The Prana Fund, housed at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, offers annual grants to support projects that creatively integrate environmental education with the visual or performing arts for children in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area. This grant opportunity is rooted in the belief that connecting children—particularly those with limited access to the arts and outdoors—with both the natural world and artistic expression fosters self-worth, environmental stewardship, and holistic learning.
Applications for the 2025 cycle open on September 2 and close at 4:59 p.m. on September 29. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to qualifying nonprofits and schools that propose innovative, hands-on programs combining environmental themes and artistic activities. Emphasis is placed on reaching children who have historically faced barriers to arts and outdoor education, and on delivering programming that is both equitable and joyful.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and government agencies, such as schools, serving the Charlottesville and/or Albemarle area. Projects must serve a majority of children from households eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The Prana Fund does not support individuals, endowments, or annual appeal campaigns. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or through collaborative partnerships that build on each entity’s strengths.
Applicants must submit a one-page project summary, IRS documentation, a financial statement, a detailed project budget, and information about the project leaders, board of directors, and staff roles. A successful proposal will emphasize hands-on learning, creative multidisciplinary approaches, and alignment with the Fund’s core focus of arts-environment integration.
Grant recipients will be notified by December 31, 2025. During the grant period, recipients must participate in a midterm report process (via phone or site visit) in June or July and submit a final written report at completion. All awarded funds must be used within the grant period for the purposes stated in the approved proposal.
For questions or proposal guidance, applicants may contact Daniel Fairley II, Donor Relations Manager, at (434) 234-4349 or via email at dfairley@cacfonline.org.
