Corporate giving FAQs

My organization appears to fit within your focus. Will you fund my organization?
We can't make an assessment about a partnership between any organization and Columbia Gas of Virginia. That is why we have a special grant application process—so that all organizations are on the same level playing field when they request funds from us. Consider it "your organization's resume!"

How long will it take before I hear about the status of my request?
Our review process is ongoing. Because Columbia's fiscal year does not necessarily match the different fiscal years of many non-profits, we decided to make the review process ongoing. It may take us a little more time to read everything we have (and we do read EVERYTHING!) but it is more flexible in matching the different fiscal years and programs of the thousands of non-profit organizations we hear from each year.

Does Columbia Gas of Virginia fund events and festivals?
Typically, we prefer to fund programs that, coupled with our community focus, serve as long-term partnerships to benefit the community, the organization and our business strategy. Sponsorships are nice and we know they serve a key purpose for organizations. However, we are looking for more value-added, sustaining programs to fund.

I noticed that you do not fund United Way affiliated agencies. Our organization is not a United Way affiliated agency, but we received donor-opted monies. Does that mean we can't apply for a grant?
No. Columbia Gas of Virginia employees raised more than $95,000 in our United Way campaign this past year, so we entrust the funding of health and human services to the United Way through their review and allocation processes. Many organizations receive donor-opted monies from around the country. Those organizations can submit a proposal for funding, but only if it fits within our guidelines for the remainder of our program focus.