Beazley Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,597,523 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (applications reviewed within 1-3 months)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $125,000
• Median Grant: $20,000
• Geographic Focus: South Hampton Roads, VA (primarily Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight)
• Total Assets: $41,468,238
• Grants Awarded (2023): 46

Contact Details

Beazley Foundation Inc
3720 Brighton Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707

Phone: (757) 393-1605
Email: info@beazleyfoundation.org
Website: https://beazleyfoundation.org
Office Hours: Weekdays 9am-5pm

Pre-Application Requirement: Prior consultation with the Foundation's President or designee is required before submitting any grant proposal. Contact the office to schedule.

Overview

The Beazley Foundation was established in 1948 by Fred W. Beazley, a Portsmouth native who overcame poverty and limited education to become a self-made millionaire. Having quit school at age 15 to start a coal delivery business, Beazley never forgot his lack of formal education and dedicated his fortune to creating opportunities for young people and improving his community. The Foundation has remained true to this mission for 76 years, with assets now totaling over $41 million and annual giving of approximately $1.6 million across 46-50 grants per year.

The Foundation is privately endowed and neither solicits nor accepts donations from other sources. While historically favoring Portsmouth-based projects, the Foundation now funds nonprofits throughout South Hampton Roads and occasionally beyond. Educational initiatives remain the primary focus, though the Foundation has made substantial grants across healthcare, housing, recreation, and human services. Under current President and CEO Steve Best (appointed 2021) and Board Chairman Judge Richard Bray, the Foundation emphasizes vocational and technical education alongside traditional academic pathways, recognizing that "the mantra of 'College, College, College' in the four-year sense does not equate to success or high-paying jobs."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Beazley Foundation operates a single grant program with quarterly deadlines, rather than multiple distinct programs. Grant amounts typically range from $1,000 to $125,000, with a median award of $20,000.

Application Cycle:

• Deadlines: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1 (if deadline falls on weekend/holiday, applications due prior working day)
• Board Meetings: February, April, August, November
• Method: Written proposal submission to foundation office (after required pre-consultation)

Priority Areas

Strong Preference - Educational Initiatives:

• Vocational and technical training programs
• Skilled trades education
• Endowed college scholarships
• Dual-enrollment programs
• K-12 educational facilities and programs
• Parochial school educational programs

Also Funded:

• Healthcare facilities and programs
• Housing projects and homelessness services
• Recreation centers (for youth and adults)
• Human services addressing community needs
• Youth development programs
• Community development initiatives

Geographic Preference: South Hampton Roads cities including Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Isle of Wight County. Occasional grants made beyond this area at Board discretion.

Populations Served: Children, adolescents, adults, economically disadvantaged individuals, and people with disabilities.

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly excludes:

• Grants to individuals
• General operational, capital, or other needs of individual churches or religious institutions (except parochial schools under exceptional circumstances)
• Environmental projects
• Arts programs (with rare exceptions for educational arts programs)
• International or national programs
• Conferences

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

R. Stephen Best Sr., President and CEO (appointed 2021)
Steve Best is a former Chesapeake Fire Chief and City Councilman with deep roots in the Hampton Roads community. He attended fire science classes at Tidewater Community College's Frederick campus before beginning his career with the Chesapeake Fire Department. Best holds an Associate's Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Governmental Administration, a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Regent University (1994), and a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law (2008). He served two terms on Portsmouth City Council before being selected as only the sixth president in the Foundation's history.

Judge Richard S. Bray, Chairman of the Board
Judge Bray served as President and CEO for 19 years before stepping down in June 2021 to become Board Chairman. A Virginia Court of Appeals judge, Judge Bray embodied the Foundation's mission throughout his tenure, overseeing more than $680,000 in grants to Regent University alone and championing vocational education as an alternative to traditional four-year college paths.

Board of Trustees

• Judge Griffin: Joined the Board in 1997. Graduate of the University of Virginia and Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary. Former associate with Legal Aid Society and solo practitioner in Portsmouth.

• Bill Lewis: Elected to the Board in 1990. Active principal in the First Team Auto group.

• Christine Piersall: Accomplished attorney with the firm of Williams Mullen with distinguished community service.

• Mr. Failes: Portsmouth native who joined the Board in 2009. Finance graduate (1967) and Accounting graduate (1970) of Virginia Tech.

Leadership Quotes

Judge Richard Bray on the Founder's Vision:
"It was a dream that Mr. Beazley had to educate as many young people as he possibly could, to give them the opportunity that he didn't have."

On the Foundation's Philosophy:
"The Beazley Foundation was established to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people."

On Education Strategy:
"The mantra of 'College, College, College' in the four-year sense does not equate to success or high-paying jobs."

Steve Best on Skilled Trades:
"This is a remarkable opportunity to introduce students in the ninth grade to an educational process that will forever change their lives."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

MANDATORY PRE-CONSULTATION: No grant proposal will be considered without prior consultation with the Foundation's President or designee. Call (757) 393-1605 to schedule this required consultation before preparing your application.

Application Deadlines: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1
(If deadline falls on weekend or holiday, applications are due the prior working day)

Submission Method: Written proposals must be submitted to:
Beazley Foundation
3720 Brighton Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707

Important:

• Applications not conforming to requirements will not be considered
• All applicants should telephone the Foundation office to confirm deadlines and requirements before submitting
• Recipients are required to report back one year after funding

Decision Timeline

Board Meeting Schedule: The Board of Trustees meets quarterly in February, April, August, and November to consider grant requests.

Typical Timeline:

• Submit by deadline (Jan 1, Apr 1, Jul 1, Oct 1)
• Board review at next quarterly meeting (1-2 months after deadline)
• Notification following board decision
• Estimated total time: 1-3 months from submission to decision

Notification Method: Not specified in public materials; likely by mail or phone based on contact information provided.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The Foundation awarded 46 grants in 2023, 49 grants in 2022, and 50 grants in 2021. However, the total number of applications received is not published, so success rate cannot be calculated. The relatively consistent number of awards (46-50 annually) suggests competitive but stable grant-making.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy is published regarding reapplication after an unsuccessful grant request. Given the quarterly deadlines and the requirement for prior consultation, organizations should contact the Foundation office to discuss timing and appropriateness of reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Critical Requirements

1. Prior Consultation is Non-Negotiable: The Foundation explicitly states that no proposal will be considered without prior consultation. This is not optional. Call (757) 393-1605 to schedule before writing your proposal.

2. 501(c)(3) Status Required: Only organizations tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and engaged in educational, charitable, or religious (parochial schools) activities are eligible.

3. Follow Instructions Precisely: The Foundation states clearly that "applications not conforming to the requirements will not be considered." There is no flexibility here.

4. Geographic Fit: Strong preference for South Hampton Roads organizations. If you're outside this area, you must make an exceptional case during pre-consultation.

Alignment with Foundation Values

Based on the Foundation's history and leadership statements, successful applications should:

Emphasize Educational Opportunity: Frame your project in terms of creating opportunities for people who lack them, echoing Fred Beazley's own story of limited formal education. Judge Bray's statement that Beazley wanted "to give them the opportunity that he didn't have" reflects the core mission.

Consider Vocational/Technical Pathways: The Foundation's significant support for TCC's Skilled Trades Academy and leadership statements about alternatives to four-year college suggest strong interest in vocational education, technical training, and skilled trades programs. The 96% employment rate for STA graduates is the kind of outcome the Foundation values.

Demonstrate Community Impact: The philosophy of "the greatest good for the greatest number of people" suggests the Foundation prefers projects with broad community impact over narrow, specialized initiatives.

Serve the Economically Disadvantaged: Given Beazley's own humble beginnings (starting with a $15 horse-drawn cart), projects serving low-income populations align with the founder's values.

Funded Project Examples

Recent and current grantees provide insight into what the Foundation values:

• Portsmouth Children's Museum - Beazley Planetarium: Major capital project; planetarium named for founder
• CHKD Mental Health Facility Lobby: Healthcare infrastructure supporting children
• Union Mission Beazley Dining Room: Direct service to homeless population; facility named for foundation
• TCC Skilled Trades Academy: Major support for vocational education expansion; sections of academy named for foundation
• River Academy at Paradise Creek: Educational initiative
• Virginia Wesleyan Tech Center: Technical education
• Regent University: Over $680,000 for curriculum improvements and endowed scholarships (Judge Richard S. Bray Scholarship Endowment for law students with 3.5+ GPA)
• Boy Scouts of America - Pipsico Scout Reservation: $200,000 for aquatics center supporting youth development

Pattern: The Foundation supports both capital projects (buildings, facilities) and program support (scholarships, curriculum). Many major grants result in naming opportunities (Beazley Planetarium, Beazley Dining Room, Judge Richard S. Bray Scholarship).

Application Best Practices

Leverage the Pre-Consultation: This required conversation is your opportunity to test fit, get feedback on your concept, and understand current priorities. Don't rush this step—use it strategically to shape your proposal.

Report Back Matters: The Foundation requires year-after reporting from recipients. This suggests they value accountability and results. In your proposal, demonstrate how you'll measure and report outcomes.

Confirm Everything: The Foundation repeatedly advises applicants to "telephone the Foundation office to confirm." Take this advice—confirm deadlines, requirements, submission procedures, and any questions about eligibility or fit.

Timing: With quarterly deadlines, plan which cycle makes most sense for your project timeline. Don't rush to meet the next deadline if waiting one quarter would allow you to strengthen your proposal.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Pre-consultation is mandatory and strategic: The required pre-application conversation with the President or designee is your most important opportunity to determine fit and shape your proposal. Schedule this well in advance of deadlines.

2. Educational projects strongly preferred: While the Foundation funds healthcare, housing, and human services, "Foundation grants are inclined to funding educational initiatives." Frame your project's educational components prominently.

3. Vocational/technical education is hot: Current leadership has explicitly championed skilled trades and vocational pathways. The Foundation's substantial investment in TCC's Skilled Trades Academy demonstrates this priority.

4. Think "opportunity for the disadvantaged": Fred Beazley's story—from a 15-year-old who quit school for a $15 cart to a millionaire philanthropist—remains the Foundation's North Star. Projects creating opportunities for people who lack them align perfectly with this legacy.

5. South Hampton Roads geography matters: While occasional grants go beyond, the Foundation has clear geographic preferences. Portsmouth has historical priority, with Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Isle of Wight County also strongly positioned.

6. Capital and endowment grants are possible: The Foundation funds both project/program support and capital needs, including major facility projects and endowed scholarships. Don't assume only small program grants are available.

7. Follow procedures exactly: The Foundation is clear that non-conforming applications will not be considered. This suggests a formal, procedure-oriented approach. Attention to detail matters.

References

Official Foundation Sources:

• Beazley Foundation official website: https://beazleyfoundation.org (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Beazley Foundation Grant Policy page: https://beazleyfoundation.org/grant-policy/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Beazley Foundation "What We Do" page: https://beazleyfoundation.org/what-we-do/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Beazley Foundation "Fred Beazley" page: https://beazleyfoundation.org/fred-beazley/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Beazley Foundation "Trustees and Administration" page: https://beazleyfoundation.org/trustees-and-administration/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)

Database and Research Sources:

• Candid Foundation Directory: "Beazley Foundation Incorporated" https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=BEAZ001 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: "Beazley Foundation Inc. | Portsmouth, VA" https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/beazley-foundation-inc (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: "Beazley Foundation Inc" https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/540550100 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Cause IQ: "Beazley Foundation Incorporated" https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/beazley-foundation-incorporated,540550100/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)

News and Feature Articles:

• Regent University: "A Snapshot of the Immeasurable Impact of Judge Richard Bray and the Beazley Foundation" https://www.regent.edu/regent-stories/immeasurable-impact-judge-richard-bray-and-the-beazley-foundation/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Tidewater Community College: "A generous life, an enduring legacy" https://www.tcc.edu/a-generous-life-an-enduring-legacy/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• The Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press: "Beazley Foundation's leader is stepping down after providing Hampton Roads with financial backing for almost 2 decades" (July 6, 2021)
• WAVY.com: "The end of an era for Judge Richard Bray and the Beazley Foundation" (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Tidewater Community College: "Skilled Trades Academy expanding to offer more training options for students" https://www.tcc.edu/skilled-trades-academy-expanding-to-offer-more-training-options-for-students-2/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Boy Scouts of America: "News Release: Beazley Foundation Awards $200,000 Grant to Support New Aquatics Center at Pipsico Scout Reservation" https://tidewaterbsa.com/newsrelease-beazley/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Portsmouth Museums Foundation: "The Beazley Planetarium Provides Powerful Education and Entertainment" https://portsmouthmuseumsfoundation.org/2023/11/19/the-beazley-planetarium/ (November 19, 2023)