Applying For Our Grants

Grants are made to tax-exempt charitable organizations and institutions in our service area that have received a 501(c)(3) classification from the Internal Revenue Service.

Consideration will be given to proposals that contribute to the betterment of our community. Proposals with the potential to achieve significant results with a moderate amount of grant money are most favored by the GLCF Distribution Committee and the GLCF Board of Directors.  Needs served are broad in scope and include human services, education, health, the arts and the humanities. 

Grant decisions are made with our area's unique needs in mind. Resources such as the Community Health Needs Assessment are reviewed and taken into consideration.  

We offer multiple grant opportunities each year:  

• Fall and Spring Competitive Grants
• Plymale Foundation Grants
• Youth Philanthropy Council Grants
• Century Fund Grants

FALL 2024 UPDATE: the GLCF is implementing a new grant application software.

• All applicants must apply using our new online system.
• No paper applications will be accepted. Please do not mail or drop off paper applications. 
• If you need assistance with access to a computer/internet/scanner, etc. please call our office at 434-845-6500. 

To apply for any of our grants, your organization will need to have an organizational profile in our portal.

Please create ONE profile per organization. You can add multiple users under one profile. If an external consultant/grant writer will submit your grant, please add that person as a user on your organizational profile. 

To create or log into your organizational profile: 

Step 1: View the instructions/tutorial here for "GLM" by Foundant Technologies. 

Step 2: After viewing the instructions/tutorial, create or log onto your profile and begin the grant application process.

If you are applying for multiple grants, you will log on to your organization's profile and start a new application there. 

Fall & Spring Competitive Grants 

Organizations need to submit the grant application online by 4:30 p.m. on March 15 or September 15 for consideration by the Distribution Committee. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the applications are due on the next business day.

Applying organizations will be eligible for one fall/spring competitive grant within the GLCF’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

Grants awarded from the September 15 deadline will be announced in December.  Grants awarded from the March 15 deadline will be announced in June.

Required questions on the application:

• Title of the project/program.
• Describe the project in 1-2 sentences.
• Primary geographic area served.
• What will be the impact of the project?
• What are the expected outcomes?
• How does the project/program address critical needs in the community?
• What are the objectives for this project/program?
• Results of this program (if it has been in existence previously).
• Please describe how your organization will use this grant.
• Please describe the disposition of funds (items that will be purchased, expenses that will be paid, etc.) using this grant.
• Describe other efforts you have made or will make to secure funding for this project.
• Board of Directors (list)
• Annual Percentage of Board Support/Participation in Giving

Attachments you will be asked to submit:

• IRS Determination Letter
• Audit (most recent - if your organization does not have an audit, please submit Form 990 if you have one)
• Form 990 (not required if you are submitting a recent audit)
• Fiscal Year End Financial Statement (including income, expenses, and a year-end balance sheet)
• Year-to-Date Financial Statement (including income, expenses, and a year-to-date balance sheet)
• Budget for the specific project/program, not the entire organization.

• Any additional supplemental information (marketing materials, pictures, videos, etc.)

Priority is given to projects which:

• Provide innovative responses to community needs;
• Are likely to make a difference in the quality of life of a number of people;
• Address prevention as well as treatment;
• Develop self-reliance, character, leadership and self-esteem;
• Promote volunteer involvement in and commitment to community needs;
• Help nonprofits manage themselves and their finances more effectively;
• Reduce duplication of services and encourage cooperation; and
• Help the disadvantaged.

Generally, grants will not be made for:

• Routine operating expenses;
• Individuals;
• Services primarily supported by tax dollars;
• Religious organizations for sectarian or religious purposes; and
• Reducing previously incurred deficits.

If you have any questions, please contact the GLCF office at 434.845.6500.

The Plymale Foundation

The late Robert E. Plymale created the Plymale Foundation in 1963. In 2009, the Plymale Foundation became a donor advised fund with the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation.

The Plymale Foundation Fund’s Charitable Donations Committee determines grant distributions. Funds available for grants are approximately $40,000 annually. Grants typically range from $1,000 - $15,000. 

Support is awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations for projects including, but not limited to, social welfare, children’s needs, healthcare, and education in Campbell County, Virginia as well as the City of Lynchburg, and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, and Bedford.

The primary endeavor of the Plymale Foundation Fund is to fund special projects and generally does not support operating expenses or capital projects.

Applications will be accepted via our online portal October 1 through November 1.

• No paper applications will be accepted. Please do not mail or drop off paper applications. 
• If you need assistance with access to a computer/internet/scanner, etc. please call our office at 434-845-6500.