Prana Fund for Nonprofit Organizations

The Prana Fund, established within the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, is seeking innovative proposals for projects that align with its mission to integrate environmental education and the visual arts. This grant program aims to support nonprofit organizations and schools in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County areas. The foundation's broader strategic priorities include fostering community well-being and supporting initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and access to the arts for all children in the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant are children living in Charlottesville and/or Albemarle County, particularly those who have traditionally experienced limited access to the arts and outdoors. The program prioritizes engaging these children through hands-on educational opportunities that combine environmental learning with visual or performing arts. The impact goals are centered on increasing access to these integrated educational experiences and fostering a greater appreciation for both the environment and the arts among underserved youth. The core focus of the Prana Fund is to support projects that effectively integrate environmental education and the visual arts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or fiscally sponsored organizations primarily working with children in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area who have faced barriers to arts and outdoor engagement. The program emphasizes innovative approaches that create meaningful and interactive learning experiences. Expected outcomes include enhanced environmental literacy, increased artistic engagement, and improved access to enriching educational activities for the target population. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "up to $15,000 will be considered," the emphasis on "hands-on educational opportunities" and "primarily engaging children who have traditionally experienced limited access" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate clear participation and engagement metrics, and potentially show a positive shift in participants' knowledge or interest in the environment and arts. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing integrated arts and environmental education, they can address educational disparities and promote holistic development for children in the community.