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 $3.15 million into action here in Hampton Roads through a competitive grants program to help individuals overcome obstacles and thrive in life.
2025 Grant Opportunity
In 2025, the Community Leadership Partners will fund 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities with impactful and practical programs that support non-clinical mental health services. The application deadline is April 14, 2025.
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 may 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.
Note that clinical treatment services will not be considered for funding. Please review the complete 2025 grant program guidelines here.
Application Information Session
Nonprofits interested in applying to this grant program are strongly encouraged to attend the virtual information session on Tuesday, April 1, 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.
2024 Grant Awards
In 2024, the Partners awarded $200,000 to 18 area organizations providing non-clinical programs that support mental health services. View the 2024 grants awarded.
2023 Grant Awards
In 2023, the Partners awarded $200,000 to 17 area organizations providing impactful and practical non-clinical programs that support mental health services. View the 2023 grants awarded. View the 2023 grants awarded.
2022 Grant Awards
In 2024, the Partners awarded $200,000 to 19 area organizations providing programs and services to young people ages 16-24 who are at high risk of disconnection, or who are neither working nor in school nor in military service. View the 2022 grants awarded.
Community Leadership Partners is seeking new members.
Through his membership, Chris Topping has expanded his charitable giving to include supporting educational services and children in foster care.
“I have enjoyed learning about the great work that our area nonprofits are doing,” said Topping, who serves on the grant making committee. Community Leadership Partners "allows me to give back to the community and have a voice in which organizations are funded by our giving circle. I have been introduced to several nonprofit organizations that I am now personally involved with, and have made lifelong friends that I am truly grateful for."
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
