Special Interest Grants
Special Interest Grants fund research and community projects in South Hampton Roads, supporting mental health, disabilities, horticultural education, animal welfare, and public performance arts, including piano acquisition.
Funder: Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Special Interest Grants, including E.K. Sloane Piano Fund)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $1,000–$75,000 depending on the fund and project; most piano grants are $5,000–$75,000.
Summary: Supports nonprofits in South Hampton Roads addressing specific community needs, such as animal welfare, abuse survivors, disabilities, horticultural education, mental health, veterans, arts, and public performance pianos.
Description
Special Interest Grants, managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, are funded by endowments established to address targeted concerns in South Hampton Roads. The program encompasses multiple distinct funds, each focused on a specific cause—ranging from services for abuse survivors and animal welfare to developmental disabilities, horticultural education, mental health research, outreach to seniors, veterans’ support, the arts and humanities, and the purchase or repair of pianos for public performance (notably through the E.K. Sloane Piano Fund). Each fund has its own eligibility nuances and may show preference for certain organizations or project types. Grants are awarded annually, with most applications due October 1.
