River Counties Community Foundation Grants

Community Vibrancy 

Bay School Community Arts Center 

This grant request is to support year-long community, educational arts outreach for youth at the Middlesex Family YMCA, during summer camps and the after school camp.  
 

Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park  

This grant request is to support continued construction of the Exhibit Center being built to process and store archival information and display historic boats, boat building tools and portions of boat building facilities too large to be displayed in our existing museum building. 
 

First Baptist Church of Heathsville

This grant request will continue development of the Howland Chapel School Museum by restoring the Teachers' Cottage, specifically stabilizing the sinking flooring, insert additional joists under the building, and rebuilding the dismantled chimney. 
 

Foundation for Historic Christ Church  

This grant request supports the conservation of the slate roof at Historic Christ Church (1735) and Historic Christ Church & Museum's 2025 Spring Speaker Series "A Revolution in Liberty: Lexington and Concord to the First Amendment."   
 

Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society 

This grant request is to support the upgrade to museum standards of our walkup attic space that will allow us to provide additional 1,584 square footage of storage space for our collection accession objects. 
 

Northern Neck Orchestra Corporation  

This grant request aids the Orchestra to provide great music to the community by helping cover costs of concerts. 
 

Rappahannock Art League

This grant request is for continued support towards the Artful Aging program which includes art instruction for seniors living in income-restricted housing in the Northern Neck. 
 

Rappahannock Concert Association  

This grant request supports the String Orchestra for Northern Neck Youth (SONNY) and The Strings Crewe (Beginning students). 
 

Rappahannock Foundation  

This grant request is to support cultural vibrancy by bringing drama and music productions to PreK - 7 Lancaster Public School students through the RFA Arts for Youth (AFY) series so students experience live performing arts shows and meet artists. 
 

Reedville Fishermen's Museum

This grant request supports the conversion of our museum catalog from PastPerfect to CatalogIt will allow for cloud based storage, multiple device access and improved research capabilities, digital media transfers, improve storage, and support labeling of existing artifacts. 
 

Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern Foundation  

This grant request is to replace worn out equipment in the kitchen or restaurant & provide health/safety training for staff. 
 

The Court House Players  

This grant is to support community involvement in the arts, particularly live theater. The Court House Players hosts two summer camp opportunities for school aged children to be a part of a musical production in Mathews and Middlesex. 

 

Economic Prosperity

Gloucester United Emergency Shelter Team  

This grant request supports shelter operations for those experiencing homelessness in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. 
 

GRASP(Great Aspirations Scholarship Program)

This grant request supports the GRASP Financial Aid Advising Program at Lancaster County and Northumberland County high schools, connecting students' with higher education aspirations to dedicated advisors who can aid them in finding affordable avenues toward their dreams. 

Habitat for Humanity of Middlesex VA

This grant is to support construction of our next home in Topping VA, Middlesex County, in support of the family selected last year. 
 

Hands Across Middlesex Interfaith Outreach 

This grant request provides emergency home repairs for physically and financially disadvantaged residents, assists the Food Bank to distribute food and provides for disinfecting and deep cleaning the HANDS facility. 
 

Lancaster & Northumberland Interfaith Service Council 

This grant request is to support Lancaster and Northumberland citizens with basic home repairs so they can remain in their homes and function safely, and emergency financial assistance so they can provide for their families. 
 

Linking Hope and Help (The Link)

This grant request supports The Link’s Employment Support Program. 
 

Educational Success

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck

This grant request supports our continued work focusing on academics success, workforce & life skills readiness for club teens & our new young adult program as well as supporting  our Literacy Project with the YMCA encouraging youth reading at home. 
 

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck

This grant request is to support the purchase, renovation, and expansion of a new facility in Northumberland County that will attract youth to a safe and fun environment, with programs that will enhance their ability to become productive citizens. 
 

Colonial Seaport Foundation

This grant request is to support vessel and crew program training and instruction services through Tall Ships America and insurance for sailing vessel Luna, so students and visitors may visit in compliance with Coast Guard regulations.  
 

Jacob's Ladder

This grant request supports the attendance of seven River Counties middle school children at the 2025 Jacob's Ladder Summer residential Enrichment Program with continued year-round Advocacy and/or Follow Up Program. 
 

Kiwanis Club of Middlesex

This grant request is to support the Kiwanis Club of Middlesex in providing books to preschool children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  
 

Lancaster Community Library

This grant request supports the Summer Reading Program, which will provide activities and programming for all ages for six weeks starting June 10, 2025. 
 

Lancaster County Virginia Education Foundation

This grant request is to allow Lancaster County Public Schools (LCPS) to continue its partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection for a mental health support program for staff, students and parents after a successful year of implementation. 
 

Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MACorp)

This grant request supports two educational programs: the summer camps of MACorp, Inc., which are the Girls' Empowerment Camp and the Camp S.W.A.G.; and the early stages of the Northern Neck Hidden History Trail. 
 

Middlesex County Public Library

This grant request is to support a year-long program of increased community outreach to provide library services and programming throughout the community in order to reinforce literacy, accessibility, and access to information for all ages. 
 

Northumberland Public Library  

This grant request is to support the efforts to increase summer reading in Northumberland and surrounding counties by offering additional incentives for reaching a shared goal. 
 

Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation 

This grant request is to support an RCC Navigator at Northumberland High School.  Through college and career guidance, the Navigator will promote secondary school completion, post-secondary attainment and success in post-secondary education. 
 

Rappahannock Foundation

This grant request is to support the Lancaster County Public School’s creation of a state-of-the-art high school theater with lighting and sound equipment to serve as an arts education center for students and a focal point for the local arts community. 
 

Reach Out and Read Virginia

This grant request supports our work with our pre-existing Middlesex County clinic, providing targeted program support and filling the book gap at this high-need site, ensuring they have the resources to continue delivering our program to families. 
 

Urbanna Oyster Festival

This grant request is to support educational field trips and hands-on learning experiences on and near the water for students in elementary, middle and high school, to learn about the importance of marine science in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
 

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas

This grant requests supports youth development and learning by nurturing each child’s potential through regional, year-round Preschool, School Age programs, and Summer Day Camps focusing on enrichment, literacy, dynamic academic methods, and affordable, safe childcare. 
 

Environmental Stewardship

Friends of the Rappahannock

This grant request is to support the expansion and maintenance of oyster reef restoration efforts in the Rappahannock River and its tributaries through funding of the oyster restoration specialist position and necessary program supplies. 
 

Northern Neck Land Conservancy

This grant request supports educational and orienting signage at Bay View and help continue activities like paddle trips and Fourth Friday events that advance community conservation and land protection.  
 

Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA)

This grant request is to help build oyster cages in 5 different designs to address the various site conditions where oyster gardeners can raise oysters, helping to filter water, removing sediment and creating habitat for various marine life. 
 

Health and Wellness

Avalon Center

This grant request is to support residents of Middlesex County affected by domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking through evidence-based services, including emergency and transitional housing, support services, and prevention education. 
 

Bay Aging

This grant request supports older adults to gain access to healthy nutritious meals as well as socialization in the River Counties. 
 

Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation

This grant request supports a complete renovation to expand the space and create a more modern, refreshed environment for patients, families, and associates. 
 

Deltaville Community Association 

This grant is to support the renovation of the bathrooms of the Ricky Taylor Memorial Swimming Pool, along with the construction of a publicly accessible restroom for the DCA's community park, as well as continued progress on a park walking path.  
 

Dream Fields  

This grant request is to support the construction of an ADA compliant restroom facility at Dream Fields in an easily identifiable and central location for our guests. 
 

Fear 2 Freedom

This grant requestis to support funding to provide 50 AfterCare and 50 iCare Kits for survivors of sexual violence that includes: sexual assault, IPV (Intimate Partner Violence), domestic violence, child abuse & human trafficking. 
 

Garfield's Rescue

This grant request supports the community safety/no-kill philosophy through the spaying/neutering of homeless cats to prevent the cruel cycle of reproduction and the spread of life threatening disease by unsterilized unvaccinated cats. 
 

Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department  

This grant supports purchasing essential equipment for Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department’s new engine/tanker, ensuring it is fully operational, meets industry standards, and enhances firefighting capabilities and community safety. 

Healthy Harvest Food Bank

This grant request supports the expansion of our network of vendors for the procurement of nutrient-rich, non-perishable foods in support of the Core Emergency Feeding program and the Healthy Food Farmacy program. 

LANCOVA Partners for Pets

This grant request supports the position of Shelter Manager to oversee the overall operation of the NNPP animal shelter.  
 

Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic

This grant request supports the continuation and expansion of the Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic Mental Health / Telebehavioral Health Program. 
 

Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department

This grant request supports the purchase of essential firefighting equipment to outfit LMVFD’s new engine, ensuring compliance with NFPA 1901 and ISO standards and enhancing emergency response and community safety. 
 

Middlesex County Sports Complex  

This grant request supports the replacement of the field lighting on Middlesex County Sports Complex's Field 1, one of the primary fields used by Middlesex County Little League for children ages 6-16. 
 

Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad

This grant request is to improve emergency communication for the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad ambulances. 
 

Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department 

This grant request supports the purchase of essential firefighting and rescue equipment for MVFD’s new engine to enhance safety and service to the community. 
 

Northern Neck CASA

This grant request supports the purchase a floor unit machine (printer, copier, scanner, fax) to use in the office in assisting with every day task.   
 

Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic  

This grant request is to support expanded health care services to meet the growing need among vulnerable populations. 
 

Rx Partnership 

This grant request supports the medication needs for patients at Ledwith Lewis Free Clinic and the Northern Neck - Middlesex Free Health Clinic. 
 

Smith Point Sea Rescue 

This grant request is to purchase 12 survival suits for each of the 3 heavy rescue vessels. 
 

The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck 

 Purchase of dog and cat food for distribution through the food pantries of Healthy Harvest Food Bank to pets at risk for food insecurity. 
 

The Doorways  

This grant request supports The Doorways medical lodging program and its direct services to River Counties Foundation service area residents who must travel away from their homes – often for weeks and months at a time – to access medical care in Richmond. 
 

The Haven Shelter & Services  

This grant request is to support on-call stipends for crisis response staff outside of regular business hours and to strengthen financial management and sustainability. 
 

Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department 

This grant is to support the enhancement of UMVFD's rescue vehicle by providing critical equipment that will improve communication, vehicle stabilization, and rescue efficiency during emergencies. 
 

VersAbility Resources  

This grant request is to provide day support services and integrative community events for adults with disabilities in Lancaster, Middlesex, and Northumberland counties.  
 

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas

This grant request is to support construction costs to enclose Northumberland Family YMCA's outdoor pool. By enclosing the existing 6-lane pool, family area, and water slide we will extend programming year-round to serve the region’s growing needs

Cultural Vibrancy
 

Bay School Community Arts Center 
This grant request is to support year-long community, educational arts outreach for youth at the Middlesex Family YMCA, during summer camps and the after school camp.
 

Bay Triangle Trail 
This grant request supports the administration of the new walking and biking TriWay Trail project in Lancaster County. Phase I of the Trail is scheduled to open in June. This grant will be used planning and for community engagement.
 

Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park 
the continued preservation of the F.D. Crockett as the key element of our mission to bring the traditions and practices of watermen to the general public around the Chesapeake Bay.
 

First Baptist Church of Heathsville 
The grant request is to continue the development of the Howland Chapel School Museum, particularly restoring the Teachers' Cottage.
 

Foundation for Historic Christ Church Inc. 
installation of a generator backup power system for security and fire alarm monitoring at Christ Church (1735) and adjacent support buildings on the campus of Historic Christ Church & Museum (HCC&M).
 

Friends of Belle Isle State Park 
This grant request is to support community opportunity to view wildlife, with special emphasis on area youth, and to increase visitation to Belle Isle State Park and the Northern Neck.
 

Friends of Urbanna Museum and Parks 
the matching of a grant from The Robert G. Cabell III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation, for the restoration of the 1763 Scottish Factor Store.
 

Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library Inc 
completion of a new, expanded Genealogy and History Library for Lancaster County that will enhance cultural vibrancy and improve the preservation of, and access to, local history and family heritage materials and knowledge.
 

Northern Neck Orchestra Corporation 
increasing the number of concerts performed during the year from 3 to 4 and to 5 the year after that. Ticket sales generate only 25-30% of the cost to perform. We need RCCF support to help fund the shortfall.
 

Rappahannock Art League 
to continue the support a program of art instruction for seniors living in income-restricted housing in the Northern Neck.
 

Rappahannock Concert Association 
Free weekly private & group lessons to NNK students aged 8-15, in violin, viola & cello.
 

Rappahannock Foundation, Inc. 
cultural vibrancy by bringing drama, music & dance performances to K - 7 Lancaster Public School students through the RFA Arts for Youth (AFY) series.
 

Reedville Fishermen's Museum 
the preservation of the Northern Neck watermen and business people’s history through the presentation of over 40 oral histories in an integrated, hands-on display that is accessible to all who visit the museum.
 

Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's TavernFoundation, Inc.
The expansion of the Tavern Woodworkers shop to accommodate a growing guild and raise greater public awareness of their heritage skills as well as their modern woodworking activities.
 

Steamboat Era Museum 
This grant request is to support painting the exterior of the museum.
 

The Court House Players 
This grant is to support community involvement in the arts, in particular, live theater. The Courthouse Players hosts two summer camp opportunities for school aged children to be part of a musical production in Mathews and Middlesex.

Total Awarded: $154,330

Economic Prosperity
 

Bay Aging 
This grant proposal focuses on providing affordable workforce housing for professionals, including but not limited to teachers and county/state employees, primarily in Middlesex County.

GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.) 
the GRASP Financial Aid Advising Program at Lancaster County and Northumberland County high schools.
 

Habitat for Humanity of Middlesex VA Inc.
Building our next Habitat House in Topping Va. Weve built two homes in our six-home subdivision on Melton Way. This will be out third. Our current goal is to accelerate our build cycle so that we can work on more than one home at a time.

Hands Across Middlesex Interfaith Outreach, Inc. 
This grant provides emergency home repairs for physically and financially disadvantaged residents and assists our Food Bank to supply food to the BackPackBuddy program.
 

Lancaster & Northumberland Interfaith Service Council 
this grant request is to support Lancaster and Northumberland citizens with 1) basic home repairs so they can remain in their homes and function safely, and 2) emergency financial assistance so they can provide for their families.
 

Lancaster/Northumberland Habitat for Humanity 
This grant request is to support the completion of Build 22 which is an 1,100 sq. ft. single family home with three bedrooms on a two-acre lot. The future homeowner has been selected based on established Habitat criteria.
 

Legal Aid Works 
Tappahannock paralegal's travel to Kilmarnock monthly for outreach office hours, reviewing and accepting applications from eligible indigent disabled clients who were denied Social Security Disability Benefits to which they are entitled.
 

Light of Christ Anglican Church 
those that struggle to survive, but circumstances hit and they have no where else to turn. We are here to show we care and give them a hand. We can't solve their problems, but we can help them get through a tough time.
 

Linking Hope and Help, Inc. 
This grant request is to support the salary of the Link's Employment Specialist.
 

Total Awarded: $140,000
 

Educational Success
 

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Inc. 
This grant request is to support our ongoing work in academic success, workforce readiness and life skills for teens at BGCNN. We continue to partner with the YMCA to provide books to kids encouraging reading at home and reduce reading deficiencies.
 

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Inc. 
This grant request is to support the purchase, renovation, and expansion of a new facility in Northumberland County that will attract youth to a safe and fun environment, with programs that will enhance their ability to become productive citizens.
 

Colonial Seaport Foundation 
vessel and crew program training and instruction services through Tall Ships America and insurance for sailing vessel Luna so students and visitors may visit in compliance with Coast Guard regulations.
 

Jacob's Ladder, Inc. 
the attendance of five River Counties middle school children at the 2024 Jacob's Ladder summer residential enrichment program with continued year-round advocacy.
 

Lancaster Community Library 
This grant request is to support the Summer Reading Program and our new Mobile Library Service. This summer there will be free programs and activities under the theme "All Together Now."
 

Lancaster County Virginia

Education Foundation One-on-one mentoring for LCPS students to help them meet challenges they face in education and in their daily lives. Mentoring will improve social maturity, reduce absenteeism and behavioral issues, and promote interest in being successful in life.
 

Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MACorp) 
This grant request is to support the educational programs of MACorp's summer camps, which are the Girls' Empowerment Camp and the Camp S.W.A.G.
 

Middlesex County Museum and Historical Society 
the research and creation of a curriculum of educational materials focused on local Middlesex County history that meets the guidelines of the Virginia State SOLs to include the personal stories of our residents and county and world historical events
 

Middlesex County Public Library, Inc. 
This grant request is to support a yearlong program of increased community outreach to provide library services and programming throughout the community to reinforce literacy, academic achievement, life skills, and access to information for all ages.
 

Middlesex Elementary School 
the understanding of math concepts through children's literature. Books can illustrate a math concept, provide context for problem solving, jumpstart a math investigation, and stimulate deep math conversations. Math comes to life through literature.

Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. 
This grant request is to support an RCC high school navigator at Northumberland High School. Through college and career guidance, the Navigator will promote high school completion, post-secondary attainment and success in post-secondary education.

Urbanna Oyster Festival
This grant request is to support educational field trips and hands- on experiences on and near the water for students in elementary, middle and high school, to learn about the importance of marine science within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
 

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas Youth 
development and learning by nurturing each child’s potential through regional, year-round Preschool, School Age programs, and Summer Day Camps focusing on enrichment, dynamic academic methods, affordable, safe childcare, and literacy.

Total Awarded: $277,970

Environmental Stewardship
 

Friends of the Rappahannock 
This grant request is to support the expansion of oyster reef restoration efforts in the Rappahannock River and its tributaries through funding of the oyster restoration specialist position and necessary supplies including crushed granite for reef.
 

Northern Neck Land Conservancy 
beneficial new community relationships and increase positive attitudes about perpetual land conservation using paddling trips, Fourth Friday events, and a new Bay View volunteer committee to build community that advances land protection.

Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) 
Printing copies of the 2024 Edition of the Comprehensive Virginia Oyster Gardening Guide. The Guide is over 60 pages and the request is to print 1500 copies in full color for education in the middle peninsula and Northern Neck.
 

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas Paddling for All 
will make waterways in Lancaster Co. accessible to individuals with differing abilities and create appreciation for and stewardship of our environment through educational and experiential group programming in the healthy outdoors.
 

Total Awarded: $45,195
 
 

Health and Wellness
 

Addy's Colors This 
grant request is to support the continuing free mental health services for children with chronic medical conditions, developmental disabilities, and/or traumatic grief as well as their families.

Avalon Center Residents of the Rivers Counties 
affected by domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking through evidence-based services, including emergency and transitional housing, support services, and prevention education.
 

Bay Aging 
older adults to gain access to healthy nutritious meals as well as socialization in the River Counties.
 

County of Lancaster Department of Emergency Services 
This grant request is to support the Lancaster County Department of Emergency Services and the Upper Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department acquire vital rescue equipment and emergency response training.
 

Dream Fields 
This grant request is to support the construction of an ADA compliant restroom facility at Dream Fields. The funds will also be used to construct additional sidewalks connecting the new restroom structure to the Hayden building and parking lot.

Garfield's Rescue, Inc. 
community safety/no-kill philosophy thru: S/N/V of homeless cats to prevent cruel cycle of overpopulation & spread of disease thru unsterilized unvaccinated cats; cut shelter euthanasia; partnerships w/ shelters/rescues for adoption/foster programs.
 

Gloucester United Emergency

Shelter Team This grant request is to support the emergency shelter operations for persons experiencing homelessness in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Shelter is provided through a winter shelter and motel voucher programs.
 

Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department
enhancing communication between responding personnel and improving incident management capabilities while responding and operating at an emergency scene.
 

Healthy Harvest Food Bank 
This grant request is to support completion of an aquaponics education and production center to provide fresh, nutritious food to those in need and provide a hands-on educational experience in sustainable agriculture through an innovative smart-farm.
 

LANCOVA Partners for Pets 
This grant request is to support the purchase and installation of metal fencing that will serve as kennel space for the dogs, play areas for shelter experience enrichment, and security fencing to keep the animals safe from any outside interference.
 

Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic 
This grant request is to support the LLFC's Tele-mental Health Program, and expand services to include all Regional Free and Charitable Clinics who do not offer behavioral health services in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Regions of VA.
 

Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire

Department the enhancement of emergency response and situational awareness through modernization of Thermal Imaging Cameras and Battery Operated Emergency Scene Lights.
 

Middlesex County Community Park DBA
This grant is to support the replacement of the field lighting on Middlesex County Sports Complex's Field 2 and Field 4, two of the primary fields used by Middlesex County Little League for children ages 3-14.
 

Middlesex Volunteer Fire

Department the purchasing of specialized equipment to outfit a recently purchased new fire/rescue engine.
 

Northern Neck CASA 
The purpose of the grant is for us to be able to purchase a laptop computer to use for power point presentations, videos, etc, for purposes of training our new and seasoned advocates.

Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic Inc.
This grant request is to support Clinic operations and expansion, and the infrastructure needed for succession planning.

Rx Partnership 
the medication needs for patients at Ledwith Lewis Free Clinic and the Northern Neck - Middlesex Free Health Clinic
 

Smith Point Sea Rescue, Inc. 
The final outfitting, prior to placing inservice, Smith Point Sea Rescue's recently acquired purpose built heavy weather rescue boat, RESCUE III.
 

The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, Inc. 
Ongoing purchase of dog and cat food for distribution through Healthy Harvest Food Bank to the now 10 participating food pantries in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties.
 

The Doorways 
The Doorways medical lodging program and its direct services to River Counties Foundation service area residents who must travel away from their homes – often for weeks and months at a time – to access medical care in Richmond.
 

The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. 
This grant request is to support 24-hour access to trained Haven advocates who provide emergency accompaniment, crisis intervention, shelter intake and emergency transportation.

Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire
Department completing the replacement of antiquated hydraulic rescue tools that have limited capabilities with modern vehicle construction with a new NFPA 1936 compliant hydraulic electric/battery spreader.

VersAbility Resources 
This grant request is to provide day support services and integrative community events for adults with disabilities in Lancaster, Middlesex, and Northumberland counties.

Water Team Inc DBA Eastern VA CERT 
search & rescue and triage training/exercise together with equipment to help extend CERT’s full potential with expanded training, optimize search efforts, and increase the chances of locating missing persons in challenging environments.
 

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas 
This grant request is to support construction costs to enclose Northumberland Family YMCA's outdoor pool. By enclosing the existing 6-lane pool, family area, and water slide we will extend programming year-round to serve the region’s growing needs.
 

Total Awarded: $400,521

Total of All 2024 Awards: $1,018,016