Grants

General Grants Information

The Community Foundation’s competitive grant process seeks proposals from 501(c)(3)nonprofit organizations based in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Rappahannock counties, or from any organization with a project that has specific benefit to a majority of residents of those counties.

NPCF makes grants through a number of different funds. We have a set of grant guidelines and eligibility requirements that apply to all grants, in addition to additional specific requirements for each fund.

New Grantees

We happily accept proposals from nonprofits that have not worked with NPCF in the past. We ask that you give us a call to discuss your project with us before filling out any forms; we love to hear about new initiatives in our community, and we can make recommendations to save you time and effort during the application process.

You may submit your proposed project for as many of our grants as you wish. In the event your project is not chosen for funding during any given grant cycle, you are free to submit again during the next cycle — because we get more great proposals than we can fund each year, we welcome the opportunity to revisit your work!

Grant Portal

Current and Past Grantees

Nonprofits who have received NPCF grants in the past are also encouraged to call us any time to discuss planned projects and proposals; we’d love to hear what you’re up to.

As with organizations who are applying for the first time, you too are welcome to submit proposed projects for as many of our grants as you wish, including projects submitted in the past that were not funded.

Log In to Grant Portal
 

2025-2026 Grant Deadlines

Patricia & Nicolaas Kortlandt Memorial Fund Grant

Opens: June 11, 2025

Closes: July 2, 2025

Madison County Grant

Opens: July 31, 2025

Closes: August 22, 2025

Culpeper Foundation Grant

Opens: September 17, 2025

Closes: October 1, 2025

Richard Lykes Community Fund Grant

Opens: October 22, 2025

Closes: November 12, 2025

Community Assistance Grant

LOI Opens: January 5, 2026

LOI Closes: January 19, 2026

Application Opens: January 28, 2026

Application Closes: February 16, 2026

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.

Go to Grant Application Portal