The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund is administered by The Community Foundation and will distribute $300,000 in competitive grant awards to nonprofit organizations serving Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties in Virginia. The program is part of a partnership with Amazon to strengthen local communities by supporting nonprofit projects across diverse focus areas. Grants will be awarded through a structured review process involving both the Foundation’s committee and Amazon’s review team. The purpose of the program is to provide financial support to organizations working in fields that improve education, the environment, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage, and health. The fund prioritizes initiatives that contribute to long-term community resilience, address local needs, and foster equity of access to resources and opportunities. Amazon’s involvement highlights a corporate commitment to regional development and aligns with The Community Foundation’s mission to mobilize philanthropic resources for community benefit. Funding is available for a broad set of programmatic areas. STEM education grants support teacher training, hands-on learning, and equitable access to technology, including classroom programs, after-school activities, and career exploration. Sustainability and environment projects may include conservation efforts, renewable energy initiatives, and community-based environmental education. Community development projects may focus on housing, workforce development, or infrastructure improvements. Digital skills funding targets coding programs, digital literacy, and technology-based workforce readiness. Cultural heritage preservation may include restoration of landmarks, archival projects, and educational programs celebrating local history. Finally, health and wellbeing funding may be directed to education, access to care, disease prevention, and mental health services. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to nonprofit organizations serving the four designated Virginia counties. The program does not extend to statewide or national applicants. Organizations interested in applying must ensure that their proposals align with one or more of the defined focus areas and adhere to The Community Foundation’s overall grant guidelines, which provide further requirements regarding program design, spending, and reporting. The application process follows a structured timeline. The application portal opens on August 18, 2025, and closes on September 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Following submission, The Community Foundation reviews eligibility and program alignment. During the week of October 27, 2025, the Foundation’s grantmaking committee finalizes recommendations, which are then reviewed by Amazon. Grant awardees will be notified during the week of November 17, 2025, when funding agreements and payments are processed. A celebration event will be held in December 2025 in collaboration with Amazon. For questions or proposal development support, applicants are encouraged to contact Casey Hu, Director of Donor Services, at casey.hu@cfrrr.org or by phone at 540-373-9292 x123. General inquiries may also be directed to The Community Foundation at info@cfrrr.org or 540-373-9292. The mailing address is P.O. Box 208, Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208, and the office is located at Millrace North, 725 Jackson Street, Suite 114, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. These details ensure that applicants can access guidance and confirm compliance with eligibility and submission standards. The program is recurring on an annual basis, with the 2025 cycle providing a model for future rounds. Organizations in the eligible counties are encouraged to monitor The Community Foundation’s website for updated grant guidelines and competitive grant opportunity dates for subsequent years.

Applicants are encouraged to contact The Community Foundation for guidance in developing proposals that best utilize available funds.