Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $2,800,000 (approximately)
- Total Assets: $52,525,555
- Decision Time: 2 months (August deadline, October awards)
- Grant Range: $8,000 - $450,000
- Geographic Focus: Wythe and Bland Counties, Virginia
- Application Deadline: Annual deadline (August)
- Number of Grants Awarded: 50 grants in FY2026
Contact Details
Address: 155 West Monroe Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
Phone: (276) 228-8001
Fax: (276) 228-9001
Email: info@wbfoundation.com
Website: https://www.wbfoundation.com/
Leadership:
- Travis D. Jackson, CEO/Executive Director
- Meredith J. Summers, Director of Operations
Overview
The Wythe-Bland Foundation was originally formed in 1991 as the Wythe County Community Hospital Foundation. Following the sale of hospital assets to LifePoint Hospitals in 2005, the foundation reorganized as an independent entity and was renamed the Wythe-Bland Foundation in 2010. Classified as a health conversion foundation, the organization holds assets of over $52.5 million and awards approximately $2.8-3.2 million in grants annually. Since 2005, the Foundation has invested $51.3 million into the community. The foundation's mission emphasizes providing "opportunities for innovation and collaboration to promote a healthier community," with grants awarded to improve health, education, and wellness for residents of Wythe and Bland Counties. The foundation is managed by a 13-member board of community leaders who serve without compensation, emphasizing local knowledge and strategic philanthropy. Additionally, the foundation has awarded approximately 4,200 scholarships totaling over $6.3 million to local students.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates a single annual grant cycle with grants ranging from $8,000 to $450,000. Applications are accepted through an online submission process with a fixed annual deadline.
Application Method: Rolling applications culminating in annual deadline (August), with awards announced in October.
Priority Areas
The foundation focuses on three main areas:
Healthcare:
- Dental clinics offering services regardless of ability to pay
- Healthcare services for uninsured and underinsured populations
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Health screening programs
- Mental health services
- Medical transportation
Education:
- Classroom grants for teachers
- Educational enhancement programs
- Early childhood education initiatives
- After-school programming
- Literacy programs
- Educational infrastructure
Wellness & Community Services:
- Food security and food pantries
- Youth recreation facilities
- Community infrastructure projects
- Arts and cultural programs
- Capacity building for nonprofits
- Collaborative community initiatives
What They Don't Fund
While the foundation's website does not explicitly list exclusions, their focus is strictly limited to organizations providing services in Wythe and Bland Counties in the areas of health, education, and wellness. Geographic restriction is a key limitation.
Governance and Leadership
Board Officers
- Gerry Schepers - Chairman
- Joe Freeman - Vice Chairman
- Donnie Buck - Secretary
- Molly Thompson - Treasurer
Board Directors
- Hal Absher
- Dr. Dickie Copenhaver
- Jerry Davis
- Theresa Dix
- Joel Hash
- Mark Mabry
- Steve Moore
- Dr. Craig Smith
- Rick Worley
Executive Leadership
Travis D. Jackson, CEO/Executive Director: Jackson has led the foundation since 2014 and is known for his strategic, problem-focused approach to philanthropy. He stated, "I am very pleased to be able to contribute back to my home community. The foundation has done a lot of good things for Wythe and Bland and will continue to do that." He serves on the advisory board of the Virginia Funders Network and has emphasized that funders have a "fiduciary responsibility to ensure that grants result in measurable impacts" and that "collaboration is essential to philanthropic efforts."
Meredith J. Summers, Director of Operations: Manages day-to-day operations and grant administration.
Jackson has also noted regarding oral health, "Poor oral health is a big problem for seniors and children in our community and all across the country," reflecting the foundation's commitment to addressing dental care gaps.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
- Review grant guidelines available on the foundation's website
- Download the grant application form from https://www.wbfoundation.com/applicationsforms.html
- Complete the application thoroughly
- Submit via email to info@wbfoundation.com by the annual deadline
Next Application Deadline: August 3, 2026 (for October 2026 awards)
Decision Timeline
The foundation operates on an annual grant cycle:
- Application Deadline: Early August
- Awards Announced: October (approximately 2 months after deadline)
- Grants Awarded: Once per year
The foundation's board reviews all applications and makes funding decisions during this period.
Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must submit:
- Progress Report: Due March 15th of each grant cycle
- Final Report: Upon project completion or end of grant period
Success Rates
While specific success rates are not publicly published, the foundation has demonstrated a pattern of awarding between 25-50 grants annually:
- FY2026: 50 grants awarded
- 2024: 29 grants awarded
- 2023: 25 grants awarded
- 2022: 21 grants awarded
This represents a growing trend in the number of organizations funded annually.
Reapplication Policy
The foundation accepts applications from previously funded organizations as well as new applicants. Many organizations receive multi-year or recurring funding for ongoing programs, suggesting that successful grantees may reapply in subsequent years.
Application Success Factors
Based on research into the foundation's priorities and funded projects, the following factors appear critical for success:
Demonstrate Measurable Impact: Executive Director Travis Jackson has emphasized that "funders have the fiduciary responsibility to ensure that grants result in measurable impacts." Applications should include clear metrics and outcomes that can be tracked and reported.
Emphasize Collaboration: The foundation values cooperation and coordination among nonprofits. Jackson's work is described as "problem-focused and solutions-oriented, innovating the way partner nonprofits tackle societal challenges." Consider how your project collaborates with other organizations or reduces service duplication.
Focus on Local Need: All funded projects must directly benefit residents of Wythe and Bland Counties. Strong applications demonstrate deep understanding of local community needs and gaps in services.
Align with Core Priorities: The foundation has consistently funded healthcare access (especially dental care and services for uninsured populations), education programs (particularly classroom support and scholarships), and community wellness initiatives. Projects should clearly align with one or more of these areas.
Organizational Capacity: The foundation believes "well-managed and resourced nonprofits are vital to the region's quality of life." Demonstrate strong organizational management, financial stability, and capacity to execute the proposed project.
Avoid Fund Substitution: Jackson has advised funders to "resist the efforts from applicants to supplant other funds with those of your organization," suggesting the foundation prefers to fund new initiatives or expansions rather than replacing existing funding sources.
Recent Funding Patterns: Reviewing FY2026 grants shows the foundation funds both large capital projects ($450,000 for Big Walker Dentistry, $325,000 for healthcare services) and smaller program grants ($8,000-$30,000 range), indicating flexibility in grant size based on project scope and organizational capacity.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Geographic eligibility is strict: Your organization must provide services directly to residents of Wythe and Bland Counties, Virginia
- Annual cycle requires planning: With only one deadline per year (August) and awards in October, missed deadlines mean waiting a full year
- Measurable outcomes are essential: Build clear metrics and evaluation plans into your application to demonstrate accountability
- Collaboration is valued: Highlight partnerships with other local organizations and how your project reduces service duplication
- Grant range is broad: The foundation funds projects from $8,000 to $450,000+, so scale your request appropriately to project scope
- Reporting is required: Be prepared to submit progress reports in March and final reports upon completion
- Foundation is accessible: The foundation hosts monthly nonprofit roundtable meetings and has demonstrated responsiveness to community feedback in shaping grant guidelines
- Healthcare and education are priorities: The foundation's origins as a hospital foundation continue to influence funding, with significant support for healthcare access, dental care, and educational opportunities
References
- Wythe-Bland Foundation official website - https://www.wbfoundation.com/ (Accessed January 2026)
- Wythe-Bland Foundation About Us page - https://www.wbfoundation.com/about-us.html (Accessed January 2026)
- Wythe-Bland Foundation Applications/Forms page - https://www.wbfoundation.com/applicationsforms.html (Accessed January 2026)
- Virginia Funders Network, "Member Spotlight: Travis Jackson, Wythe-Bland Foundation" - https://vafunders.org/member-spotlight-travis-jackson-wythe-bland-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)
- Southwest Virginia Today, "Wythe-Bland Foundation awards 2026 grants" (2025)
- Cause IQ profile - Wythe-Bland Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/wythe-bland-foundation,541609065/ (Accessed January 2026)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Wythe Bland Foundation (Form 990 filings) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/541609065 (Accessed January 2026)
- Wytheville Community College, "Wythe-Bland Foundation Scholarship Program" - https://wcc.vccs.edu/wythe-bland-foundation-scholarship-program (Accessed January 2026)
- Southwest Virginia Today, "Bland dental clinic expands" (2019) - Quote from Travis Jackson on oral health challenges
- Foundation Directory, Candid - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=WYTH002 (Accessed January 2026)