Special Interest Grants
The Special Interest Grants from Hampton Roads Community Foundation fund nonprofit science and research projects, with a strong focus on mental health and other targeted community concerns.
Funder: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Special Interest Grants — full application)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $1,000–$75,000 depending on fund; Mental Health Research: $10,000–$50,000; most other areas: $1,000–$65,000.
Summary: Supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving South Hampton Roads in eleven focus areas including mental health research, animal welfare, abuse survivors, horticultural education, veterans, and more.
Key Information: Only full 990 or 990-EZ accepted for most funds; 990-N not accepted for Mental Health Research and most areas.
Description
The Special Interest Grants program, administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, provides competitive funding to nonprofit organizations serving residents of South Hampton Roads, Virginia. These grants are made possible through a portfolio of charitable endowments, each targeting a distinct community concern such as mental health research, animal welfare, developmental disabilities, horticultural education, support for abuse survivors, outreach to seniors, activities on the Virginia Peninsula, piano acquisition and repair, and veterans’ support. Each fund reflects the interests of its founding donors and is designed to ensure lasting impact in the region.
