What This Grant Funds

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation (HRCF) is the largest community foundation in southeastern Virginia, managing more than $500 million in charitable assets and distributing millions in grants each year to nonprofits across the region. Its community grant programs support education, youth development, arts, health, and environment for residents of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Education and youth-focused grants regularly support K-12 programming, STEM education, and out-of-school enrichment. If you run or partner with an education nonprofit serving students in the Hampton Roads region, HRCF is one of the most accessible and consistent funders in the area.

Who Can Apply

HRCF grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the Hampton Roads region -- specifically Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Public schools cannot apply directly; they must partner with or work through a qualifying nonprofit organization. HRCF runs multiple grant programs with different eligibility requirements, focus areas, and funding levels. The Application Deadlines page at hamptonroadscf.org lists all current grant programs, their focus areas, and application windows.

How to Apply

Check the Application Deadlines page at hamptonroadscf.org for current grant programs and their deadlines. Different HRCF grant programs open and close throughout the year. Applications are submitted through the HRCF online grants portal. Proposals typically include an organizational overview, project description, population served, evaluation plan, and budget. HRCF encourages first-time applicants to contact program staff before submitting.

Funding Amount

Award amounts vary significantly by grant program. HRCF runs multiple programs with different funding levels -- some small project grants may be $5,000 to $15,000, while larger capacity-building grants may reach $50,000 or more. The Application Deadlines page includes information about funding ranges for each active program. Competition for funding is strong; organizations with a track record in the Hampton Roads community and clear outcome metrics tend to score well.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Hampton Roads Community Foundation Community Grants in Virginia?

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Public schools must partner with an eligible nonprofit to access HRCF funding.

How much funding is available through Hampton Roads Community Foundation Community Grants?

Award amounts vary by grant program. Some programs fund smaller projects at $5,000 to $15,000; others fund larger initiatives at $50,000 or more. Check the HRCF Application Deadlines page for current program funding ranges.

Can Hampton Roads Community Foundation grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes, if the grant program funds education or youth development. Equipment, curriculum, and STEM kits used in programs that develop student skills and serve Hampton Roads youth can be included in project budgets.

How do Virginia schools apply for Hampton Roads Community Foundation Community Grants?

Partner with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Hampton Roads region. Check the HRCF Application Deadlines page at hamptonroadscf.org for current open programs and deadlines, then apply through the HRCF online grants portal.

How can Forward Education help with Hampton Roads Community Foundation grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Hampton Roads Community Foundation Community Grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.