Eligibility Criteria

Organizations eligible to apply for a Roanoke Women’s Foundation grant must be:

• Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for at least 36 consecutive months prior to the March 31 Phase I deadline. Local affiliates may apply under the 501(c)(3) status of the national organization.
• Located in or providing services in Roanoke City, city of Salem or the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, or Franklin. One hundred percent of RWF grant funds must be used in this defined service area.
• More than five years past receiving a RWF grant.
• Capable of providing an independently prepared audit or financial review (from one of the organization’s two most recent fiscal years) if selected for a Phase II Application.

Applicants should:

• Apply for programs, services, necessary infrastructure, or other initiatives that support the organization’s core mission.
• Submit a proposal budget of at least $30,000.
• Expect to expend the funds within 24 months of receiving them in November.
• Use the grant for work begun after November of the first grant year. Funds cannot be used to pay for expenses incurred before the grant is received.
• Focus on one of these areas:
  • Arts and Culture: cultural programs, participation in the arts, arts education
  • Education: educational opportunities for children and/or adults
  • Environment: improvement, preservation, revitalization or awareness of public spaces, facilities, or natural resources
  • Health and Human Services: improvement of people’s mental and/or physical well-being

Grants will not be provided for:

• Debt reduction, operating deficits or endowment funding.
• Individuals or private foundations.
• Activities that are religious or political in nature.
• Fund drives, annual appeals, fundraising events, or general campaigns.