Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation awards $250,000 in Spring 2025 Grants

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) has announced the recipients of its Spring 2025 Community Grants, awarding a total of $250,000 to seven local nonprofit organizations. The funding supports a range of initiatives focused on education, housing, the arts, youth programming, and senior services across the region.

“This spring’s grant cycle saw a record number of applicants, reflecting the growing needs of our region and the strength of our nonprofit community,” said Monika Bridgforth, Executive Director of ESVCF. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re able to respond to those needs and invest in organizations working to improve lives on the Shore.”

Grant recipients include:

• Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging/Community Action Agency – $25,000 for HVAC upgrades and the purchase of a new senior transportation bus.

  

• Eastern Shore of Virginia Housing Mission – $33,000 to purchase and equip two trailers for housing repair work.

• Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore – $50,000 for a forklift to enhance warehouse operations in Tasley.

• No Limits Eastern Shore – $25,000 to acquire a vehicle to transport clients with brain injuries.

• Northampton County Education Foundation – $32,000 to implement LEGO SPIKE robotics in STEM programs at Kiptopeke and Occohannock elementary schools.

  

• Randy Custis Memorial Park – $40,000 to install field lighting to improve access and safety for community sports.

• Shore History – $45,000 toward roof repairs at Ker Place and Hopkins & Bro. Store, serving as a match to VA250 grant funds.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors made funding decisions based on the projected community impact of each proposal, balancing available resources with a surge in applications.

In addition to announcing the Spring awards, ESVCF noted that updated grant guidelines will take effect beginning with the Fall 2025 cycle. These include new opportunities focused on innovative programming and capacity building for smaller nonprofits.

Founded in 2004, ESVCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports philanthropic efforts across Virginia’s Eastern Shore through grantmaking, community leadership, and the stewardship of endowed funds. More information is available at www.esvcf.org.