Abuse Survivors: Sue Cook Winfrey Fund

The Sue Cook Winfrey Fund is one of several special interest funds managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. The Foundation, located in Norfolk, Virginia, administers charitable endowments established by community donors to address specific needs in the South Hampton Roads region. It provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that directly serve residents in the area. These funds are structured to support particular concerns identified by donors, and applicants must meet both general eligibility requirements and any specific criteria tied to each fund. The Sue Cook Winfrey Fund was created to address the needs of abuse survivors. The fund is designed to support nonprofit organizations that provide services to both children and adults who are victims of abuse, with a primary emphasis on addressing domestic violence. The stated preference for this fund is toward residential facilities that serve children, though it also encompasses other service models as long as they are focused on supporting abuse survivors. The intent is to ensure that vulnerable populations in South Hampton Roads have access to safe environments and the resources needed to recover and rebuild their lives. Applications to this fund must be submitted online through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s application system. The deadline for applications is October 1, which aligns with most other special interest funds managed by the Foundation. Applicants are required to provide financial statements as part of their submission. Acceptable forms include independently audited financial statements, a full IRS Form 990, or a 990EZ. For specific opportunities such as the animal welfare fund, the veterans fund, and a few other named funds, a 990-N accompanied by a profit and loss statement is considered acceptable. For the Sue Cook Winfrey Fund, however, applicants must provide one of the primary financial documentation forms unless otherwise specified. The grant amounts awarded through the Sue Cook Winfrey Fund typically range between $5,000 and $65,000. This range provides flexibility to support smaller organizations as well as larger initiatives within the defined scope of the fund. There is no stated requirement for cost sharing or matching contributions, and the number of grants awarded annually is not explicitly defined. Applicants should ensure that proposed uses of the funds align closely with the fund’s purpose, particularly with respect to services for survivors of domestic violence and residential care for children when relevant. Applications will be evaluated based on how well the applicant organization’s mission and programs align with the fund’s stated purpose, the demonstrated need in the community, and the organization’s ability to deliver effective services. Required documentation, including financials, will also factor into eligibility and assessment. The Hampton Roads Community Foundation reviews applications according to its established grantmaking process, with decisions made after the close of the application period. Organizations are encouraged to consult the Foundation’s resources, including sample applications, before submitting. Interested applicants can contact the Hampton Roads Community Foundation for more information. The Foundation’s office is located at 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510. Inquiries may be directed by phone at (757) 622-7951 or by email at Info@HamptonRoadsCF.org. These contact points are available for applicants seeking clarification on eligibility, required documents, or the online application system. The Foundation also provides other resources to nonprofit organizations in the region, including training and grant-seeker guidance.

Applicants are encouraged to review sample applications provided by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.