Virginia Health Care Foundation

How can we tell if our organization and project might qualify for Health Access funding?

Before developing and submitting a concept paper, please review the general eligibility requirements and grant guidelines for VHCF grants.  Please note that VHCF responds to Letters of Intent (LOIs) only and does not respond to unsolicited proposals or to general requests for funds.

Who can we contact to discuss our letter of intent or proposal?

You are encouraged to call a VHCF Program Officer before you submit your concept paper to discuss your plans. The easiest way to do that is to schedule a time to talk to a Program Officer here, but you can also call our office at (804) 828-5804.

Are there deadlines for submitting letters of intent or proposals?

Current LOI and proposal deadlines can be found here.

What’s the difference between a letter of intent and a formal proposal?
The LOI is the first step of the application process and gives an organization the opportunity to concisely make its case for VHCF funding.  LOIs are reviewed twice annually, in the fall and spring.  Projects that merit further consideration are asked to submit a formal proposal.

How much funding should we ask for? Is there a maximum size for grants?

There is no limit to the amount an organization can request. Foundation grant awards have ranged from $10,000 to over $200,000. First-year awards typically range from $60,000 – $100,000.  Your concept paper request should represent one year of funding.

Does VHCF make multi-year grants?

Projects are funded for one year and may reapply each year for a total of three years. Funding is reduced by at least 25% in each subsequent grant year.  Your concept paper request should represent one initial year of funding.

If we have more than one concept for a letter of intent, what is the best way to submit alternative ideas and get feedback on which would be of the most interest to VHCF?

You should only submit a letter of intent for one new project or service expansion at a time. You can schedule a time to talk to a Program Officer here, but you can also call our office at (804) 828-5804 to request feedback and guidance.

When will we receive notice of VHCF’s decision about our letter of intent or proposal?

LOI: Applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of the spring or fall LOI submission deadline.

Proposal: Applicants will be notified by June 30 for Spring Cycle and by December 31 for Fall cycle submissions.

If we were invited to send in a proposal and were denied, how long do we have to wait to resubmit?

If your full proposal is denied funding, you must wait at least one year before reapplying for funds for that project. After one year, you may send in another letter of intent for your project.

How long after a grant is approved will we receive the funds?

If your initiative is approved for a grant, you will be asked to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Foundation that lays out specific goals for your initiative. The first payment of a grant is made once the Letter of Agreement is signed by both the Foundation and the Grantee. This is typically within two months of notice of a grant award.