Special Interest Grants
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation's Special Interest Grants fund South Hampton Roads nonprofits for targeted projects in areas like abuse recovery, disabilities, animal welfare, mental health research, arts, and veterans.
Funder: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Special Interest Grants)
Funding Amounts: Most awards range from $1,000–$75,000 depending on fund and focus area; some (e.g., Nightingale Fund) up to $500.
Summary: Supports South Hampton Roads nonprofits addressing donor-specified issues such as abuse, disabilities, animal welfare, education, arts, mental health, and veterans.
Description
Special Interest Grants from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation are made possible by charitable endowments established to address specific community concerns and interests. These grants support nonprofit organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads, Virginia, with a focus on targeted areas such as:
- Abuse survivors (domestic violence, especially residential facilities for children)
- Animal welfare
- Developmental disabilities (intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy)
- Horticultural education
- Mental health research
- Faith community outreach (e.g., greeting card outreach to seniors)
- Arts and humanities (Peninsula)
- High school activities (Peninsula)
- Piano acquisition and restoration (for public performance)
- Veteran support
Each fund within the Special Interest Grants portfolio targets a particular issue or population, with some showing preference for specific organizations or services. Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in the region by supporting diverse nonprofit initiatives aligned with the interests of the original donors.
