Hampton Roads Community Foundation

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation began as the Norfolk Foundation in 1950 awarding scholarships and grants to deserving students and NGOs throughout southeastern Virginia. Over the last 70 years, it has invested more than US$301 million in grants and scholarships.

Florence Smith's estate established a scholarship for Virginia medical students in 1952, two years after the foundation began, and this still exists today. In addition, in 1959, it made the first large contribution of US$100,000 to help create a library.

The Virginia Beach Foundation was founded in 1987 and them merged with the Norfolk Foundation in 2010 to form the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the region's largest grant and scholarship provider whose primary goal is to work with donors from all walks of life to enhance the lives of people in southeastern Virginia. This is achieved through grants, scholarships and leadership activities.