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Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.5M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,528,417 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 40 awards (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: $36,980
  • Total Assets: $31,595,405
  • Grant Range: Varies by program (multi-year grants up to $450,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Commonwealth of Virginia only
  • Application Method: Invitation only (following Letter of Inquiry review)

Contact Details

Address: 301 Concourse Blvd Suite 110, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Phone: (804) 934-0282

Website: https://www.ctf.life

Grants Contact: Nicole Parham, Director of Grants Management & Administration

Overview

Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation (CTF) is a private, non-profit foundation based in Richmond, Virginia, established as a tax-exempt organization in September 1990. With assets exceeding $31 million and annual grant distribution of approximately $1.5 million, CTF conducts and supports charitable, educational, and research activities related to advancing and improving the art and science of transfusion medicine. The foundation has significantly expanded its grantmaking in recent years, doubling its number of awards from 20 in 2022-2023 to 40 in 2024. CTF is not affiliated with any blood center but operates as a freestanding private foundation dedicated to supporting Virginia-based transfusion and healthcare initiatives through grants, scholarships, and direct charitable activities. The foundation has made substantial investments in medical laboratory science education, including more than half a million dollars to Old Dominion University's MLS program and establishing the Dr. Robert E. Carden Professorship in Immunohematology at VCU College of Health Professions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Institutional Grants

  • Grant amounts vary; average grant size is $36,980
  • Multi-year grants are considered (example: $450,000 over 3 years for Blood Assurance SBB Program)
  • Most grants awarded for one-year periods
  • Two grant cycles per year with applications due December 31 and June 30
  • Funds distributed no later than March 31 and September 30

Scholarship Grants

  • Awarded to accredited institutions of post-secondary higher education in Virginia
  • Support for students enrolled in medical laboratory science programs
  • CTF has IRS approval to offer scholarships directly to individuals but prefers to give educational grants to organizations
  • 2021 scholarship grants totaled $200,000 to four Virginia institutions

National Mission-Related Grants

  • While focused on Virginia, CTF supports national mission-related initiatives by providing grants to organizations such as the National Blood Foundation

Priority Areas

CTF awards grants in three key focus areas:

  1. Ensuring an Adequate Blood Supply in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  2. Innovations in Transfusion Safety and Patient Blood Management in Virginia
  3. Promoting Medical Laboratory Science/Transfusion Medicine Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations located outside the Commonwealth of Virginia (with rare exceptions for national mission-related initiatives)
  • Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits
  • Requests not aligned with the three priority areas listed above

Governance and Leadership

CTF is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 6 volunteer directors and the Foundation's Chief Executive Officer. Each member is vetted by the Board's Nominating Committee and appointed by the full Board. Members may serve up to six years (two three-year terms). The Board sets policies related to grantmaking, funding priorities and initiatives, investment management, and governance.

Key Leadership:

  • Robert Carden, Ph.D. - Founder, President and CEO (Compensation: $605,714)

    • 25 years of service in blood banking in Virginia
    • Quote: "Raising awareness of the important role medical lab scientists play is the first step in addressing the shortage"

  • Joe Fielden - Board Chair

    • Quote on ODU partnership: "While the Foundation works to meet needs across the transfusion industry, partnerships with institutions like ODU ensure their investments target the areas of greatest need"

  • William Haugh - Vice Chair

    • Healthcare executive with LifePoint Health
    • Quote: "It's an honor to recognize Dr. Carden's 25 years of service to blood banking in Virginia"

  • Nicole Parham - Director of Grants Management & Administration

    • Background in clinical laboratory science
    • Former CTF scholarship recipient who later joined the organization

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

  • LOIs are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis
  • LOIs will be reviewed within 2 weeks of receipt
  • Potential applicants should thoroughly review the Grant Information page on CTF's website before submitting

Step 2: Application by Invitation Only

  • Grant applications are by invitation only following review of the LOI
  • If invited, applicants will receive specific instructions and deadlines

Important Requirements:

  • Grants awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations only
  • Organizations must be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (with rare exceptions)
  • Requests must align with CTF's mission and three priority areas

Decision Timeline

  • LOI Review: Within 2 weeks of receipt
  • Grant Applications Reviewed: Twice yearly in February and August
  • Application Deadlines: December 31 and June 30
  • Funding Distribution: No later than March 31 and September 30
  • Total Process Time: Can range from as little as 45 days to up to 8 months, depending on when the LOI and application are received

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation made 40 awards in 2024, up from 20 awards in both 2023 and 2022, indicating an expansion in grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Previously declined applicants may reapply. CTF advises declined applicants to review the Grant Information page to ensure their request aligns with the foundation's mission before resubmitting.

Application Success Factors

Based on CTF's documented guidance and requirements, successful applications demonstrate the following:

Mission Alignment is Critical

  • CTF only considers grant requests consistent with their mission to support Virginia-based transfusion and healthcare initiatives
  • Applications must clearly address one or more of the three priority areas: adequate blood supply, transfusion safety/patient blood management innovations, or medical laboratory science education

Budget Requirements

  • If requesting partial project funding, include both a total budget column and a separate column showing the CTF contribution
  • CTF will consider funding indirect or administrative costs up to 15% of the grant amount
  • Be realistic and specific in budget requests

Application Best Practices

  • Do NOT contact board members for support; this will not help your application
  • All communications regarding funding requests should be submitted through CTF staff
  • Modifications to the application will not be allowed after final submission, so ensure completeness before submitting
  • Demonstrate how the project addresses workforce shortages in medical laboratory science or improves transfusion medicine practices in Virginia

Examples of Funded Projects

  • Blood Assurance SBB Program: $450,000 over 3 years to support the Specialist in Blood Banking certification program
  • Medical Laboratory Science Scholarships: $200,000 in 2021 distributed among Augusta Health School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Inova Fairfax Hospital School of Medical Laboratory Science, Old Dominion University MLS Program, and Radford University MLS Program
  • VCU Professorship: Endowed professorship to support instructor in immunohematology and address national MLS career shortages

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Restriction is Absolute: Unless seeking support for a national mission-related initiative, your organization must be located in Virginia. This is non-negotiable.

  • Start with a Strong LOI: The Letter of Inquiry is your gateway to an invitation. Clearly articulate how your project addresses CTF's three priority areas and benefits Virginia's transfusion medicine ecosystem.

  • Timing Matters: Plan ahead—the process can take 45 days to 8 months. Submit LOIs well in advance of your project timeline, considering the biannual review cycles in February and August.

  • Education Programs Get Priority: CTF has demonstrated significant commitment to medical laboratory science education, including multi-year, six-figure grants. If your project addresses workforce development in this field, emphasize this connection.

  • Follow the Rules Precisely: Do not contact board members, ensure budgets are detailed correctly, and submit complete applications—modifications won't be accepted after submission.

  • Multi-Year Funding is Possible: CTF will consider multi-year grants for substantial initiatives, as demonstrated by the $450,000 three-year grant to Blood Assurance.

  • Build Relationships Through Results: Nicole Parham's journey from scholarship recipient to Director of Grants Management illustrates CTF's commitment to the field and suggests that delivering strong outcomes can lead to ongoing partnerships.

References

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