Grants

Supporting Your Mission

If you’re working to address prominent social determinants of health factors like housing, food security, behavioral health services, skilled career training and equitable access to care, we want to hear about it — and how we can help!

Our Fall 2024 grant cycle is now closed. Please check back in 2025 for our next opportunity.

At park cleanup event, two women greet and shake hands

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.

Learn About 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
Microgrants Eligibility
Funding Priorities
Being a Partner
Grant FAQ

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.

Eligible Partners
  • 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 more than $50,000 annually
  • Public/government agencies
Application Criteria
  • 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.

Microgrants Eligibility

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.

If you have any questions, please email SentaraCares@Sentara.com.

Eligible partners
  • 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.
Application criteria
  • 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.
  • Requested funding must support a program or project that strategically aligns with Sentara’s funding priorities.
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).

Funding Priorities

Sentara is focused on supporting organizations and projects that address prominent social determinants of health factors and that promote health equity by eliminating traditional barriers to health and human services. While we will consider proposals that fall outside of the following focus areas, we strongly encourage proposals that align with one or more of the following priorities:

Housing

Sentara seeks to provide housing for members of our communities by partnering with agencies and organizations that can creatively address a variety of issues in this priority area — from emergency shelter to scattered-site housing to innovative solutions to rent burden.

Skilled Careers

We are dedicated to educating and training people to step into higher paying jobs, more fulfilling careers, and more sustainable economic opportunities, which will enhance their overall quality of life. We are particularly interested in partnering with organizations who serve Asset-Limited Income-Constrained Employed (ALICE) and veteran populations (though we are not solely focused on those populations).

Food Security

Sentara is committed to improving food security in our communities through innovative programs that not only meet emergency hunger relief needs but also increase access to healthy food sources, provide for greater distribution of food to at-risk and vulnerable populations (including seniors), and boost vital nutrition education services.

Behavioral Health

Sentara seeks to partner with organizations that provide direct or supportive services in the areas of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, medical case management, life skills training, coping skills training, and interpersonal skills development.

Grant FAQ

How can I use Sentara grant funding?

Grant funding can be used to support:

  • Capital expenses
  • Equipment costs
  • Direct program service
  • 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 per organization will be reviewed each calendar year. Therefore, if you are currently implementing a Sentara grant or sponsorship, you may not apply for further funding in the same calendar year.
  • If you have completed a program with the help of a Sentara grant and are looking to expand or continue the programming, final report requirements and outcomes must be fulfilled, and you must include a long-term financial sustainability plan for the program as part of your application.
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.

Seeking Sponsorship?

Learn more about our criteria for sponsorship and apply today!

Explore Our Sponsorship Guide