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.
Special Interest grant applicants are expected to provide financial statements in the form of either recent independently audited financials or a full 990 or 990EZ recently filed with the IRS. A 990-N with a profit and loss statement will only be considered for applications to the animal welfare opportunity, the Veterans opportunity, the Jennifer Lynn Gray Fund, the Laura Turner Fund, the Mary E. and Curtis M. Chappell Jr. Fund.
The current 11 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, The Emil J. Gasser, Jr. Fund, and The Colenda Fund support nonprofit organizations that provide for the welfare of animals. Awards will be between $2,000 and $5,000. Applications are due October 1.
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) teachers to improve student learning and enhance the classroom experience is offered annually. 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 2023, high school teachers will be supported and applications are due Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Funding must be used prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. The complete RFP and the application form are available from high school principals in Norfolk Public Schools. The 2024 RFP will be available in the Fall of 2024. 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 Nightingale Fund is accepting applications from faith communities for a Nightingale Ministry. Grantees will be houses of worship that are conducting a handmade greeting card outreach to senior citizens living in nursing homes or to housebound individuals who need a caring connection.
Grants from this fund typically provide for the cost of greeting card craft supplies for one year. Completed grant requests will be reviewed first by the donors to the Nightingale Fund and then by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Awards will be up to $500.
Complete the Cover Sheet and application.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
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 Emil J. Gasser, Jr. Fund and The Colenda Fund support nonprofit organizations that provides support to Veterans. Preference may be given to programs that assist Veterans with disabilities. Awards will be up to $5,000. Applications are due October 1.