Mary P. Blalock Philanthropy Fund

The Mary P. Blalock Philanthropy Fund, administered by Hampton Roads Academy (HRA), is a permanently endowed grantmaking program established in honor of Mary Blalock, a long-serving and deeply valued member of the HRA community. Mary worked at HRA for 15 years, concluding her tenure as Director of Advancement. Her legacy lives on through this fund, which reflects her enduring commitment both to the school and the broader regional community. This distinctive fund not only supports initiatives within HRA but also extends its impact to a range of nonprofit organizations across the Greater Hampton Roads area. The fund is overseen by HRA’s student-led Philanthropy Committee, which guides the annual competitive grantmaking process. Through this program, the Committee evaluates and recommends funding awards to eligible nonprofit organizations serving the Virginia Peninsula. The unique structure of this program empowers students to engage directly with community impact, philanthropy, and civic responsibility, while ensuring that funded projects align with the values that Mary Blalock championed during her lifetime. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that serve any of the following Virginia localities: Chesapeake, Gloucester County, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and York County. To be considered, organizations must demonstrate a substantial service footprint within these communities. Preference is given to programs advancing one or more of the Committee’s five focus areas: Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, The Environment, and Health and Wellness. Applications must be submitted via HRA’s designated online grants portal. The grant cycle follows a strict submission deadline of March 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application early, as submissions can be saved and updated prior to final submission. Each applicant must include the following documentation: a 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter, a recent IRS Form 990, and a balance sheet or equivalent financial statement. If these materials are not available, applicants are directed to contact the Director of Advancement for assistance. The application includes required narrative responses detailing the organization’s mission, a brief organizational description, a thorough program/project summary, and a description of the intended evaluation plan for proposed outcomes. After the application window closes, the student committee will review submissions and make final recommendations for funding. Grant awards will be announced and distributed on April 16, 2026. For questions or clarifications, applicants can contact Courtney Gardner, Director of Advancement, at [email protected] or by phone at (757) 884-9100. The physical address of the fund administrator is Hampton Roads Academy, 739 Academy Ln, Newport News, VA 23602. The office operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.