Special Interest Grants
Can your nonprofit meet these special interests?
Charitable people have established endowments to address specific concerns or interests. We welcome applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads according to the Eligibility Requirements and Application Deadlines, unless otherwise noted. While most special interest grants have an October 1 deadline, there are a few applications that are due on a different date.
The current 10 areas of interest are below.
The Sue Cook Winfrey Fund supports organizations that provide services to adults and children who are abused. The focus is on domestic violence. The fund shows a preference for residential facilities for children. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $75,000. Applications are due October 1.
The Barbara Upton Wilson Fund for humane treatment of animals supports nonprofit organizations that provide care and treatment of animals. Awards will be between $2,000 and $5,000.
The Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund supports organizations and programs that help people with disabilities live better lives. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Applications are due October 1.
Proposals will only be considered for programs providing training to those with intellectual disabilities.
The Laura Turner Fund supports organizations and programs that help people with disabilities live better lives. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. Applications are due October 1.
Proposals will only be considered for programs providing services to adults with cerebral palsy.
A grant opportunity for Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) grade K-2 teachers to improve student learning and enhance the classroom experience is offered for the 2021-22 school year. In 2019, a group of committed donors started the Friends of Norfolk Public Schools Fund, created to support NPS teachers and their daily classroom practices. In 2021, four (4) grants of $350 will be awarded. Applications are due Friday, October 29, 2021. Funding must be used prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year. The complete RFP and the Application form are available from elementary school principals in Norfolk Public Schools. Questions may be directed to grants@hamptonroadscf.org.
The Julian Haden Gary and Margaret Savage Gary Fund supports organizations that promote horticulture education. The fund has a preference for the Fred Heutte Center, Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000. Applications are due October 1.
The Benjamin R. Brown and Charles G. Brown funds support organizations conducting mental health research to help people lead better lives. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. Applications are due October 1.
The Harry F. Wall Memorial Fund helps high schools on the Virginia Peninsula. The Mary E. and Curtis M. Chappell Jr. Fund supports arts and humanities activities on the Virginia Peninsula. Grants range from $1,000 to $1,200 for arts and $10,000 to $25,000 for high schools. Applications are due October 1.
The E. K. Sloane fund provides grants to help nonprofit organizations purchase or repair pianos – primarily those for public performance. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in Hampton Roads. Grants are also available for schools in Hampton Roads, both public and independent. Religious organizations must use pianos for public performances. Grants range from $5,000 to $75,000. Applications are due October 1.
Apply online or review a sample application.
About the Fund
Since 1997 the E.K. Sloane Fund has provided more than $4.3 million to purchase or restore more than 150 pianos for more than 80 organizations. Several nonprofits have received more than one Sloane piano over the years.
Grants come from a bequest from the late E.K. Sloane, who grew up in Norfolk. He was an engineer who loved piano music but did not play the instrument himself. He anonymously bought pianos for nonprofit organizations during his lifetime. When he died in 1997 at age 90, he entrusted the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to continue his passion.
For a list of grantees, see the Recent Grants page.
The Dal Paull Fund supports youth baseball and softball programs. Grants pay for equipment, uniform and capital improvements. Grants range from $500 to $2,500. Applications are not being accepted in 2022.
Past recipients
2019
- Ocean View Little League - for materials to build dug outs, new catchers gear and helmets and special balls for Challenger League
- Bennetts Creek Baseball Association - for fence repairs in the pitchers area and first base line
- Aid Another
- for adaptive equipment
- Shore Little League - to update and replace equipment (bases, bleachers, batting cage or L-screen protectors)
2018
- Cradock Little League - for uniforms and equipment
- Deep Creek Baseball Association - for uniforms and equipment
2017
- Suffolk Youth Athletic Association - to buy breakaway bases
- Shore Little League - to buy bleachers and anchors
2016
- Boys Baseball of Lynnhaven – for field lighting repairs
- Chesapeake Youth Sports – for uniforms
2015
- Bennetts Creek Little League – for uniforms
- Fleet Park Little League – for breakaway bases
- Ocean View Little League – for equipment and gear for a Challenger league
- Portsmouth Schools Foundation – for field repair at Churchland High School for Churchland Little League use
2014
- Cradock Little League – for equipment
2013
- Hampton Wythe Little League – to expand the concessions stand and announcer's booth
- Kempsville Pony Baseball – for jerseys
- Maury Baseball Club – to replace dugouts
- Plaza Little League – for uniforms
2011
- Azalea Little League – for helmets
- Cradock Little League – to buy helmets and bats
- Fleet Park Little League – for catchers' equipment
2010
- Westmoreland Children and Youth Association – for baseball uniforms
- Windsor Athletic Association – for fence improvements