruelty to animals.
*Research and medical advancement for the cure of diseases in animals.
*Professional education of animal caretakers.
*Programs that promote the positive relationship between humans and animals
The Earl D. and Carrie Leigh Doran Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke
Focus Area
* To help individuals and families who are confronting catastrophic, life-altering circumstances.
* Supports organizations that provide shelter, care, and assistance to battered women.
The Cancer Center Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick
Focus Area
To support organizations and/or programs that provide and promote health services and educational, diagnostic, and treatment resources to victims of cancer and related conditions in the Martinsville community.
The Hospice Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick
Focus Area
To support organizations and/or programs that provide assistance and services to any needy resident in the Martinsville area with end-of-life medical needs and expenses .
Special Interest Funds
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick
Focus Areas
Supports organizations whose mission and/or program aligns with one or more of the following:
* Provides services to children and families.
* Provides services to assist handicapped/disabled persons.
* Provides services to the elderly.
* Promotes the health and quality of life (including, but not limited to):
1. Providing health services to the needy, supporting health-related teaching, educational and research programs,
2. Providing breast health services and encouraging the development of diagnostic treatment options for residents, or
3. Providing other charitable activities and projects that improve the quality of life.
4. Winter Grant Cycle
Applications Open: November 1, 2024
Application Deadline: By 4:00 p.m. on November 14, 2024
Grant Decisions Made: December-January
Below is a list of funds that are available as part of the Winter Grant Cycle. There is a separate application for each fund listed.
The Roanoke Valley Children’s Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke
Focus Area
Addresses the broad needs of children from prenatal care through the age of five by:
*Helping link existing resources with those most in need.
*Serving as a catalyst for the creation of new resources.
*Educating and promoting the understanding of the tremendous importance of this time in children’s lives.
*Building healthy lives and productive citizens from the start.
Elderly Funds
(To support the Aging Population)
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke
Focus Area
*Organizations that support the broad needs of the elderly in the community.
Thomas P. and Lewise S. Parsley Fund
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke
Focus Area
To support charitable organizations and individuals with the overall goal of meeting the financial need for programs or for individuals that enhance the preservation of dignity, hope, and personal independence and which help ease the burdens of medical expenses. Areas of interest include (but not limited to):
*Prescription medications for the elderly or individuals in financial need.
*Community outreach programs that specifically address substance abuse.
*Community programs that specifically address home or organizational health aid services for financially needy individuals and families when they cannot manage alone.
Community Impact Funds
Geographic Location:
City of Martinsville, and the counties of Henry and Patrick
Focus Area
Varies
5. Community Wellness Grant Cycle
Applications Open: January 30, 2025
Application Deadline: By 4:00 p.m. on February 13, 2025
Grant Decisions Made: March-April
Geographic Location:
Organizations located in, and serving Cities of Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Roanoke
Focus Area
Addressing the basic human needs of our vulnerable populations is crucial to helping our community thrive. But that can’t happen when people are experiencing barriers to accessing food, safe and affordable housing, and other basic necessities. The Community Wellness Grants will focus on support to the following:
*Programs that provide food assistance for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
*Programs that aim to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing options for low-wealth individuals and families.
*Programs that work towards preventing homelessness, providing temporary shelters, offering supportive services, and assisting individuals in transitioning to stable housing.
*Programs that provide clothing and other essential supplies to needy individuals and families.
We look for programs/projects that provide a well-planned approach to the issues and needs in the community, with a demonstrated track record of support and committed leadership with an emphasis given to those requests that promote collaboration between organizations with similar missions.
6. Capacity-Building Grants
NEW!! Information regarding the Community Foundation’s Capacity Building Grants can be found here.
The Question List for the Capacity-Building Grant Application can be found here.