Virginia Community Foundation Grants

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About This Grant

Foundation: Virginia Community Foundation

Brief Description

The Virginia Community Foundation (VCF) seeks to support community initiatives through their annual grant round. Program funded will bring about positive change to the greater Virginia area.

What We Fund

  • Capital projects
  • New or expanded programs/projects

Eligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities.

Geographic Area: Must serve the greater Virginia, MN area.

Funding Amount Range: Not to exceed $10,000

Focus Areas

  • Arts – Grants made to support activities that generate an appreciation of diverse cultures and that enhances and improve cultural opportunities
  • General
  • Park Lake Recreation

Favorable Considerations

  • Impact – Projects that will have an overall impact within the greater Virginia area
  • Measurable Results – Projects that can make a clear difference in the quality of life for a substantial number of people over a significant period of time
  • Community Need – Projects that address a current community need and/or opportunity
  • Collaboration/Partnership – Projects that encourage cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in unique and meaningful ways
  • Asset-Based Approach – Projects that maximize the strengths, talents and resources of the greater Virginia area
  • Sustainability – Projects that demonstrate a plan to continue beyond funding from the VCF.
  • Projects must be completed within 12 months of organizations being notified that grant application was approved.

Typically, we do not fund:

  • Individuals

  • Religious organizations for religious purposes 

    Please see our Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy

  • Political organizations or political campaigns

    This generally includes organizations with a 501 (c)(4) status that can advocate for causes and propositions and endorse specific candidates.

  • Event sponsorship or annual fundraising drives

  • Multi-year requests

    Organizations seeking continued support beyond the initial grant year are welcome to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.

  • Endowments

  • Debt retirement

    For example, grant funds should not be used to: pay off an organization’s loans, lines of credit, unpaid bills, or deficits, cover past due obligations, such as back taxes or unpaid rent, refinance existing liabilities, even if related to previously funded projects

  • Projects that have already been completed

    Applications seeking reimbursement for past work, retroactive funding, or previously concluded programs and completed capital projects are typically ineligible.

  • Individual academic scholarships for post-secondary education

  • Grants solely for the purpose of travel or conferences

    Specifically, we do not fund travel for staff of agencies or organizations

  • Government funding that has been reduced or eliminated

    Our resources are primarily intended to catalyze innovation, support sustainable solutions, and build long-term capacity, rather than substituting for public sector obligations.

Applicants who are unsure of their project or program’s eligibility are advised to reach out to our local staff prior to applying. This helps maintain an efficient review process for all.

Application Process

1)

Submit application online using the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

2)

The Grant Advisory Committee will recommend applications for funding to the Board of Directors.

3)

The Board of Directors will make final funding decisions.

All notification about this grant will be through emails.

Payout of Grants: upon recipient of electronically signed Grant Agreement.

Grantee Required Documents: Grant Agreement and Final Report. Progress Report may be required if requested. Required follow up documents will be submitted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

For questions about this grant or the online Grant Management System please call (320) 257-9715.

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