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Neal C Nichols Foundation Inc

Grant Range
Up to $0.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Data varies by year (6-23 grants annually)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Varies widely (includes major grants up to $500,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Arlington, VA and Northern Virginia region

Contact Details

  • Phone: (703) 609-4900
  • Address: 11 Hillwood Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046
  • Website: None
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Neal C Nichols Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established by Neal C. Nichols, a prominent Northern Virginia business leader and founder of Red Top Cab Company. Based in Falls Church, Virginia, the foundation demonstrates consistent grant-making activity with 6-23 grants made annually in recent years. The foundation operates without a public website or formal application process, identifying grantees through its own research and relationships. It shows a strong preference for Arlington, VA community-based charities and has made significant contributions to healthcare organizations, particularly in hospice and advanced cardiac care programs. In 2021, the foundation made a notable $500,000 multi-year commitment to Capital Caring Health's Advanced Cardiac Care Program, honoring the memory of George P. Pakidis, a close friend of the founder.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not maintain formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants based on trustee decisions. Notable grants include:

  • Healthcare/Hospice Support: Up to $500,000 (multi-year commitments available)
  • Community-Based Charities: Variable amounts based on organizational needs

Priority Areas

  • Healthcare and hospice care services
  • Advanced illness and end-of-life care programs
  • Arlington and Northern Virginia community organizations
  • Memorial and tribute giving honoring deceased friends and associates

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on 501(c)(3) charitable organizations within their geographic area of interest.

Governance and Leadership

Neal C. Nichols - Founder and Principal Trustee Neal Nichols founded Red Top Cab Company in 1964, starting with three taxicabs and growing the business to 324 vehicles with 200 employees. He also operates Yellow Cab of Fairfax and Yellow Cab of Falls Church. A two-time recipient of the Taxicab Operator of the Year award (1980, 1994) - the only person in TLPA history to receive this honor twice - Nichols received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association in 2015. He was inducted into the Arlington Chamber of Commerce "Best Business Hall of Fame" in 2011 and has been a long-time supporter of the SoberRide program.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees, who identify beneficiaries through their own research and existing relationships. According to available information, the foundation requires a letter request from IRC Section 501(c)(3) charities, with preference given to Arlington, VA community-based organizations.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's connection to the Northern Virginia business community through Neal Nichols' involvement in the transportation industry and Arlington Chamber of Commerce, organizations may benefit from:

  • Being active in Arlington Chamber of Commerce events where Neal Nichols has been honored
  • Building visibility within the Arlington and Falls Church nonprofit community
  • Demonstrating strong community impact in Northern Virginia, particularly in healthcare and social services

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - decisions appear to be made on a discretionary basis by trustees.

Success Rates

The foundation made 6 grants in 2024, 18 grants in 2023, and 23 grants in 2022. Without knowing the number of requests received, success rates cannot be calculated.

Reapplication Policy

No information available regarding reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving history:

  • The foundation shows a clear preference for organizations serving the Arlington and Northern Virginia community
  • Healthcare organizations, particularly those providing hospice and advanced illness care, align with demonstrated funding priorities
  • The foundation values honoring relationships and memorializing deceased friends through charitable giving
  • Multi-year commitments are possible for significant projects, as demonstrated by the $500,000 Capital Caring Health grant distributed over five years
  • Local, established organizations with strong community presence appear more likely to receive support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a relationship-based funder without a public application process - focus on building visibility within the Arlington/Northern Virginia nonprofit community
  • Healthcare and hospice organizations have the strongest alignment with demonstrated funding priorities
  • The foundation makes both smaller community grants and major multi-year commitments
  • Geographic location matters significantly - Arlington-based organizations receive preference
  • The foundation's giving appears to be influenced by personal relationships and memorial intentions
  • Without a formal application process, organizations should focus on demonstrating community impact and building awareness through local chambers and business networks
  • Annual grant volume varies significantly (6-23 grants), suggesting discretionary rather than programmatic giving

References

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