RACF is affiliated with
Community Foundation of Western Virginia,
an organization that meets National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
This information details the Foundation’s grants program. Please be aware that the Foundation receives many more worthy requests than it can support.
RACF Background
Rockbridge Area Community Foundation (RACF) was established in 2001 and is a publicly-supported, 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization that holds, administers, invests and makes grants from both endowed and non-endowed funds established by individuals, families and others. RACF’s service areas are the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Bath County and surrounding areas.
It operates under the auspices of a local Board, whose members are chosen for their knowledge of the community.
Application Process
RACF’s grant program currently operates through a Grant Application. There is one grant cycle per year. Qualified organizations are required to submit proposals by the appropriate deadline. Organizations may submit one request during the grant cycle. Proposals are initially screened for completeness and eligibility. Foundation staff and Grants Administration Committee will review proposals and conduct preliminary research, including site visits. Reports are prepared for the Board, who then determines final grant recommendations. All agencies that submit a proposal will be notified of an award or denial by letter. Grantees are required to report on the funded project no later than one year from the date of the grant. Grantees may not reapply for funding without having completed a final report for the previous grant.
What We Look For
The Foundation looks for projects and programs where a moderate amount of grant money can produce a significant result. We look for innovative but practical approaches to solving community problems, especially those not currently being met by an existing organization. Applicants should show a well-planned approach to address important community issues; a base of other support (financial, participatory and voluntary); efficient use of community resources; involvement of underserved constituencies; and coordination, cooperation and sharing among nonprofit organizations and elimination of project duplication. Organizations should demonstrate present and future sustainability and provide identifiable outcomes of the proposed project or program.
Funding Restrictions
Foundation grants are usually awarded for the accomplishment of a definite purpose within a specified time period - normally not more than one year. Typically grants are not awarded to:
- Individuals
- Deficit financing
- Capital campaigns
- Endowments
- Fundraising events
- Operating support
- Programs that promote religious doctrine or instruction. (However, grants may be made to faith-based organizations for other purposes.)