Ways to Give
Every gift makes a difference on the Eastern Shore by supporting our nonprofits and strengthening the community we all share and love. Here's how to give in a way that fits your life.
The Easiest Ways to Give
Write a Check
Make your check payable to: Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation and mail to:
PO Box 205
Onley, VA 23418
Give Online
Make a one-time gift through our secure donation page. You can direct your gift to our Community Fund, where we put it to work to support our community grants programs, or to a specific fund of your choice.
Become a Sustaining Partner
Set up a recurring monthly gift. Even $10 or $25 a month adds up over the year and gives us steady, reliable support we can count on. Sustaining donors are the backbone of our work.
Give in honor or in memory of someone
A tribute gift is a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one, mark a milestone, or honor someone's legacy. Let us know who you'd like to recognize, and we'll send a card to whomever you choose. Or keep your gift anonymous if you prefer.
Want to Support A Specific Cause?
Give to an Existing Fund
You can provide instructions to add your gift to one of our existing endowed funds, like the Eastern Shore Physicians’ Field of Interest Fund, The Hope Harbor Endowment Designated Fund, our Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation Fund or other fund. That way, your gift will continue to grow and support that cause forever.
See Our Giving Catalog
Our annual Giving Catalog lets you browse and directly support nonprofits across the Eastern Shore, from arts and education to food security, health, and the environment. It's a meaningful way to give to the causes that matter most to you.
Tax-Smart Ways to Give
If you're looking for a more strategic or tax-efficient gift, here are three options worth knowing about. We'll guide you through each one. It's simpler than most people expect.
Gifts of stock or mutual funds
Giving appreciated securities you've held for more than a year is one of the most tax-efficient gifts you can make. You avoid capital gains taxes and receive an income tax deduction for the full market value. Contact us for transfer instructions. We make the process easy.
Donor-advised fund (DAF) grants
Already have a donor-advised fund through your financial institution or another foundation? You can recommend a grant to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation directly from your DAF. Gifts can be directed to our Community Fund or any of our specific funds.
Our EIN is 20-3651144. Share this with your DAF sponsor to make the grant.
Qualified charitable distributions from your IRA
If you're 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) counts toward your required minimum distribution and isn't included in your taxable income — a meaningful benefit for many retired donors. Ask your IRA administrator how to set this up, and let us know it's coming.
Bigger or more complex gifts
The Foundation can also accept gifts of real estate (a home, farmland, or undeveloped land), business interests (LLC stakes or closely-held shares), restricted or privately-held stock, and other non-cash assets. These gifts can be powerful, and they require advance review by our team and yours. The earlier we can begin the conversation, the better.
Let’s Talk
We'll work with you and your advisor to explore what's possible.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Including the Foundation in your will, trust, or beneficiary designations is one of the most enduring ways to support the Eastern Shore. Even a small percentage of your estate can have a lasting impact on the community you call home.
Let's talk
Not sure where to start? We're here to help. Reach out and we'll work with you, and your financial or legal advisor, if you have one, to find a giving approach that's meaningful, easy, and impactful.
Email: info@esvcf.org Phone: (757) 789-0910