Champions of the Community.
A Student Athlete-led grantmaking initiative that is the first of its kind.
Our Flagship Program
Champions of the Community empowers UVA Student Athletes to identify, evaluate, and recommend funding for local nonprofit organizations making meaningful impact in the Charlottesville region.
Through this program, Student Athletes gain hands-on experience in nonprofit evaluation, community engagement, and philanthropic decision-making while directly supporting organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission of service and leadership.
INQUIRE FOR 2027
Read → Review → Recommend
Read
Student Athletes review grant applications submitted by Charlottesville-area nonprofits, evaluating organizational capacity, community impact, and alignment with Foundation priorities.
Review
The Champions of the Community Program cohort researches organizations, hears from experts on philanthropy and leadership, and deliberates on funding decisions based on strategic impact and measurable outcomes.
Recommend
Student Athletes present funding recommendations to the Foundation, ensuring grant recipients receive support that creates lasting community impact and measurable results.
Grant Distribution by Sector
2026 Distribution
Champions Impact
Charlottesville-area organizations serving critical community needs
Direct funding to community programs and services
Participating in the Champions of the Community Program
Diverse athletic programs engaged in community service
Hear from Participants
“It's transformative for Student Athletes and the community…Athletes get to learn about the local organizations and the impact they can have on our local community.”
“It's so important to give back…if you can be confident in who you are outside of your sport, and be happy with the things you do and the way you spend your time, you'll have much better results on the water, field, or court.”
“Philanthropy should be core to what everybody is as a human being; that's why we created Champions of the Community–the only college program in the country that empowers Student Athletes to allocate money into the communities around them.”
Weinberg Family Foundation Partnership
In partnership with the Weinberg Family Foundation, CavFutures Foundation administers a strategic grantmaking program that supports Charlottesville-area nonprofits addressing critical community needs.
This collaboration positions UVA Student Athletes as active participants in community philanthropy, providing them with leadership opportunities while creating measurable impact for local organizations serving education, youth development, social services, and community health initiatives.
Philanthropy Program
Over 20 Student Athletes participated in the 2026 Champions of the Community Program in partnership with the Weinberg Family Foundation and UVA Student Athlete Success. This first-of-its-kind experience develops future leaders through financial decision-making that directly funds crucial projects in our local community.
Athlete Cohort Responsibilities
- •Individually research and review grant applications
- •Learn from guest speakers and local leaders about grant applications
- •Small group evaluation and whole group deliberation of budgeting
- •Present funding recommendations to Foundation committee
Benefits for Participants
- •Develop nonprofit sector knowledge and evaluation skills
- •Build connections with community organizations
- •Gain leadership and decision-making experience
- •Create measurable impact in the local community
Future Grant Cycles
Information about upcoming funding opportunities for Charlottesville-area nonprofits.
2027 Grant Cycle Status
The 2026 grant awards are currently being awarded and distributed. Year 4 applications are open from September 2026 until late January 2027, with the final grant decisions announced in May. Charlottesville-area nonprofits interested in future funding opportunities can submit an initial inquiry to stay informed about our next open cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the Champions of the Community grant program.
Questions About the Program?
For questions about the Champions program, please contact Caroline Darney, Director of Programming and Community Engagement
Program Inquiries: info@CavsCare.org
Phone: (434) 999-8821
Invest in the Future of Virginia Student Athletes
Your donation supports community grants that create lasting impact in the Charlottesville region.