At WHF, all of our work, including grantmaking, aligns with our strategic plan. Elements of that plan are critical for grant seekers to know. Also know, the Foundation defines health broadly as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.*
Before Applying
2021-2025 Strategic Plan: A Guide for Grants and Programs
Our Vision
Individuals making healthy choices in a community with health opportunities for all.
Our Mission
Collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg.
Grant Priorities and Requirements
As our funds are limited but the good work done by nonprofit organizations and others is limitless, we have established grant priorities and requirements which are outlined below. Please be sure your work is eligible under these guidelines as well.
Priority is given to grant proposals which:
- Align with the WHF vision, mission, goals, and strategies.
- Impact the health of individuals who are economically disadvantaged and the organizations serving those individuals.
- Improve health opportunities which WHF defines as community resources that enable people to achieve their maximum physical and social well-being.
- Demonstrate collaboration which WHF defines as adjusting and aligning work between partners to create greater outcomes.
- Create stronger systems to support health in the community.
Note: For proposals directly relating to the provision of healthcare, WHF funds are targeted toward individuals in the service area who are uninsured or underinsured due to low income.
Agency Eligibility
The following types of organizations may apply for funding:
- Nonprofit corporations with 501(c)3 tax status as demonstrated by an IRS determination and filing of IRS form 990 or 990EZ.
- State or local government agencies.
Note: Applicants may use a fiscal agent to meet agency eligibility.
Service Area
WHF invests in organizations and programs serving residents of Greater Williamsburg which is defined as the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.
Note: WHF occasionally funds, by invitation, outside the service area to advance its mission.
Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency
WHF requires all current WHF grantees to obtain and maintain the Platinum Seal of Transparency at GuideStar for all grant applications. Exceptions to this requirement include new applicants, government agencies, and recipients of discretionary grants.
Application Documents
WHF will access many documents through GuideStar. In addition to submitting the budget form packet with your application, applicants will also need to submit an annual audit, a link to an annual audit, or request an audit waiver. Depending on the nature of the request, job descriptions, resumes, and letters of support may also accompany grant applications.
Deadline
Applications and supporting documents are due by noon (12:00 p.m.) on the dates indicated. There are no exceptions to deadlines. Please complete your application early to avoid any last-minute problems. Late applications will not be considered.
Prohibitions
The Foundation will not fund applications requesting funding for:
- More than one year
- Annual fundraising appeals
- Endowments
- Restoration of funds cut by state or local governments.
- Funds targeted directly for lobbying.
- Expenses incurred or encumbered prior to the date the grant period or subsequent to its termination date.
*This definition of health comes from the World Health Organization.
If you have any questions about whether your work fits within our strategic plan or within our guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact us and ask to speak with a program officer. Write info@williamsburghealthfoundation or call 757-345-0912 and ask for a program officer.
Our Strategic Plan Goals
We have three board-adopted goals for our plan. For the sake of additional clarity for grant seekers, we have listed current funding focus areas for achieving these goals.
Advance organizations, systems, and public policy crucial to community health and well-being.
Funding Areas
Public Policy Advocacy – actively supporting a particular policy or group of policies at the local or state level. Advocacy can include a variety of activities including support for regulatory changes, education, and forming relationships with decision makers.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in affordable housing, child well-being, and healthcare.
Community Capacity Building – developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes, and resources that communities and organizations working together need to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in community-level systems work which includes collaboration.
Organizational Capacity Building – strengthening internal structures, systems and processes, management, leadership, governance, and overall staff capacity to enhance organizational, team, and individual performance.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in leadership development and evaluation.
Target behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the lifespan.
Funding Areas
Healthy Eating Active Living – empowering individuals to make healthy choices through increased access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in developing healthy habits in childhood and extending that knowledge into the community.
Two Generation Family Services – building family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in home visiting.
Healthy Aging – sustaining an individual’s physical, functional, and cognitive abilities to increase well-being in older age. Activities may include good nutrition, physical activity, assessments, managing health conditions, and reducing social isolation.
Williamsburg Health Foundation is particularly interested in aging-in-place supports.
Strengthen the healthcare safety-net for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
Funding Areas
Behavioral Health Services (BHS) – acknowledging the connection between the health of the body and the mind, BHS address the importance of emotional, psychological, and overall well-being.
In addition to BHS workforce extension and development, WHF is particularly interested in prevention, intervention, and child-family counseling.
Integrated Care (IC) – ensuring patients are provided with coordinated, comprehensive high-quality care. IC service delivery model fully integrates primary, oral, and behavioral care, medications, and social supports.
In addition to integration within and between organizations, addressing social risk factors, and coordinated systems for obtaining free or low-cost medications, WHF is particularly interested in universal behavioral health screening, imbedded behavioral healthcare, and shared access to electronic health records.
Grant Categories
There are four distinct grant types offered by the Foundation initiated through a Letter of Intent (LOI) or by invitation.
2023 Grant Cycle Due Dates
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted by noon (12:00 p.m.) on the dates indicated. There are no exceptions to deadlines. Please complete your application early to avoid any last minute problems. Late applications will not be considered.
Letter of Intent (LOI) for Responsive Grants
Grant Cycle 1
Friday, January 27
Grant Cycle 2
Friday, July 28
Grant Invitations Sent to Applicants
Grant Cycle 1
Friday, February 3
Grant Cycle 2
Friday, August 4
Full Grant Applications Due
Grant Cycle 1
Friday, March 3
Grant Cycle 2
Friday, September 1
Grant Decisions
Grant Cycle 1
2023 Summer Board meeting (June)
Grant Cycle 2
2023 Winter Board meeting (December)
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