These principles serve as a guide to The Virginia Beach Foundation's Distribution Committee in all its discretionary grantmaking decisions while preserving the flexibility of meet the community's changing needs and new opportunities.

Board-Based Grantmaking

As a community foundation, the Foundation strives to strengthen the fabric of the community and to reflect the diverse interests of its donors. Grants are awarded in a wide range of categories:

• Health
• Education
• Arts, Culture & Humanities
• Public & Societal Benefits
• Environment & Animal Welfare
• Youth, Elderly & Disabled

While proposals are accepted that address any issues in these categories, the Foundation will give priority to proposals that support the grantmaking goals it has established.

• Support organizations that directly impact upon Virginia Beach residents
• Improve the quality of life for families and neighborhoods, particularly in the areas of basic human needs
• Preserve and increase access to the community's unique assets
• Promote broad-based participation in the arts and cultural activities
• Improve children's readiness to learn and ability to succeed in school
• Support wellness education about prenatal care and sexually transmitted diseases through community-based organizations
• Support environmental preservation and education
• Support animal welfare.

Long-Term Community Benefit

The Foundation focuses its resources on programs that are likely
to continue to strengthen the community beyond the period of funding. Normally, the Foundation does not make multi-year awards.

Meeting Changing Needs

On occasion, the Foundation will participate in special initiatives that impact a priority community need. Such an initiative may involve one-time collaborative funding for a prescribed time period.

Evaluation of Outcomes

Program evaluation is an important element of each grant made. Foundation staff members visit recipient organizations to review program progress in keeping with goals outlined in the proposal. These visits may or may not be scheduled. Regardless, prior to submitting another proposal, the organization is required to complete an interim or final report of the funded program.

What is Not Funded

Discretionary funds are generally not available for:

• Non tax exempt organizations
• Individuals
• Religious purposes
• Endowment building
• Research
• Scholarships, fellowships & travel
• Annual fund drives
• Hospitals and similar health-care facilities
• National or international organizations or purposes
• Ongoing operating support
• Projects normally the responsibility of government
• Primary or secondary schools or academies, for special needs.

When to Apply

The Foundation conducts an annual grant cycle that normally commences in January with an announcement that proposals are being accepted. Submission deadline is usually mid-March.

Review & Decision Process

After staff review, Distribution Committee members are normally hand-delivered a proportionate share of original submissions with an abstract for their review and consideration. The Committee, then, meets and decides. Each Committee member functions as the devil's advocate for proposals received.