Southeast Virginia Community Foundation Grant

The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF) operates as a private charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Chesapeake and Portsmouth, Virginia communities. SEVACF’s mission is to connect donors who care with causes that matter in order to address pressing needs and foster growth within these regions. Through its community grant program, SEVACF distributes funds exclusively to support nonprofits that serve these two municipalities, emphasizing a hyper-local approach to philanthropy. The SEVACF Community Grant Program is designed to provide funding support to eligible nonprofit organizations classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or operating as government-affiliated bodies such as public schools or parks departments. The grant program does not support applications for purposes such as debt reduction, general administrative expenses, individual benefits, travel expenses, political activities, annual appeals, membership contributions, or capital/endowment building unless the request is accompanied by matching funds raised by the applicant organization. This ensures a targeted use of funds and alignment with the foundation’s community-centric goals. Applicants must demonstrate that their nonprofit services are directed toward the residents of Chesapeake and/or Portsmouth, Virginia. The program strictly limits geographic eligibility to these two areas, thereby reinforcing the foundation's regional focus. Grant applications are reviewed semi-annually, with deadlines occurring on January 31 and July 31. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications either through the online form or by mailing/emailing a completed application package to SEVACF's office. In addition, applicants may optionally submit a brief (2–3 minute) video presentation of their proposal, which is shared with the reviewing committee to provide supplementary context. The application process includes several required components: a cover letter that references preliminary contact with SEVACF staff, a detailed budget summary, a narrative proposal outlining the program or project, the most recent financial statement (such as a 990 or audit), and a list of the organization’s board of directors. Applicants are advised that although they may save progress on the online application form, uploaded documents will not be retained unless resubmitted during the final submission phase. SEVACF strongly encourages potential applicants to engage with foundation staff via phone or email before submitting a proposal, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to transparent and collaborative philanthropy. No pre-application stages such as a Letter of Intent are required; however, early communication is advised to ensure alignment with funding priorities. The grant program does not specify award amounts or funding ceilings, suggesting that award sizes may vary based on the scale and merit of the proposal. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, though it can be inferred that alignment with geographic and programmatic restrictions, financial clarity, and community impact will play a significant role in decision-making. Inquiries regarding the application process should be directed to SEVACF’s staff by phone at (757) 397-5424 or via email at [email protected]. The foundation office is located at 1435 Crossways Blvd, Suite 303, Chesapeake, VA 23320. The program recurs biannually, offering nonprofit organizations in the targeted cities an opportunity to apply for support each January and July. Applicants are urged to ensure they are using the most up-to-date version of the application form and to avoid submitting generic or common grant proposals.

Applicants are discouraged from submitting common grant proposals and strongly encouraged to contact the foundation in advance.