The Century Fund provides the opportunity for GLCF to provide significant funding for a transformational project in our region through an annual grant of $100,000. 

A transformational project is one that:

• Fundamentally changes how a non-profit functions
• Nets positive results for the nonprofit and those it serves
• Results in positive, innovative, and significant change for the organization and our community
• Significantly improves or creates a new service, facility, or program of the organization
• Creates new opportunities or resources for many people in our community
• Is a significant step forward for the nonprofit organization, while remaining within the scope of its mission

Eligibility:

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving the city of Lynchburg and/or the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell that are organized and operated for charitable purposes and recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt public charities under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Public educational institutions without an IRS determination letter may also be eligible to receive grants.

• The Century Fund grant is $100,000, which is awarded to one organization for one project. 
• Organizations applying for a Century Fund grant should: 
  • Demonstrate that the project is a strong fit with their organization’s mission and is aligned with a board-adopted strategic plan
  • Have a track record of providing effective programs to their target population
  • Have a history of strong financial management
  • Have a structured business plan for ongoing financial and community support to ensure continuation of the program or construction project
  • Include clearly stated goals, timeline, skill and/or behavioral outcomes
  • Be able to measure the program or project’s effectiveness in achieving its stated objective(s) and commit to reporting that to the GLCF
  • Demonstrate efforts to creatively collaborate with other organizations or agencies
•  Applications are accepted via our online portal between February 1 - February 28. The Century Fund grant, if awarded, will be announced by the end of June each year.
• The grant may be for programs or projects, including "bricks and mortar." 
• The Century Fund grant must be a significant portion of the total amount needed to complete the project or program.
• The Century Fund grant may or may not be awarded in a given year if, in the judgment of GLCF, no applications meet the criteria for granting. 
• Applicants will be required to answer questions that demonstrate the transformative nature of the project, such as:
• What is the proposed timeline for implementation of the proposed project?
• How is this project transformative in terms of significantly enhancing the quality of life for the people of Central Virginia?
• How many people will be served by the project?
• How is this proposal different from your ongoing efforts and from projects for which you have received previous grant awards?
• What is the total cost of the project? 
• List all other funds that have been earmarked for this project and all applications for funds you have submitted.
• How will the success of the project be evaluated?
• Please submit all applications via our online portal between February 1 - February 28.