The Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) is pleased to announce the call for applications for its 2021 Responsive Grant Program for regional nonprofits. The program responds to ongoing or emergent community needs as recognized by the area nonprofits serving those needs directly. Any registered 501c(3) organization or unit of local government, such as a school or library, serving the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe, and the city of Radford are encouraged to apply.
In 2020, the CFNRV Responsive Grant Program provided operating support to NRV organizations navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to provide maximum flexibility in the use of grant dollars. While much has changed in the past year, the CFNRV recognizes that nonprofits are still dealing with limited funding and an increased demand for services. Therefore, the 2021 Responsive Grant Program will once again offer general operating support grants of up to $4,000 to be used at the grantee’s discretion. Any organization that meets the criteria for funding through the Responsive Grant Program is encouraged to apply. Program details and a link to apply online are available at cfnrv.org/grants, along with a video from the CFNRV’s most recent Nonprofit Listening Session focused on grantwriting and the Responsive Grant Program.
CFNRV CEO Jessica Wirgau recognizes that the Responsive Grant Program has made changes over the last two grant cycles but hopes that they are welcome changes, “Last year our grantees were grateful for the ability to put our funds where they were most needed in such a challenging time. Even as our community is emerging from the pandemic, the impact on nonprofit programs and fundraising continues, and flexibility remains critical for the organizations we serve. ”
Responsive Grants are made from the CFNRV’s numerous endowed funds created by individuals, businesses, and families. Donors with endowed funds at the CFNRV use the Responsive Grant Program to give to the issues they care about and to learn about diverse needs in the region. In 2020, the CFNRV also introduced a new feature to its grant-making: the online grant catalog. The catalog allows the CFNRV’s endowed fund holders to support grants using a simple online tool. It also allows anyone in the community to read about area organizations and to contribute to a grant.
Last year, an additional $10,000 in support from the public came through the grant catalog, helping the CFNRV to award over $150,000 in responsive grants. Wirgau noted, “Many donors and businesses were looking to support NRV charities, and the grant catalog allowed them to see organizations that the CFNRV had fully vetted and had confidence in supporting. By adding this feature to our grant program, we hope that more donors and businesses will take advantage of having a convenient place to learn about and support NRV nonprofits.” Additional details about the online grant catalog are available online. Anyone interested in creating an endowed fund at the CFNRV, can reach out to Jessica at 540-381-8999 or jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org.