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ConseRVAtion Fund


The ConseRVAtion Fund, a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation, is seeking grant applications from nonprofits working to improve our environment, conserve natural resources and enhance regional sustainability. 

This fund, formerly known as the RVA Solar Fund, was developed by a group of donors who approached the Community Foundation to learn more about the use of solar energy in the Richmond region. Their first collaborative grant program encouraged the deployment of solar energy systems at nonprofit and public facilities. They are now focused on a broader initiative to advance local conservation efforts.

See the sections below to learn more about the current grant opportunity:

Grant Priorities

The ConseRVAtion Fund will support projects and organizations with a focus on benefiting the environment, conserving natural resources and enhancing regional sustainability.  The focus is predominantly on supporting project-based efforts rather than annual operating budgets.

Areas of interest include: 

  • Renewable energy: solar, hydropower, wind and geothermal
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Reforestation, soil conservation and preservation of green spaces
  • Protecting wildlife habitats and supporting biodiversity with an emphasis on native plants that encourage pollinators, butterflies and birds
  • "Reduce, reuse, recycle" programs
  • Efforts contributing to cleaner air, water and soil
  • Education, research and/or job training to support environmentally conscious efforts

Including specific, quantifiable outcomes (i.e. greenhouse gas emission reductions, amount of plastic waste kept out of landfills, or stormwater run-off diversion from watershed) would be greatly appreciated in application review. Please include photographs and plans, as appropriate. 

Eligibility

Eligibility

Proposals are accepted from 501(c)(3) charitable organizations located in the Community Foundation's service area, which includes: the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, as well as the counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan.

Grant Amounts

Grant amounts will typically range from $5,000 to $40,000

Timeline

  • The application process will open in early January 2021
  • The deadline for proposals is February 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Final grant decisions are made and communicated in April

How to Apply

Step 1 - Register/Login in the online grant system
First-time applicants will be prompted to create an account. If you have applied in the past, use your existing login.

Step 2 - Submit a proposal
When you submit a full proposal, you must have a complete and up-to-date profile in the Nonprofit Directory on ConnectVA.org for your application to be considered. You have the option to use the following document to complete your proposal:
Project Budget Form [XLS]

Report Back

Grantees must submit a final report May 30th the year following the grant award through the online grants system. Results should align with the outcomes described in your original proposal.

The deadline to submit a proposal is February 19, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. Please click below to submit through our online grants system.

Access online system