The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation identified abuse, neglect, and domestic violence as the focus for the year’s grantmaking cycle. Nonprofit organizations, whose primary focus is addressing the issues of abuse or neglect or domestic violence, were invited to apply for Core Operating Support funding or funding for an Existing Program or a New Program. Other organizations were also invited to apply for funding for an Existing Program or a New Program, as long as it addressed the focus.
The Foundation awarded a total of $328,180 for two Core Operating Support Grants, three Existing Program Grants, and five New Program Grants to the nonprofits listed below. In addition, $25,500 was awarded to Mary Immaculate Hospital and $140,250 was awarded to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to further their ministries.
- Menchville House Ministries, Inc. – $10,000, Core Operating Support
- Natasha House – $20,000, Core Operating Support
- Center for Child and Family Services – $45,000 for the Peaceful Families Program
- Child Development Resources, Inc. – $35,000 for the Parents as Teachers Program
- Postpartum Support Virginia – $26,180 to expand its services to Newport News and Hampton
- Commonwealth Catholic Charities – $50,000 for Refugee Mental Health Support Services
- Housing Development Corporation of Hampton Roads – $20,000 to assist with providing a substantial down payment to purchase a house.
- Menchville House Ministries, Inc. – $20,000 to provide a 2018 summer camp for 5-12 year olds living at Menchville House
- Transitions Family Violence Services – $50,000 to fund Safe Horizon
- Virginia Beach Justice Initiative – $50,000 to provide services to the residents of “Restoring Hope,” a crisis stabilization home.