Twice is Nice Fund

The Twice is Nice Fund is administered through the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation and represents a locally driven philanthropic effort focused on improving the quality of life for seniors in need. The fund is supported by the nonprofit organization Twice is Nice, which generates revenue through the resale of donated clothing, furniture, and household goods. This funding model reflects a sustainability-oriented mission that reinvests community resources into programs that directly benefit vulnerable older adults across Planning District 10, including the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. The primary purpose of the Twice is Nice Fund is to support innovative, community-based programs that empower seniors to live fulfilling and independent lives while addressing the challenges associated with aging. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes and encourages applicants to propose creative strategies that respond to the diverse and complex needs of aging populations. These needs may include access to healthcare, housing stability, social inclusion, caregiving support, and other social determinants that influence well-being. The fund prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a strong understanding of these factors and offer tangible, equitable solutions. Funding is available for both specific programs and general operating support, provided that the proposed use aligns with the fund’s mission. Grant requests are encouraged up to a maximum of 15000 dollars, with no stated minimum amount, and partial funding may be awarded. The program explicitly allows funding for activities that enhance caregiving capacity and improve the overall well-being of seniors. However, capital campaigns and large-scale construction projects are not supported, though small-scale renovations that improve safety and enable aging in place are permissible. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged to strengthen impact, though they are not required. Eligibility for the grant includes nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, governmental entities, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups operating within the defined geographic area. Organizations may submit one application per grant cycle unless acting as a fiscal sponsor for another entity. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial stability, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Required application components include organizational descriptions, program details, budgets, and evaluation plans, as well as optional letters of support from community stakeholders. The application process requires prospective applicants to obtain an access code before submitting through the grant portal. Beginning July 1, applicants must email the provided grants administration address with their organizational details to receive login credentials and instructions. The application window for the 2026 cycle opens on July 1 and closes on August 31 at 459 PM Eastern Time. A preview of the application is available in advance, allowing organizations to prepare required materials. Technical assistance is available through the foundation’s grants administrator. Proposals are evaluated by the Twice is Nice Grants Review Committee using several criteria, including community benefit, leadership quality, organizational capacity, financial health, and the strength of partnerships. The committee may conduct site visits at its discretion during the review process. Successful applicants are notified in mid December, and funded organizations are required to participate in reporting activities, including hosting a site visit and submitting a written report at the conclusion of the grant cycle or project. The grant operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities expected each year. Funded organizations are also expected to support the mission of Twice is Nice by sharing outcomes and contributing to awareness efforts that help sustain future grantmaking. This includes providing testimonials and documentation that highlight the impact of funded programs. Overall, the Twice is Nice Fund represents a community-centered investment in innovative solutions that enhance the lives of seniors while reinforcing local philanthropic engagement.

Include letters of support and in-kind contributions to strengthen feasibility and impact