Fall Semi-Annual Competitive Grants

The Cabell Foundation, founded in 1957 by Robert G. Cabell III and Maude Morgan Cabell, is a private, non-operating foundation based in Virginia. Its mission is to support the permanent needs of charitable organizations, with a particular focus on the Richmond metropolitan area. Over the decades, the Foundation has contributed over $136 million to more than 400 agencies across Virginia, funding initiatives in cultural arts, education, community development, environmental conservation, and historic preservation. The founders envisioned a strategic philanthropic effort that inspires community engagement and meets long-term societal needs through meaningful capital support. The Foundation’s Semi-Annual Competitive Grants program is its core funding mechanism. These grants are specifically designed for capital projects that enhance the physical infrastructure and long-term viability of nonprofit organizations. Funding is typically awarded as a challenge or matching grant to encourage broad community participation and leverage additional fundraising. Applicants may be required to match the award amount through specific fundraising milestones, such as securing a set number of new donors or reaching a defined percentage of a fundraising goal. The match criteria vary per project, and typically, no more than half of the matching funds may come from other private foundations. Grants are disbursed in a single payment, with a grant period ranging from 12 to 18 months following the award notification. The Foundation considers applications twice annually during its Spring and Fall grant cycles. To initiate the process, interested applicants must first submit a Contact Form by February 15 for the Spring cycle or August 15 for the Fall cycle. This form includes key organizational and project information and serves as a pre-screening mechanism. An invitation to apply is extended by the Executive Director following review of the Contact Form. Full applications must be submitted by March 1 (Spring) or September 1 (Fall). Application submission is only permitted through the Foundation’s online portal and is restricted to organizations that receive an invitation to apply. Each full proposal must include comprehensive documentation such as the organization’s IRS determination letter, financial audits or reviews, IRS Form 990, a project description outlining needs and impact goals, detailed budget projections, a sustainability plan for post-completion operations, and a current operating budget. Additionally, a Board of Directors list and an annual report (if available) are required. Emphasis is placed on how the project aligns with the organization’s mission and its potential to drive community impact. Site visits or meetings may be arranged at the discretion of the Foundation during the evaluation phase. Eligibility is limited to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not private foundations under Section 509(a). While eligible applicants may be located anywhere in Virginia, preference is strongly given to organizations within the Richmond metropolitan area. The Foundation does not support public sector agencies or entities with majority state or local government funding, although exceptions may be made for a few cultural institutions. The Foundation also excludes funding for general operating expenses, debt reduction, national fund drives, religious activities (except in disaster repair or preservation), and general-purpose endowments. Grants for restricted endowments or capital equipment may be considered under specific circumstances. Reapplication is permitted after three years following any previous grant payment. Award notifications are typically issued in the last week of May (Spring cycle) and the last week of November (Fall cycle). Recipients are required to submit a post-grant evaluation report within one year of receiving funds, detailing the outcomes, use of funds, community impact, and how the project advanced the organization’s mission. This report must be completed before any new funding requests will be considered. For questions or to initiate the application process, organizations must contact Executive Director Emily K. Schott via the Foundation’s office in Richmond, Virginia.

Show alignment with mission and how project will leverage community support; avoid general operating/debt asks