Fall Semi-Annual Competitive Grants

The Cabell Foundation’s Semi-Annual Competitive Grants program is a cornerstone initiative designed to support permanent, capital projects undertaken by nonprofit organizations. As a private foundation with a multipurpose philanthropic mission, The Cabell Foundation is committed to fostering community development and advancing institutional missions through investments in physical infrastructure. With a strong emphasis on challenge or matching grants, the program is structured to catalyze broader financial support by requiring grantees to secure additional contributions. Typically, no more than 50% of matching funds can come from other private foundations, and the Foundation may impose additional conditions based on the unique circumstances of each project. Grant periods generally span 12 to 18 months from the date of award notification, with funds disbursed in a single payment. The Foundation considers proposals across a wide array of focus areas. These include cultural arts, civic and community development, conservation and environmental protection, education, historic preservation, and social services, health, and welfare. Eligible capital expenditures might involve building acquisition, renovation, infrastructure upgrades, technology enhancements, or expansion projects. For instance, the Foundation has supported projects such as museum exhibitions, performing arts venue renovations, workforce training facilities, and health clinic upgrades. While the Foundation does not earmark funding allocations across these categories, funding decisions are driven by the competitiveness of proposals and the impact potential. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and are not classified as private foundations under Section 509(a). Although applicants from across the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible, preference is given to those operating in the Richmond metropolitan area. Public sector agencies and religious institutions are generally ineligible, with limited exceptions for cultural or historic preservation projects. Additional exclusions apply to individuals, scholarship funds, general endowments, debt reduction, and general operating expenses. Applicants must wait at least three years from the receipt of their previous grant payment before applying again. The application process for the Semi-Annual Competitive Grants program involves a two-step procedure. Prospective applicants must first submit a Contact Form by February 15th for the Spring Cycle or August 15th for the Fall Cycle. This preliminary step includes organizational information, a project description, and capital requirements. Following an invitation from the Executive Director, selected organizations are then allowed to submit a full online application, which is due by March 1st (Spring) or September 1st (Fall). Required documentation includes a detailed project narrative, impact goals, budgets, financial statements, and supporting organizational documents such as IRS letters and board lists. Evaluation of proposals takes place biannually at the Foundation’s Spring and Fall meetings, with funding decisions announced in the last week of May and November respectively. The Foundation may request meetings or site visits during the review process to further understand the project's goals and community impact. Projects should be designed with measurable outcomes and sustainable financial planning post-completion. Applicants must also submit a self-evaluation report within a year of receiving funds, addressing how the grant advanced the organization’s mission, leveraged additional support, and what outcomes—both expected and unexpected—were achieved. For questions or more information, applicants are directed to contact Emily K. Schott, Executive Director, via phone at (804) 780-2050 or email at [email protected]. The Foundation’s office is located at 901 East Cary Street, Suite 1201, Richmond, VA 23219-4037. By policy, board members and officers do not engage in discussions with applicants outside this formal process. All communication must go through the Executive Director, and only those invited may proceed to full application submission.

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