Southeast Virginia Community Foundation Grant

The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation (SEVACF) is a philanthropic organization based in Chesapeake, Virginia. Its mission is to connect people who care with causes that benefit communities across southeast Virginia. Through strategic partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and civic stakeholders, the Foundation supports immediate needs and invests in long-term improvements that elevate the quality of life in the region. SEVACF leverages community-driven initiatives, donor-advised funds, and its Community Needs Fund to channel resources toward programs addressing critical local issues. SEVACF administers two primary competitive grant cycles annually—Spring and Fall—supported by its Community Needs Fund, which is established by visionary philanthropists. The Grants Committee meets twice a year to determine funding priorities based on community feedback, identified needs, and the potential for measurable impact. Grants are awarded to organizations that demonstrate a track record of success, propose innovative solutions to pressing problems, and seek to collaborate with other agencies. Proposals that promise broad community benefits and encourage matching gifts or supplementary funding are especially prioritized. The Foundation does not fund projects that were initiated or had equipment purchased before the grant decision is made. It also refrains from supporting debt reduction efforts, annual fundraising appeals, individual travel expenses, or projects that benefit only a limited number of individuals. Public or private educational institutions or government agencies are only supported under exceptional circumstances where the project aligns with a critical community need. Similarly, capital or endowment projects are generally excluded unless there is evidence of significant matching contributions from the applicant organization. Eligible applicants include nonprofits operating within Southeast Virginia. The Foundation does not accept applications from individuals, businesses, or government entities unless under specific, predefined conditions. Additionally, grants may be awarded from donor-advised funds at the recommendation of donors, but those particular funds typically do not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations can apply for one-year grants only and are restricted from receiving more than one grant in a twelve-month period. Moreover, if an organization receives funding for three consecutive years, it must wait a full year before applying again. The Spring grant cycle deadline is January 31st, and the Fall grant cycle deadline is July 31st. All applicants are notified of funding decisions following board review. To inquire further, organizations may contact SEVACF via email at info@sevacf.org or by phone at (757) 397-5424. The foundation office is located at 1435 Crossways Blvd, Suite 303, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the Foundation’s guidelines carefully and prepare strong, evidence-based proposals that align with SEVACF’s funding priorities.