The HOPE Grant, administered by the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, is designed to support nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve the counties of Washington, Grayson, Russell, or Smyth in Virginia. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives aligned with its vision and mission, focusing its resources on impactful community projects. Applicants must be recognized as not-for-profit entities by the Internal Revenue Service or be government organizations. Only proposals that provide tangible community benefits, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and avoid duplication of existing services will be considered.

The Foundation’s areas of interest include health, children and families, workforce development, education, and economic development. While the Foundation encourages a wide range of project proposals, it clearly outlines specific exclusions to maintain alignment with its mission. Grants will not be issued to individuals, for-profit organizations, or religious organizations for religious purposes. Additionally, the Foundation does not fund operational costs unrelated to the proposed project, debt reduction, fundraisers, corporate sponsorships, or athletic programs.

Each HOPE grant is a one-time disbursement of up to $25,000. Proposals must come through appropriate centralized bodies when submitted by divisions of school districts or local governments. Specifically, individual school projects must be submitted through the school district’s central office, and departmental government proposals must go through the main town or county administration. This ensures that all applications reflect institutional support and coordination.

The grant application process remains open until all budgeted funds are distributed for the year. Applicants can expect to be notified of the decision on their application by the end of the month following their submission. The Foundation reserves the right to request further documentation during its review and emphasizes that grant awards are subject to availability of funds, community needs, board priorities, and compliance with regulations.

Accountability is an essential component of the grant process. All recipients must submit a final financial report and a project completion report via the Foundation’s grant management software. Additionally, grantees may be asked to provide photographs for use in Foundation communications. Any public use of the Foundation’s name or logo must be pre-approved by the Director of Operations.

The Foundation is committed to non-discrimination and does not fund organizations that engage in hate-based activities or discrimination on the basis of identity or background. The guidelines may be updated at any time, and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation for clarification or support during the application process.