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Centra Health Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.5M
Grant Range
$7K - $5.4M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,531,205 (2023, Foundation) + $4,011,101 (2023, Centra Health Inc)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $7,145 - $5,407,519 (historical range, varies significantly by grant type)
  • Geographic Focus: Central Virginia (Bedford, Farmville, Lynchburg service areas)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.centrahealth.com/community-resources/community-health/grants

Email:

Phone: Not publicly specified for grant program

Address: Lynchburg, VA

Overview

Centra Health Foundation (EIN 54-1604094) was established to provide support to the Centra Healthcare System in Lynchburg, Virginia. With assets of $84.3 million, the foundation has undergone significant organizational changes in recent years. In 2020, Centra moved its community grant giving from the Centra Foundation to Centra's Community Health Services, with funding now coming directly from Centra's Community Benefit contributions. The foundation contributed $5.5 million in grants during 2023 (3 awards), while Centra Health Inc separately distributed $4 million (49 awards). Beginning in 2024, Centra prioritized funding community grants that address the top 5 identified needs from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) conducted across their three service areas. Under the leadership of President & CEO Richard Tugman (appointed October 2024), Centra continues its commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life across Central Virginia.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Centra's community grants fund ongoing programs that improve health and quality of life for the communities they serve. The application period runs annually from April 1 through May 15, with applications submitted through an online portal. Mandatory grant training is held in late March each year.

Note: Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope and type. Historical awards have ranged from approximately $7,000 to over $5 million, though typical community grants are likely at the lower end of this spectrum.

Priority Areas

Beginning in 2024, Centra gives priority to funding community grants that address the top 5 identified needs from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessments for each service area. Common priorities across all three service areas include:

  • Access to Healthcare Services - Improving access to medical care for underserved populations
  • Mental Health Services - Expanding access to mental health treatment and support
  • Substance Use Disorders - Addressing addiction treatment and prevention
  • Food Insecurity and Nutrition - Supporting programs that address hunger and promote healthy eating
  • Economic, Social and Community Development - Projects of regional importance

Each of Centra's three service areas (Bedford, Farmville, and Lynchburg) has its own CHNA with specific top 10 ranked priorities, with the implementation focusing on the top 3-5 needs per area.

Geographic Service Areas

  • Lynchburg Area: City of Lynchburg and counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Campbell, and Pittsylvania
  • Bedford Area: Bedford city/town and Bedford County
  • Farmville Area: Counties of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward

What They Don't Fund

Organizations that are private foundations as described under IRS Section 509(a) are not eligible. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with CHNA priorities, so proposals outside these areas may receive lower consideration.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO of Centra Health: Richard Tugman (appointed October 2024). Tugman previously served as Interim President & CEO beginning in March 2024 and had also served as interim CEO following the departure of former CEO Dr. Andrew Mueller in January 2021.

Board Chair: Thomas Nygaard, M.D.

Board Members (as of recent announcements): Include Alison Morrison-Shetlar, Ph.D., John A. Fees, Gloria T. Witt (Founder and CEO of Define Success Coaching & Facilitation Services, LLC), and Cynthia Gunnoe (Vice President of Gunnoe Sausage).

Centra Foundation Leadership: Allison Kughn Ebert, CFRE, serves as Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Centra Foundation.

Decision-Making: The Centra Community Benefit Committee reviews and approves Community Health Needs Assessments and grant decisions, with final approval by the Centra Board of Directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Centra's online grant portal. The process includes:

  1. Eligibility Quiz: Complete an eligibility quiz to confirm your organization qualifies
  2. Online Application: Submit a completed application through the online portal
  3. Mandatory Training: Attend the mandatory grant training session (held in late March)

Application Portal: Available at centrahealth.com/community-resources/community-health/grants

Browser Recommendation: Use Google Chrome for optimal functionality when submitting applications

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations requesting funding must be:

  • A legal entity that is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(9), or another tax-exempt entity as per IRS guidelines
  • NOT a private foundation as described under Section 509(a)
  • Operating within or serving one of Centra's three service areas
  • Aligned with Centra's CHNA priorities

Decision Timeline

Application Period: April 1 (8:00 AM) through May 15 (5:00 PM) annually

Mandatory Training: Late March (March 28 for 2025 cycle)

Decision Timeline: Specific notification dates are not publicly available. Applicants should refer to current year guidelines or contact Centra directly.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. In recent years, the number of awards has varied significantly:

  • 2023: 3 awards from Foundation, 49 awards from Centra Health Inc
  • 2022: 2 awards from Foundation
  • 2021: 3 awards from Foundation
  • 2019: 34 awards from Foundation

This variation reflects the 2020 transition of community grant administration from the Foundation to Centra's Community Health Services.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations whose grant applications were unsuccessful may reapply for the same program in a subsequent funding cycle. However, if an organization has received grant funding for a program, they should not apply for the same project in the following cycle, as the funding is intended to cover a full year.

Application Success Factors

Based on Centra Health's documented priorities and approach:

Alignment with CHNA Priorities: Applications that directly address the top 5 identified needs from the relevant service area's Community Health Needs Assessment receive priority consideration. Review your specific service area's CHNA document before applying.

Community Benefit Focus: Centra views grant funding through the lens of community benefit and population health improvement. Demonstrate how your program will create measurable health outcomes for the communities Centra serves.

Equity and Inclusion: Centra views all health factors through the lens of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Applications should demonstrate commitment to reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities.

Evidence-Based Approach: Strong applications likely include evidence-based interventions and measurable outcomes aligned with the County Health Rankings' four categories: Social and Economic Factors, Health Behaviors, Clinical Care, and Physical Environment.

Regional Importance: While CHNA priorities receive top consideration, Centra also supports projects of regional importance that address economic, social, and community development needs.

Ongoing Programs: Centra's grants fund "ongoing programs," suggesting preference for sustainable initiatives rather than one-time events.

Training Participation: Mandatory grant training attendance is required, indicating that understanding Centra's expectations and guidance is critical to application success.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Timing is critical: Applications accepted only during the April 1-May 15 window; attend mandatory late-March training
  • Know your CHNA priorities: Each service area has distinct priorities—ensure your project addresses the top 5 needs for your specific area (Bedford, Farmville, or Lynchburg)
  • Focus on health outcomes: Demonstrate measurable improvements in health and quality of life, not just program activities
  • Emphasize equity: Show how your program reaches underserved populations and addresses health disparities
  • Reapplication is welcome: Unsuccessful applicants can reapply in subsequent cycles without penalty
  • Contact before applying: Reach out to communityhealthgrants@centrahealth.com with questions or for guidance
  • Plan for sustainability: With one-year funding periods and restrictions on immediate reapplication after funding, demonstrate program sustainability

References

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