Visionaries for Change Grant

Grant Details

About:

In 2025, Visionaries for Change will fund Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Black-serving nonprofits are those with the majority (51% or more) of their clients being Black. This grant cycle is in memory of founding member, Audrey Dixon Settle. 

Grant applications should explain how the program for which funding is sought addresses one or more of the following priority impact areas: 

1. Strengthen businesses and current entrepreneurs by providing mentorship activities, technical assistance and access to capital. 

2. Create wealth and build long-term financial assets by providing financial literacy and education and employment opportunities for adults.

Requirements:

Grant Range and Pre-award Evaluation Process 

Visionaries for Change anticipates awarding grants that average $5,000. Visionaries may award grants that are smaller and larger than $5,000. Applicants may be contacted by a member of Visionaries to schedule a virtual or in-person site visit. 

Eligible Organizations 

• Visionaries for Change will accept grant applications from Black-serving nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity organizations that provide program and services within any of the following cities or counties: Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg or York County.

 • In good standing with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity organization with uninterrupted status since January 1, 2023. 

• Has an operating budget of at least $50,000. Audited financials or a full 990 are preferred, but a 990-EZ may be considered. Also, include a profit and loss statement for the current year. 

• In good standing with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to operate in Virginia. 

• In good standing with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to solicit contributions in Virginia. 

• Board membership includes at least four individuals not including the CEO or Executive Director.

Funding Amount:

Visionaries for Change anticipates awarding grants that average $5,000.

Application Deadline:

Applications are now open.  The deadline for the Fall/Winter awards is December 30th.  Funding will be announced by February 15th, 2024.

How to Apply for Funding:

Application Submission Deadline — March 14, 2025 

Applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. on March 14, 2025 will NOT be considered. Organizations that DO NOT submit the required attachments may not be considered. 

All applications must be submitted electronically through HRCF’s online portal. Access the portal here, click Apply at the top of the screen then select Apply next to the Visionaries for Change Grant. Grant decisions will be announced no later than June 12, 2025.

Application Information Sessions 

One virtual session to explain the grant opportunity and application will be held on: Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  All prospective applicants are required to have a representative attend the session. Please register for the session by clicking here. The session will NOT be recorded. 

Questions about the Process • For questions about your grant application proposal, please contact Vivian Oden at [email protected] or call (757) 383-6052. • For questions regarding HRCF’s online application portal, please contact Saraya Perry at [email protected] or call (757) 622-7951.