Community Leadership Partners
The Community Leadership Partners, a giving circle of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, is a vibrant group of philanthropists of all ages who enjoy learning about community needs and combining their resources to tackle them.
Every year, the Partners learn about Hampton Roads issues, choose a funding focus area, invite nonprofits to apply for grants, go on site visits to see programs in action, and collectively recommend grants to fund.
Since 2010, the Partners have put $2.75 million into action here in Hampton Roads through a competitive grants program to help people overcome life obstacles and thrive in school and life.
2023 Grant Focus and Request for Applications
This year, the Community Leadership Partners will fund 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities with impactful and practical programs that support mental health services.
Grant applications should explain how the program for which funding is sought addresses the priority impact area of mental health services. Programs should facilitate early intervention, rapid response, and expedited access to mental health services. Programs should also encourage peer support, socialization opportunities, and family and community support. Preference will be given to organizations requesting support for a program specifically dedicated to supporting mental health services.
Please note that clinical treatment services will not be considered for funding. For examples of eligible and in-eligible programs, please review the complete grant guidelines here.
The application deadline is April 17, 2023.
Application Information Session
Nonprofits interested in applying to this grant program are strongly encouraged to attend the virtual information session on Tuesday, March 28, 3:00-4:00 p.m. At this session, HRCF staff will answer questions about this year’s Community Leadership Partners grant guidelines and the grant application process. Register here.
In addition, nonprofits are always welcomed to sign-up for our monthly Call-In Days, held on the first Thursday of each month.
View this year’s sample application here
2022 Grant Awards
In 2022, the Partners awarded $200,000 to 19 area organizations providing prevention, intervention and/or re-engagement programs and services to help youth ages 16-24. View the 2022 grants awarded.
Featured Partners
"We enjoy the hands-on way the Partners come together to improve our community at a grassroots level. We each put in a little, and directed by the whole group, we work to create better lives."
- Lynne and Steve Winter
Join the Community Leadership Partners!
Membership is open to all. Your annual gift includes:
- Activities to learn first-hand about philanthropy and community needs
- Opportunities to actively participate in annual grantmaking activities and nonprofit site visits
- Invitations to educational and social events with other community leaders and philanthropists
Membership Levels:
Annual membership amounts are based on age:
- $2,100 for ages 50 and up
- $1,000 for ages 40-49
- $500 for ages 39 and younger
If joining as a couple, membership level is determined by the oldest member.
Ways to pay:
- By credit card online
- With a gift of securities, e.g. stocks, bonds or mutual funds (please contact HRCF for instructions
- Through your donor-advised fund
- Via Individual Retirement Account transfer – QCDs are accepted for this contribution (please contact HRCF for instructions)
- By mailing a check to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510
Learn about community needs and make a difference while having fun with like-minded philanthropists. Get involved
