February 2, 2015 – DANVILLE, VA — The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (CFDRR) announced today online grant applications are now open for the RiverBank Fund. The Fund was established last year to gather donations throughout Virginia and North Carolina earmarked for the protection and revitalization of the Dan River
Grant applications must be completed online at www.RiverBankFund.org from February 2, 2015 – March 20, 2015. Nonprofit 501c3 organizations and governmental entities including towns and public schools can apply. Projects should primarily benefit the Dan River Basin, including Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Mecklenburg counties and City of Danville (VA) and Stokes, Caswell, Rockingham Counties (NC). Anticipated grant ranges are $5,000 – $50,000 with opportunities for possible larger regional grant awards.
The RiverBank Fund’s mission is to steward resources and provide community support to assure The Dan River is beautiful, protected and central to the recreational and economic well-being of our region for generations to come.
Eligible programs should address at least one of the five focus areas:
1. Responsibly address water quality for regional residents and companies.
2. Encourage new development that ecologically features the River.
3. Improve the cleanliness of the River and the Basin and help protect it from environmental threats.
4. Increase access to the River for family-friendly sports, recreation and entertainment.
5. Effectively promote the River to build regional pride and encourage tourism.
A regional advisory committee will help guide the development of the fund and the strategic disbursement of grant funds.
Donations to the RiverBank Fund are also being sought from individuals, organizations and businesses that have interest in helping to improve the quality and caliber of life all along the Dan River. Donations may be made online at www.RiverBankFund.org.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public 501c3 charity that serves a region from Martinsville/Henry County through Mecklenburg County in Virginia as well as the neighboring North Carolina counties. The footprint of the Foundation and its experience in administering grant funds allowed the RiverBank Fund to be established quickly and efficiently.