Potomac Health Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.97 million (2023)
• Success Rate: ~30% (14 new grants from 47 applications in 2023-2024)
• Decision Time: 4-5 months from LOI to award
• Grant Range: $19,323 - $257,000
• Geographic Focus: Eastern Prince William, South Fairfax (Lorton), North Stafford Counties, VA

Contact Details

Website: potomachealthfoundation.org

Phone: (703) 523-0620

Email: info@potomachealthfoundation.org

Address: 2296 Opitz Boulevard, Suite 200, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Overview

Established in 2009 following Potomac Hospital's merger with Sentara Healthcare, the Potomac Health Foundation preserves a 40-year legacy of community health commitment. With assets exceeding $107 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $6 million, the foundation serves as a catalyst for improving health access for medically underserved populations in Northern Virginia. Since 2011, the foundation has awarded over $28 million in grants.

Led by Executive Director Erin Thomas-Matthews (appointed July 2023), the foundation emphasizes community-driven solutions and shifting power dynamics from intention to impact. The organization is currently developing a new strategic plan while maintaining its commitment to responsive, community-informed grantmaking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Howard L. Greenhouse Large Grant Program (Signature Program)

• Amount: $19,323 - $257,000
• Duration: Currently one-year grants (traditionally three-year)
• Application: Two-step RFP process with Letter of Intent

Health Safety Net (HSN) Program

• Supports eight agencies providing primary, dental, medication, mental health, vision, and other health programs
• Invitation only

Management Assistance Program (MAP)

• One-year capacity-building grants
• Invitation only to current large grant recipients

General Operating Support

• Invitation only, annual basis

Priority Areas

Current board-approved focus areas:

1. Improving Individual Health for medically underserved populations
2. Healthcare Workforce Development

Specific interests include:

• Behavioral Healthcare
• Primary Care
• Wellness & Preventative Care
• Oral Health
• Trauma Informed Care
• Prescription Medication Access
• Insurance & Benefits Assistance
• Domestic Violence support
• Short-term Emergency Food & Housing
• Healthcare Access Issues
• Health Literacy

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside their geographic service area
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Projects not focused on health access for medically underserved populations

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Erin Thomas-Matthews

• Philosophy emphasizes amplifying community voices rarely heard by changemakers
• Quote: "The key to greater social impact starts with leaders who value the power to amplify voices that are rarely heard by change makers"

Grant Committee Chair: Dr. Carol Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACS, FACPE

• Vice-Chair of Board of Trustees since 2013

Notable Board Member: Howard L. Greenhouse

• Founding board member of Potomac Hospital
• Signature grant program namesake

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Two-Step Process:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI) - Brief concept paper describing proposed project
   • Next deadline: February 21, 2025 (for 2025-2026 cycle)
2. Full Proposal - By invitation only after LOI review

Eligibility Requirements:

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Serve Eastern Prince William, South Fairfax (Lorton), or North Stafford Counties
• Focus on community-based, population health projects
• Address health needs of medically underserved populations

Decision Timeline

• LOI Submission: Late January/early February
• LOI Review: February-March
• Full Proposals Due: March-April
• Award Announcement: June (approximately 4-5 months total)

Success Rates

• 2023-2024: 14 new grants from 47 applications (~30% success rate)
• 2023 Total: 85 awards made totaling $5.97 million
• Many multi-year grants continue, so new organization success rate is lower

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

What They Value:

• Community-Centered Approach: Programs informed by lived experiences of community members
• Collaboration: Traditional and non-traditional partnerships
• Health Equity Focus: Addressing social determinants of health
• Bilingual/Culturally Responsive Services: Programs removing language barriers

Recent Successful Grants:

• George Mason University: Bilingual mental health program with free emotional support line
• Brain Injury Services: $186,860 for collaborative stroke rehabilitation
• National Capital Poison Center: $250,000 for online triage application
• Streetlight Community Outreach: $49,950 for medically fragile homeless support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is critical - Must clearly serve designated counties
• Center community voice - Demonstrate how beneficiaries inform project design
• Emphasize health equity - Connect to social determinants and structural barriers
• Highlight multilingual services - Foundation values culturally responsive programming
• Strong LOI essential - With 30% success rate, initial concept must be compelling
• Workforce development opportunity - Current strategic priority offers timely funding opportunity
• Build relationships - Foundation values long-term partnerships with proven grantees

References

• Potomac Health Foundation website: potomachealthfoundation.org
• Grantmakers In Health profile
• Virginia Funders Network Member Spotlight (2022)
• Prince William Living grant announcements
• George Mason University News (2025)
• Instrumentl 990 Reports
• Candid Foundation Directory

Research compiled January 2026