Cameron Foundation Grant Program

From The Cameron Foundation

The Cameron Foundation aims to transform the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties into a region that is healthy, vibrant, and economically robust. They achieve this by leveraging resources strategically for maximum community impact in areas including Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell; the counties of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Sussex; and part of Chesterfield County lying south of Route 10.

Type of Support

Overview

The Cameron Foundation's General Grants program focuses on a broad range of goals, supporting projects or programs, operational needs, and capital initiatives. The Foundation adjusts its grant priorities based on learning from past grants and emerging community needs, as highlighted by periodic needs assessments. Its funding interests span across six main categories:

  1. Health Care: Supporting access to primary health services for underserved populations, including improvements to health infrastructure and technological advancements. Priority areas include access to health services, behavioral health, prevention services/health education, and child health/K-12 health.

  2. Human Services: Funding programs that provide for basic human needs and promote children, youth, and adult development to enhance quality of life. This includes support for food pantries, emergency shelters, and programs addressing family and youth issues, as well as senior support services.

  3. Community & Economic Development: Advocating for a holistic approach to revitalizing neighborhoods, workforce development, and expanding economic development capacity. This includes supporting jobs training, quality affordable housing, and strategies that attract business investment.

  4. Education: Commitment to improving education outcomes through support for early childhood education, quality of K-12 education, teacher preparation, and college and career readiness initiatives.

  5. Historic Preservation & Conservation: Supporting the preservation of historic sites and conservation efforts that protect natural resources, understanding their role in community development and environmental quality.

  6. Arts & Culture: Encouraging the integration of arts and culture in community revitalization, arts education, expanding audiences for arts organizations, and the importance of cultural institutions for community well-being.

Grant applicants can find more detailed information and apply through the Foundation's designated processes, reflecting its commitment to responding to the evolving needs and opportunities within its service area.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
VA (Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights City, Dinwiddie County, Hopewell City, Petersburg City, Prince George County, Sussex County)
Organization Type
Organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
Other
  • At least 51% of those served must reside within the Foundation’s service region, which includes Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Sussex counties, and the part of Chesterfield County south of Route 10
  • Must be governed by an all-volunteer board of directors with at least five unrelated persons
  • No paid staff member can participate as a voting member of the governing board

Ineligibility

Organizations that discriminate on race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
Private foundations
Supporting organizations
Endowments
For-profit organizations
Individuals
Expenses incurred prior to grant approval
Medical research or national health agency appeals
Academic or scientific research projects
Religious organizations with restricted access based on affiliation or creed promotion
Groups attempting to influence legislation or political campaigns
Other grant agencies or foundations for redistribution
Purchase of fundraising event tickets or advertising
Projects solely for publishing or distributing materials
General operating expenses of health centers, clinics, daycare centers (except exceptional circumstances)
Projects solely for conference attendance
Reserve funds or debt elimination.
10k – 300k

Submission

Schedule
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Application deadlines
Jan 8, 2025
May 1, 2025
Step 2: Full proposal (check website)
Review Criteria

The Cameron Foundation is dedicated to ensuring its resources are utilized where they can make the most significant impact. When considering requests for support, applicants should take into account the Foundation's key priorities:

  1. The Foundation favors initiatives that come up with innovative solutions to fundamental issues rather than temporary fixes for symptoms, and that leverage the strengths of the community.
  2. It places a high value on projects that improve opportunities for individuals from economically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, with a strong emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusivity in service provision.
  3. The Foundation encourages effective communication, collaboration, and coordination among service providers. It aims to support and promote partnerships and collaborative efforts among those it funds.
  4. It prioritizes the development of sustainable programs and services, which are supported by robust and participatory leadership from boards, staff members, and volunteers.
  5. The Foundation prefers to back approaches with a proven record of success in addressing challenges over ventures into unproven areas.

Prospective applicants should ensure their proposals align with these preferences to increase their chances of securing support from the Foundation.

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