General Grant Guidelines and Policies

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) conducts a broad-based grant-making program that provides vital funding for all aspects of community wellbeing. Resources are concentrated geographically to preserve and enhance the quality of life to residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Rappahannock Counties.

Eligibility and Funding Principles

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation invites proposals for projects that strengthen the fabric of the counties we serve and reflect the diverse interests of our donors. Such wide ranging programs include those that:

• improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities, particularly in the

• areas of basic human needs;

• address disparities and increase opportunities for historically underserved people and communities;

• preserve and increase access to our unique community assets;

• meaningfully engages the voices, perspectives and expertise of the people and communities that represent their program participants;

• promote broad-based participation in arts and cultural activities;

• improve a student’s readiness to learn, and ability to succeed in school and other educational endeavors;

• enhance wellness through community-based organizations; and

• encourage environmental preservation and support.

What We Generally Don’t Fund

• Organizations not tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

• Organizations that discriminate with regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability

• Individuals (except scholarships)

• Fundraising events (such as tickets, raffles, auctions or tournaments), annual fundraising appeals, or agency celebrations

• Political activities

• Religious organizations when funds would be used in whole or in part to further the organizations religious purposes

• Existing obligations, debts/liabilities or costs that the agency has already incurred

• National or international organizations, that cannot demonstrate an established local presence benefiting Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock Counties

• Projects normally the responsibility of government

• Private primary or secondary schools or academies

• Capital campaigns or other requests in which NPCF’s funds will not be expended within 12 months after award

Grants are made on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, disability, national origin or age. Funds are to be used solely for the purposes stated in your application. Any portion of the grant not used by you in accordance with your proposal must be returned to the Foundation.

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or any other protected classes. Applicants for NPCF grants must hold similar standards in the provision of services and must provide, as part of their grant application, their organization’s nondiscrimination policy.