The FY 25 Community Support Grant, administered by the Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro (CAPSAW), provides funding to support programs that primarily impact low- and moderate-income residents in the City of Staunton, Augusta County, and the City of Waynesboro, Virginia. Funding for this program is provided by these localities with the goal of addressing community needs identified in the 2024 CAPSAW Needs Assessment Report. Eligible projects should align with CAPSAW’s mission to empower individuals and families experiencing poverty, strengthen the community, and create opportunities through financial support and program guidance.

Applicants should focus on projects that respond to identified community needs, such as expanding affordable housing support, increasing workforce training and educational opportunities, improving access to mental and behavioral health services, enhancing childcare options, and fostering collaboration among service providers. Funding is available for reimbursable project supplies and certain operating expenses with a direct impact on clients. However, grants may not be used for personnel costs, fundraising, general operational expenses, debt payment, or political advocacy.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local government agencies that provide services to low- and moderate-income individuals in the specified regions. Organizations that already receive funding through CAPSAW’s Consolidated Funding Pool process for FY 25 are eligible for a maximum of $1,500, while non-current CAPSAW grantees may request up to $2,500. Funds are reimbursable and must be used for specific project-related expenses such as materials, appliances, and emergency support.

A total of $30,000 is allocated for the Community Support Grant program in FY 25, with awards determined by the CAPSAW Board of Directors on a rolling basis as applications are received. Agencies are encouraged to request reimbursement for items that are not part of general operations and are directly linked to service delivery. Faith-based organizations must ensure their services are accessible to all individuals regardless of religious affiliation.

Applications for the grant are accepted via email and reviewed at various deadlines throughout the fiscal year. The upcoming application deadline is April 14, 2025, with subsequent board review on May 20, 2025. Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than June 15, 2025. Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report detailing the impact of their funded activities, including the number of individuals served and how the funds addressed identified needs.