2016 Community Foundation Grants Top $14.7 Million

One hallmark of a community foundation is donors who hail from all walks of life. In 2016 these donors -- ranging from a retired telephone operator to company CEOs -- made it possible for the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to put more than $14.7 million in grants and scholarships into action. Beneficiaries included about 150 nonprofits, primarily in southeastern Virginia, and the thousands of people they serve. Also, 400 students are in college right now with help from scholarships created by people who care about the future. Since 1950 our total grant and scholarship distributions top $250 million.
Going beyond the numbers, here are three examples of how Hampton Roads Community Foundation grants help area people lead better lives:

• Walk In It added five more Virginia schools in Chesapeake and Suffolk to its program. There are

  	Walk In It participants in Suffolk

  now 500 girls in 18 area elementary, middle and high schools involved in the after-school Ladies of Distinction program. Mentors and activities help students develop healthy lifestyles, positive self esteem and effective study habits. 
• Building Trades Academy of the Tidewater Builders Association is able to prepare 15 more low-income students this year for careers. They will learn to be facility maintenance workers for area apartments and commercial buildings. The academy teaches the basics of carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and heating and cooling. Hands-on internships with area companies are part of the program.
• Mercy Medical Angels now has the funds on hand to buy gas cards or bus or train tickets to help sick children from lower-income families travel for specialized medical care not available in the  Hampton Roads region. Among the beneficiaries is a recent Virginia Beach student whose rare gastrointestinal illness requires treatment by a Winston-Salem, N.C. specialist. Our grant helps cover transportation costs, which lessens the financial burden for this patient and her family.