Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are public charities dedicated to strengthening the places we call home. They connect the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses with the local nonprofits doing meaningful work in the community. Through grants, endowments, and partnerships, community foundations support a wide range of causes: education, healthcare, social services, the arts, the environment, and more.

Because they’re rooted in the communities they serve, community foundations are uniquely positioned to respond to emerging needs and long-term challenges. The very first was founded in Cleveland in 1914. Today, there are nearly 1,000 across the U.S., including 29 in Virginia.

What does ESVCF do?

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) has been partnering with donors and nonprofits to support Accomack and Northampton counties since 2004. We manage charitable funds and award grants that tackle critical needs across our region. To date, we’ve invested more than $5 million in local organizations, and with over $16 million in assets, we’re here for the long haul.

As an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, we benefit from the experience and resources of one of the country’s largest and most respected community foundations.

Who oversees the Foundation?

ESVCF is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of dedicated local leaders. They bring deep knowledge of our community and help ensure that our grantmaking aligns with local needs and donor intent.

What is the difference between the Community Foundation and the United Way?

Think of it this way:

• The United Way is like the community’s checkbook, raising and distributing funds annually.

• A community foundation is like a savings account, building permanent endowments that support nonprofits year after year, forever.

Both are vital partners in building stronger communities, and their efforts are complementary.

What does the affiliation with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation mean?

Great question—and you’re not alone in wondering! The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation is proudly local: our Board of Directors, grant decisions, and relationships are all based right here on the Shore.

Through our affiliation with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (HRCF), we gain access to expert investment management, financial oversight, and administrative support, without losing our local control.

In short:

• Your fund remains part of the Eastern Shore Family of Funds, benefiting our community.

• Decisions are made locally, by people who know the Shore.

• Your investment is professionally managed, alongside hundreds of millions in charitable assets through HRCF’s partnership with Spider Management Company.

It’s the best of both worlds: local heart, regional strength.

Where can I see your financial information?

You can find our most recent annual reports and Form 990 filings on our Accountability page. Reports going back to 2010 are available there.

Our investments are audited annually and managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s Board. If you’d like more detail on a specific fund or the Family of Funds overall, our Executive Director is happy to share it — just reach out.

How can I learn more or get involved?

1. Browse our website

2. Follow us on Facebook

3. Subscribe to our newsletter (scroll down to the bottom of this page to sign up for our mailing list)

4. Or just reach out! We’d love to hear from you at info@esvcf.org or 757-789-0910.

GIVING & ENDOWED FUNDS

Why should I support ESVCF? 

Giving to ESVCF is an investment in your community’s future. Your support helps build a lasting source of funding for the entire Eastern Shore, one that’s flexible, resilient, and able to meet changing needs over time.

Together, we can do more than any one of us could do alone.

How can I support ESVCF?

You can make a meaningful difference in several ways:

• Annual Gifts: Make a one-time or recurring gift to support our community grantmaking or direct your gift to a specific fund. Tribute gifts in memory or honor of someone special are also welcome.

• Establish a Fund: With a gift of $25,000 or more, you can create a named endowed fund tailored to your interests, whether it’s donor-advised, designated for a specific organization, focused on a cause, or unrestricted.

• Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy by including ESVCF in your will, trust, or retirement plan.

All gifts are tax-deductible, and we’re happy to work with you and your advisor to find the best giving strategy. Contact us at info@esvcf.org or 757-789-0910 to learn more.

Are there opportunities for smaller donors to make a difference?

Absolutely. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact. These gifts add up, and because we pool resources, even modest donations help fund meaningful work across the Eastern Shore.

Are gifts to ESVCF tax-deductible?

Yes. ESVCF is a public charity under Section 501(c)(3), and gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 20-3651144.

We always recommend confirming the specifics with your tax advisor, since every donor’s situation is a little different.

Can my gift be anonymous?

Yes. We’re glad to honor donor anonymity in our public communications, annual reports, and grant acknowledgments. Just let us know your preference when you give, and we’ll handle the rest.

Can I add to an existing fund?

Absolutely. Most ESVCF funds welcome additional gifts of any size. If you’d like to support a specific named fund, we can help. Contact us at info@esvcf.org or (757) 789-0910.

Can I make a gift of stock or appreciated securities?

Yes, and these gifts often offer significant tax advantages. You may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation while still receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value. Please contact us at info@esvcf.org or (757) 789-0910 a few days before initiating the transfer so we can share account details and confirm receipt.

How can I start a fund?

Starting a fund with ESVCF is easier than you might think! With a minimum gift of $25,000, you can create a named endowed fund in your name or in honor of someone special. We’ll work with you to design a fund that reflects your charitable goals.
Options include:

• Donor-Advised Fund – You recommend grants each year to nonprofits of your choice.

• Designated Fund – You name one or more specific nonprofits to support annually.

• Field of Interest Fund – You choose a focus area, and we award grants to strong local organizations doing work in that space.

• Unrestricted Fund – You entrust ESVCF to identify and address the community’s greatest needs over time.

We handle all the administrative details, investment management, and due diligence, so you can focus on making a difference.

What is an endowment?

An endowment is a permanent fund that generates income year after year to support the causes you care about, forever. The original gift (called the principal) is invested for long-term growth. Each year, a portion of the earnings is distributed as grants, while the rest is reinvested to preserve and grow the fund’s impact over time. Endowments are a powerful way to create a lasting legacy.

How are these Endowed Funds invested?

The endowed funds that have been created by individuals, families and organizations are invested for long-term growth through a partnership with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation and Spider Management Company LLC. Investments are audited annually and managed with oversight from the HRCF Board to ensure prudent stewardship.

What administrative fees does ESVCF charge?

Funds at ESVCF are charged an administrative fee that supports fund management, investment oversight, grantmaking, and donor services. Specific rates depend on the type and size of the fund.

Please contact us at info@esvcf.org or (757) 789-0910 for the current fee schedule. We’re happy to walk through how fees work and what your gift supports.

FOR NONPROFITS

Is my organization eligible to apply for a grant?

To apply for an ESVCF Community Grant, your organization must:

• Hold tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3)

• Use the funds for a project that directly benefits residents of Accomack or Northampton counties

• Have completed at least one full fiscal year and filed a Form 990 (with rare exceptions for special projects)

If you’re not sure whether your project is a fit, please reach out before you apply. We’d much rather have a quick conversation up front than have a strong organization put time into an application that won’t qualify.

What kinds of projects do you fund, and what don’t you fund?

Our Spring Grants (up to $50,000, deadline March 1) support capital projects and ongoing programs with documented successful outcomes.

Our Fall Small Grants (up to $10,000, deadline September 1) support new ideas, seed funding for innovative projects in our priority areas, and nonprofit capacity building.

We don’t fund:

• Individuals

• General operating expenses

• Fundraising events or campaigns

• Endowments

• Scholarships, fellowships, or scholarly research

• Existing debts or obligations

• Political, fraternal, or religious activities

• Private schools or religious organizations, unless the program offers a broad-based community benefit

• National or international organizations, unless funds are restricted to local benefit

Full guidelines are available on our How to Apply page.

How does the grant application process work?

We use a two-step process so you don’t invest time in a full application before knowing whether your idea is a good match for our priorities:

1. Concept Proposal: A short summary of your project. We review it and let you know if it’s a fit.

2. Full Application (by invitation): If your concept is approved, we’ll invite you to submit a project narrative and supporting documents: proof of 501(c)(3) status, your most recent Form 990, current and prior-year financials, a current board list, and a detailed project budget.

First-time applicants are especially encouraged to contact us before submitting. Reach out anytime at grants@esvcf.org or (757) 789-0910.

When will I hear back about my application?

Our Board of Directors reviews grant applications at their April and October meetings. The Executive Director will notify you of the decision as soon as possible after the meeting.

If your application is approved, the next step is signing a Grant Agreement, and your grant check will typically be issued within 60 days.

If your application is denied, we’ll share specific feedback explaining the reasons for the decision. We know that information helps with future applications, and we’d rather be useful than mysterious.

What’s required after we receive a grant?

We ask for a Final Grant Report 12 months after the check is issued, unless your Grant Agreement specifies otherwise. The report helps us understand what your project accomplished, celebrate the work with our donors, and learn how we can better support you in the future.

We try to keep this simple: short answers, bullet points, and a few photos or stories are all welcome. A report template is available on the Grant Reporting page.

Can I talk to someone before I apply?

Yes, please do, especially if it’s your first time applying or you’re not sure whether your project fits our guidelines. A quick phone call or email can save everyone time and help you put forward the strongest possible request. Reach the Foundation at grants@esvcf.org or (757) 789-0910.