Dennis Foundation Grant

The Dennis Foundation, established in 1966 by Benjamin Dennis, Jr., serves as a philanthropic legacy rooted in central Virginia, particularly Richmond. Mr. Dennis, who co-owned Dominion Oil Company and served as Chairman of Southern Bank and Trust Company (now Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.), created the foundation to support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational efforts. Today, the foundation is administered through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services and upholds its founder’s commitment to long-term regional investment. The foundation’s mission is to provide perpetual funding to nonprofit organizations that contribute to the cultural, educational, health, and human services fabric of central Virginia. While the foundation lists broad program interests—including arts, culture, humanities, environment, and public/society benefit—it tends to prioritize education, health, human services, and religious institutions. The foundation primarily supports organizations located in Richmond and surrounding central Virginia areas, although it does not enforce strict geographic limitations. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not impose rigid program limitations but maintains a practice of focusing on initiatives with tangible local impact. The average grant size ranges from $2,000 to $7,500, with the foundation awarding around ten grants per year, totaling approximately $70,000 in annual disbursements. No matching funds are required for this opportunity, and allowable use of funds is not narrowly defined, allowing flexibility for recipient organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for the annual grant cycle, submissions must be received by September 15. The application is accessible online, and confirmation of receipt is provided via automated email. Selected applicants are notified by December following the October board review. Required application components and evaluation criteria are not disclosed in detail, but funded projects may be subject to periodic progress reports and final reporting obligations. While there is no indication of recurring multi-year support, the grant cycle operates on an annual basis. Organizations seeking funding should aim to submit their applications well before the September deadline to ensure consideration. Interested applicants can apply through the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform, where additional information is provided regarding submission and reporting requirements. Direct contact information is not provided on the public summary page.

Ensure applications are submitted by September 15 to be reviewed in October. Only 10 grants awarded per year; emphasize local impact in central Virginia.