Suffolk, VA, June 24, 2024 — The Community Action Coalition of Virginia (CACOV) is excited to announce that it has merged with the Suffolk Foundation. Both nonprofits are based out of Suffolk and assist various nonprofit organizations in Western Tidewater with grants.
Founded in 1991, CACOV has used funds received in an active partnership with the Perrel Management Company, which owns and manages several apartment home communities in Hampton Roads. As a previous resident of Suffolk, Perrel Management owner and president Allen Perrel helped establish CACOV as an opportunity to give back. Over the past 33 years, CACOV has awarded over $2.5 million in grants to more than 60 organizations, including the Salvation Army, YMCA, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, and more, supporting literacy, health, and wellness, education, and many other charitable activities.
As the years went by, this all-volunteer group wanted assistance with their administration and grant making. Thus, they joined forces with the Suffolk Foundation, making it beneficial to both parties with their similar goals and missions. This unification allows for more groups, individuals, and organizations in the community to be served.
Longtime Suffolk native Harry Cross joined CACOV as a board member and serves as president of the Suffolk Foundation. Cross says the partnership will allow CACOV to “be part of a larger, more cost-effective foundation, while allowing CACOV volunteers to reach a broader pool of applications and make grant decisions.” Dana Cutler, bookkeeper of Perrel Management and director of CACOV for over 30 years, adds, “I was thrilled to have someone help.” Now, CACOV will be one of the Suffolk Foundation’s 60 funds that give back to the Suffolk and Western Tidewater area.
Nonprofits will be able to complete only one application to be considered for grants with both CACOV and the Suffolk Foundation. Both organizations hope this saves nonprofits valuable time. The Suffolk Foundation’s online grant application opens on September 1 each year and must be submitted by October 15.
The Suffolk Foundation is a 501c3 community foundation, whose mission is to benefit the people of Suffolk and Western Tidewater by facilitating and developing philanthropy and awarding grants and scholarships to meet a broad range of local community needs. Since the Suffolk Foundation was formed in 2006, it has awarded over $8.4 million in grants and $450,000 in scholarships.
