Roanoke Women’s Foundation Grant

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation (RWF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating significant, positive change in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley through high-impact grants. As a member of Philanos, RWF brings together local women committed to improving their communities by funding critical programs across various sectors. Founded with a vision to empower nonprofits and improve quality of life, RWF has consistently provided substantial funding to charitable organizations addressing vital needs in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services. Each year, RWF awards grants of at least $30,000 to nonprofits serving specific areas of southwestern Virginia, including Roanoke City, the city of Salem, and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, and Franklin. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have held tax-exempt status for at least three years and must not have received a grant from RWF within the past five years. Funding must be entirely used within the designated service area. RWF prioritizes initiatives that align with an applicant’s core mission, whether focused on expanding programming, supporting infrastructure, or launching new services. The application process is rigorous and consists of multiple phases. Phase I applications open on March 1 and must be submitted online by March 31. The Grants Committee reviews these applications throughout April, notifying selected applicants by May 1. Chosen applicants are then invited to submit a Phase II application by May 31. The subsequent months involve site visits and a Grants Fair in early June, where applicants meet with RWF members to discuss their proposals. The committee then finalizes recommendations, and the RWF membership votes in September to determine which applicants will receive funding. Grant recipients are notified in October, and the official grant awards are announced at the Annual Awards Luncheon in early November. Funded projects must begin after grant receipt and are expected to be completed within 24 months. All grantees are required to provide periodic reports as outlined in the grant agreement. Importantly, funds may not be used for debt reduction, operating deficits, religious or political projects, or fundraising initiatives. RWF strongly emphasizes confidentiality in the grant selection process. Applicants are asked not to contact individual RWF members directly and are directed to use the dedicated grants email address for inquiries related to eligibility or the application process. The application must be submitted entirely online through the Grants Management System; paper submissions are not accepted. The program reflects RWF’s structured and community-focused approach to philanthropy. With a clear timeline, defined eligibility, and thorough vetting process, the RWF grants represent an excellent opportunity for regional nonprofits to secure meaningful support for projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Funding decisions are made collectively by RWF’s membership, ensuring a broad-based commitment to the region’s most pressing needs.