Posted on December 18, 2008

Norfolk Foundation Awards $1.1 Million to Agencies Serving People in Need

The Norfolk Foundation has announced more than $1.1 million in operating funds to twenty-two local nonprofit organizations that provide food, shelter, clothing, or medical care, the Virginian-Pilot reports.

The grants are part of a two-year program to help organizations struggling with growing demands for basic needs, rising operating costs, and shrinking donations. Previously, the foundation primarily supported capital projects. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia received the largest grant, $175,000, to be paid over two years. Other grant recipients include Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, the Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Salvation Army, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Seton Youth Shelters, and the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.

The Charters Basic Needs Relief Program, a donor-advised fund at the foundation that was established through the estate of a local couple to support agencies that help people with basic needs, will provide $1 million of the emergency funding.