About the Foundation

The Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust is a charitable private foundation established on May 15, 1997. The Trust was funded through the generosity of the late Charles G. Patterson, Jr. and his wife Helen S. Patterson.

The Foundation will make grants to eligible, tax-exempt organizations domiciled in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Guidelines

Funding Priorities:
The Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation has established six (6) primary areas of focus. These guidelines, adopted by the Board, reflect the philosophies and priorities of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson and the Foundation. The Foundation Board is pleased to continue focusing on grant requests in the Central and Southwestern regions of Virginia.

  • Provide financial support to one or more museums in Virginia cities and towns having a population of less than 100,000 thousand people.
  • Provide financial support for the restoration, preservation, conservation and renovation of one or more historical sites in Virginia.
  • Provide financial support for the restoration, preservation, conservation and renovation of one or more Episcopal Churches in Virginia that are more than 100 years old.
  • Provide financial support to one or more historical societies, historical foundations or historical corporations in Virginia.
  • Provide financial support for one or more fine arts centers or similar type centers in Virginia, particularly those not receiving governmental support.
  • Provide financial support for one or more independent liberal arts colleges in Virginia.

Geographic Focus:
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been extraordinarily generous to the Danville, Martinsville and Lynchburg areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Board is pleased to continue their efforts.

Types of Support:

The Foundation prefers to fund, in order of importance to the Foundation:

  • Innovative or Creative Projects
  • Project Support

Restrictions:
This Foundation will make grants only to eligible, tax-exempt organizations domiciled in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Eligibility Requirements:
The Foundation will consider all qualified applications received from organizations that are exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3). Grants are not made to support individuals.

Grant Cycle and Deadline Information:
Grant applications may be made online only between January 1st and June 30th of each calendar year. Applications must be received by June 30th. Applications submitted during this period will be reviewed at the next board meeting.

Board meetings are generally, but not always, held in late August or September. Grant decisions will be communicated by email within thirty days of the annual board meeting.

Recipients of grants are expected to submit a final report on the expenditure of the funds and an evaluation of the project. These final reports are to be completed online and are due on June 30th.

Grant Range:
The typical grant size is between $5,000 – $50,000.