Established in 1987 by a group of community leaders: one of over 700 community foundations throughout the United States. The Cleveland Foundation, the first, was established in 1914.

A community foundation is not simply a pooling of assets. It is a collection of ideas and interests of individuals, businesses and corporation working effectively for the betterment of the entire community now and into the future.

The Goal: To help individuals, businesses and others achieve their own unique ideas concerning community giving.

The Primary Objective: To make all philanthropic efforts in the community as easy, efficient and effective as possible.

Services Provided: Permanent fund administration; efficient management; recognition, if desired; immediate acknowledgement of contributions; research for donors; and, the opportunity for donors to be involved in their giving.

How? By providing grant awards to community and regional organizations, agencies and programs in the fields of:

• Health
• Education
• Arts, Culture & Humanities
• Public & Societal Benefit
• Human Needs & Services
• Environment & Animal Welfare
• Youth & Elderly

Three constituencies: Donors in meeting their charitable objectives; nonprofit organizations and programs essential for the betterment of the community and enhancement of the region's quality of life, and the community as a whole.

Community Investments/Grants: Over 1000 community investments/grants valued at over $8.3 million have been provided to organizations, agencies and programs over the last 20 years for the enhancement of Virginia Beach's quality of life and that of the surrounding communities.

Permanent Endowment: $19,888,472 as of September 30, 2007.

Deferred Gifts: Known deferred gifts (wills, life insurance, charitable trusts, etc.) approaching $20 million.