Sentara Community Care Fund

Sentara Community Care Fund is a competitive grant program from Sentara Health that supports organizations improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Sentara's Virginia and Eastern North Carolina service areas. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded in spring and fall grant cycles to eligible organizations working on health-focused initiatives aligned with Sentara's funding priorities.

The Fall 2025 grant cycle is now closed; the next opportunity is expected in Spring 2026. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, public agencies, free clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, FQHC Look-Alikes, and Rural Health Clinics.

If you are a free clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), FQHC Look-Alike organization, or Rural Health Clinic (RHC), we want to hear from you! Our Fall 2025 Grant Cycle is now closed. Please check back in Spring 2026 for our next opportunity!

Sentara provides competitive grants for eligible organizations working to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities through programs that align with Sentara’s funding priorities. PLEASE NOTE : Sentara Grants differ from Event Sponsorships. Below, you’ll find all the information you’ll need to apply for funding and partner with us during our next application cycle.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria Eligibility & Selection Criteria We evaluate all grant applications based on our eligibility and selection criteria. Review the information below to ensure your application is a good fit and all criteria are met. If you have any questions, please email SentaraCares@Sentara.

com . Organizations that are tax-exempt pursuant to 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and filed a 990 Form for two or more years with gross receipts of more than $50,000 annually. Public/government agencies Organization or program must meet identified health and human service needs in Sentara’s Virginia and Eastern North Carolina service areas.

Supported services may not be excluded based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other affiliation. The organization or program must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Requested funding must support a program or project that strategically aligns with Sentara’s funding priorities.

Requested funding may not support a program that has received Sentara funding for the same purpose in the same calendar year. Some funding requests may be considered for a Sentara Microgrant. If your application qualifies for a Microgrant, Sentara may offer a different funding amount than what was requested based on the Microgrant eligibility.

Sentara has the right to elect, or not elect, eligible partners at its sole discretion. For the Fall 2025 Sentara Cares grant cycle, Sentara Microgrants will also be dedicated to free clinics, FQHCs, FQHC Look-Alike organizations*, and RHCs. If you have any questions, please email SentaraCares@Sentara.

com . * A FQHC Look-Alike organization is a community-based healthcare provider that meets all the requirements to qualify as an FQHC but does not receive direct federal funding under the Section 330 Health Center Program. Organizations that are tax-exempt pursuant to 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that have not or are not required to file a 990 Form.

Tax-exempt organizations that file a 990EZ Form with gross receipts of $50,000 or less. Organization or program must meet identified health and human service needs in Sentara’s Virginia and Eastern North Carolina service areas. Funding request must be for $15,000 or less.

Must illustrate how the program addresses identified community needs or extends vital community outreach. Priority is given to proposals that: Contain clear and measurable outcome objectives. Meet the needs of underserved populations or traditionally marginalized communities.

Demonstrate how community partners and stakeholders will be engaged. Leverage matching funding, in-kind support, or other programmatic resources. Contain plans for sustainability (if the initiative is projected to continue beyond the grant funding period).

How can I use Sentara grant funding? Grant funding can be used to support: Limited external consulting (if necessary) Non-direct administrative expenses (not to exceed 15% of the total funding request) If I receive a grant, when can I start using the funding? Sentara has two grant cycles.

The Spring cycle is intended to support programs that are prepared to launch in August. Our Fall cycle is for programs prepared to launch by February. It’s important to keep in mind that the payment process from the date of the LOA can take up to four to six weeks to complete.

If I have received funding from Sentara before, can I apply again? Long-standing and continued partnerships are vital to meeting our mission. That said, there are some caveats.

For example: Only one application (grant or sponsorship) per organization will be considered each calendar year. Therefore, if you have an open Sentara grant, you are not eligible to apply for additional funding. How can I connect with someone at Sentara?

If you have questions not covered on this site, we encourage you to direct inquiries to SentaraCares@Sentara. com Can I modify my application after it has been submitted? Our grant portal allows for modifications through a save and resume feature until the application is submitted.

We strongly encourage applicants to preview their applications and perform a formal and thorough review before submitting. Allowances for modifications may be made if Sentara has questions for your organization as we review your proposal. In that event, Sentara will contact you to facilitate a discussion and ensure alignment with our mission.

Learn more about our criteria for sponsorship and apply today! Explore Our Sponsorship Guide