Thriving Communities Grant

Transforming Communities

LISC Hampton Roads is dedicated to creating thriving communities through strategic investments in three key areas: Affordable Housing, Small Business and Corridor Development, and Financial Stability. We recognize that communities have diverse needs and require multifaceted approaches to achieve their full potential as great places to live, work, and play. Therefore, we invest in overlapping program areas that touch every aspect of community life.

We invite nonprofit organizations seeking grants larger than $5,000 to partner with us in these efforts. By funding impactful community activities, initiatives, and events, we aim to foster a stronger, more vibrant Hampton Roads region.

Focus Areas

Our grants support projects in the following areas:

• Creative placemaking
• Financial wellness
• Health/Wellness/Recreation
• Housing opportunities
• Violence prevention
• Workforce development

Eligibility

To be eligible for our grants, your organization must meet the following criteria:

• Status: Only non-profit organizations are eligible.
• Longevity: Non-profits must have been in continuous operation for the past 2 years.
• Program must be open to the public
• Geography: located in the cities of Chesapeake, Emporia, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and the counties of Accomack, Gloucester, Greensville, Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews, Northampton, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York

*Non-profits not yet established or that have not been in operation for two years can use a fiscal agent to apply.

Requirements

Interested applicants must provide the following documentation:

• Grant application
• Organizational documents, i.e. Articles of Incorporation
• IRS 501(C)3 Letter
• Flyers, notification for upcoming camp, program (as applicable)
• Last two (2) years of audited financials

Application Process

Applicants are not restricted to applying within a focus area above; however, applicants must be able to show a community need and impact in their application. Applications will be accepted up until midnight of the deadline listed below. Applications will not be accepted after application closing dates. Applications not submitted by the deadline will have to wait until the next round to be submitted. Applications will be reviewed on the dates below and cannot be altered in any way after the deadline.

We ask applicants to include required documentation at the time of application submission. Once applications have been reviewed by LISC staff, LISC will notify awardees on the announcement date below. 

Deadlines and Review Dates

*The awardee will be notified directly on or about the listed date. Public announcements will follow after the execution of the grant agreements.

This program is funded by Sentara Health.

Program Sponsor

Sentara Health

Privacy

Information provided through the application process is the responsibility of each applicant. Applications submitted to the portal remain confidential to the general public and any fellow applicants. Applicants will not hold LISC, its affiliates, members, partners, and staff liable for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses, of any kind relating to the use or the adequacy, accuracy, or completeness of any information loaded in the form. See LISC's Privacy Policy for more details.

About LISC Hampton Roads

We are the Hampton Roads office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that provides financing and support for community development around the country.  As one of 38 local offices, LISC Hampton Roads works with local government, community development corporations and other nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze opportunity. 

LISC is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize underserved communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. We invest in affordable housing, quality schools, safer streets, growing businesses and programs that connect people with financial opportunity. In response to the pandemic, we are delivering resources and expertise to support communities, businesses and people. Learn more here.