The Denton Family Charitable Foundation makes a small number of relatively large, local grants focused on youth enrichment and basic human services in the Harrisonburg area. Their support emphasizes hands-on learning for children, youth sports and development, and local homeless services, often funding a single organization more than once.
A repeated pattern stands out in Denton Family Charitable Foundation’s recent giving: the largest grants go to local youth and community-serving organizations in Harrisonburg. The foundation gave $30,670 to Explore More Discovery Museum in 2025 for a children’s museum, after giving $14,000 to the same organization in 2023. It also made a $28,000 grant to Open Doors Inc in 2024 for a homeless shelter, showing that basic human services sit alongside youth enrichment in its portfolio. Another major thread is youth development through sport; First Tee Program received $27,064 in 2023 and $2,800 in 2024 for youth golf programming. The foundation’s recent record also shows support for mentoring and community infrastructure. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County received grants in 2023 and 2025, while Harrisonburg Rescue Squad and Harrisonburg Fire Department also appear among recent recipients. The grant list reflects a local funder that works through direct operating and program support for nonprofits serving Harrisonburg and the surrounding area, with a strong emphasis on children, youth, and services tied to community stability.
Youth enrichment is a clear priority. The foundation gave $30,670 to Explore More Discovery Museum in 2025 for a museum for children, and it also supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County with $6,250 in 2023 and $6,000 in 2025 for mentoring children. Athletics appear in both general grant language and recent awards. First Tee Program received $27,064 in 2023 and $2,800 in 2024 for youth golf programming, and Special Olympics received $3,000 in 2023 and $2,000 in 2025 for sports and special-needs programming. Basic human services are another thread. Open Doors Inc received $28,000 in 2024 for a homeless shelter, while Blue Ridge Area Food Bank received $2,500 in 2023 for food bank work. The foundation also supported Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District with $1,600 in 2024 for welfare for elderly and disabled residents.
Typical grants are small by foundation standards but meaningful for local nonprofits: the distribution sits at $200 at the 25th percentile, $500 at the median, and $1,150 at the 75th percentile. The recent list shows repeat support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Explore More Discovery Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, and Special Olympics. Grantmaking is direct and local, with written-proposal review used across several active programs. The foundation also operates an annual Fall Golf Classic that raises funds for a designated local beneficiary each year, linking event-based fundraising with grant support.
$67K
$1.7M
$177K
$191K
Most grants fall between $200 and $1K, with a median of $500.
25th Percentile
$200
Median
$500
75th Percentile
$1K
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Concentrated, local giving with few but sizable grants; mix of repeat support (museum received multiple grants) and single large grants to mission-focused community nonprofits.
Notable grantees: Explore More Discovery Museum, Open Doors Inc, First Tee Program
Grantmaking is concentrated in Virginia, with 95% of grants going to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Most recent recipients are in Harrisonburg, including Explore More Discovery Museum, Open Doors Inc, First Tee Program, and Harrisonburg Rescue Squad. Outside Harrisonburg, the recent list includes Verona, Winchester, Bristow, and Grottoes, all in Virginia. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 139 grants in the United States.
The recent grants and program descriptions point to local nonprofits serving children and youth, people experiencing homelessness, and community services. Examples include a children’s museum, a homeless shelter, youth golf programming, mentoring services, food assistance, and emergency-response organizations in Harrisonburg and nearby areas.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Explore More Discovery Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, and Special Olympics. That pattern suggests recurring support rather than one-time-only giving.
The typical grant size is modest: the 25th percentile is $200, the median is $500, and the 75th percentile is $1,150. At the same time, some awards are much larger, such as $30,670 to Explore More Discovery Museum and $28,000 to Open Doors Inc.
Its giving is local, centered on Harrisonburg and the surrounding area. Virginia recipients account for 95% of grants, and the recent list includes Harrisonburg, Verona, Winchester, Bristow, and Grottoes.
Yes. The active grant programs say the foundation accepts unsolicited requests and reviews written proposals against its interests and funding priorities. Several program descriptions also note no formal application deadline.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Denton Family Charitable Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Limits grants to nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and the surrounding area. Applicants should provide organization background, planned use of funds, leadership/accountability details, other funding sources, an audited financial statement, and 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter.
Deadline: There isn’t a formal application deadline.
Who can apply: Limited to nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and the surrounding area. Applicants must provide a copy of their 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status ruling letter and an audited copy of their most current financial statement, including balance sheet.
Deadline: No formal application deadline; requests are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCY HOUSE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $42,000 | 2026 | CHARITY |
| HARRISONBURG DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $4,750 | 2026 | MENTOR CHILDREN |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM COUNTY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $2,288 | 2026 | ASSIST NONPROFIT IN COMMUNITY |
| GROTTOES POOL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION | GROTTOES, VA | $2,000 | 2026 | MENTOR CHILDREN |
| OASIS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS | HARRISONBURG, VA | $2,000 | 2026 | FUNDRAISING EVENT |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB | HARRISONBURG, VA | $1,500 | 2026 | PROVIDES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES |
| THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HARRISONBURG ROCKINGHAM COUNTY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $1,500 | 2026 | WELLFARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED |
| ISAIAH HOUSE | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $1,500 | 2026 | SHELTER |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS | HARRISONBURG, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | MENTOR CHILDREN |
| HARRISONBURG LITTLE LEAGUE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | HUMANITY |
| WOODBINE CEMETERY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $646 | 2026 | EDUCATION SUPPORT |
| NEW MARKET ROTARY CHARITABLE FUND | NEW MARKET, VA | $600 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| ON THE ROAD COLLABORATIVE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $500 | 2026 | YOUTH LEARNING |
| HARRISONBURG ROCKINGHAM SOCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT | HARRISONBURG, VA | $500 | 2026 | EDUCATION SUPPORT |
| RMH FOUNDATION | HARRISONBURG, VA | $500 | 2026 | KIDS SPORT |
| THE HARRISONBURG ELKS | HARRISONBURG, VA | $500 | 2026 | COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING |
| VALLEY PROGRAM FOR AGING SERVICES | WAYNESBORO, VA | $400 | 2026 | HOMELESS SHELTER |
| BRIDGEWATER COMMUNITY LITTLE LEAGE | BRIDGEWATER, VA | $300 | 2026 | YOUTH PROGRAM |
| CENTRAL VALLEY HABITAT | BRIDGEWATER, VA | $300 | 2026 | SHELTER |
| STILL MEADOWS ENRICHMENT CENTER & CAMP | LINVILLE, VA | $300 | 2026 | YOUTH GOLF PROGRAM |
| THE HERD | CELINA, OH | $250 | 2026 | CHARITY |
| CAT'S CRADDLE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $200 | 2026 | ANIMAL SHELTER |
| OUR COMMUNITY PLACE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $200 | 2026 | FIRE RESCUE |
| SPCA | HARRISONBURG, VA | $200 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| MCGAHEYSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT | MCGAHEYSVILLE, VA | $200 | 2026 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| CLOVER HILL RURITAN CLUB | DAYTON, VA | $200 | 2026 | YOUTH CLUB |
| GROTTOES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT | GROTTOES, VA | $100 | 2026 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN VA | LYNCHBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | ARTS |
| HARRISONBURG RESCUE SQUAD | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | HOMELESS SHELTER |
| VICTORY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH | DAYTON, VA | $100 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| ASHBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | MENTOR CHILDREN |
| LEGACY HOSPICE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | FIRE RESCUE |
| SALVATION ARMY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| G & W AMBULANCE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| CHURCH OF THE LAMB | PENN LAIRD, VA | $100 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| BROADWAY RESCUE SQUAD | BROADWAY, VA | $100 | 2026 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS | RICHMOND, VA | $100 | 2026 | CHARITY |
| BOYS HOME OF VIRGINIA | COVINGTON, VA | $100 | 2026 | EDUCATION SUPPORT |
| JMU FOUNDATION | HARRISONBURG, VA | $100 | 2026 | CHURCH |
| RIKKI'S REFUGE | RAPIDAN, VA | $100 | 2026 | ANIMAL SHELTER |
| BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY | BRIDGEWATER, VA | $100 | 2026 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| EXPLORE MORE DISCOVERY MUSEUM | HARRISONBURG, VA | $30,670 | 2025 | MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM COUNTY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $6,000 | 2025 | MENTOR CHILDREN |
| HARRISONBURG DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE | HARRISONBURG, VA | $5,001 | 2025 | PROVIDES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES |
| WOODBINE CEMETERY | HARRISONBURG, VA | $4,000 | 2025 | CEMETERY |
| OASIS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS | HARRISONBURG, VA | $3,000 | 2025 | PROMTES LOCAL ARTISIANS |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | HARRISONBURG, VA | $2,500 | 2025 | ASSIST NONPROFIT IN COMMUNITY |
| HARRISONBURG RESCUE SQUAD | HARRISONBURG, VA | $2,400 | 2025 | VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD |
| GROTTOES POOL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION | GROTTOES, VA | $2,000 | 2025 | PRESERVATION |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS | HARRISONBURG, VA | $2,000 | 2025 | SPECIAL NEEDS |
MERCY HOUSE
$42,000CHARITY
HARRISONBURG DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE
$4,750MENTOR CHILDREN
ASSIST NONPROFIT IN COMMUNITY
GROTTOES POOL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
$2,000MENTOR CHILDREN
OASIS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS
$2,000FUNDRAISING EVENT
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
$1,500PROVIDES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES
WELLFARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
$1,000MENTOR CHILDREN
HARRISONBURG LITTLE LEAGUE
$1,000HUMANITY
WOODBINE CEMETERY
$646EDUCATION SUPPORT
NEW MARKET ROTARY CHARITABLE FUND
$600CHURCH
ON THE ROAD COLLABORATIVE
$500YOUTH LEARNING
HARRISONBURG ROCKINGHAM SOCIAL SERVICES DISTRICT
$500EDUCATION SUPPORT
RMH FOUNDATION
$500KIDS SPORT
THE HARRISONBURG ELKS
$500COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
VALLEY PROGRAM FOR AGING SERVICES
$400HOMELESS SHELTER
BRIDGEWATER COMMUNITY LITTLE LEAGE
$300YOUTH PROGRAM
CENTRAL VALLEY HABITAT
$300SHELTER
STILL MEADOWS ENRICHMENT CENTER & CAMP
$300YOUTH GOLF PROGRAM
THE HERD
$250CHARITY
CAT'S CRADDLE
$200ANIMAL SHELTER
OUR COMMUNITY PLACE
$200FIRE RESCUE
SPCA
$200CHURCH
MCGAHEYSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
$200VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
CLOVER HILL RURITAN CLUB
$200YOUTH CLUB
GROTTOES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
$100VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN VA
$100ARTS
HARRISONBURG RESCUE SQUAD
$100HOMELESS SHELTER
VICTORY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
$100CHURCH
ASHBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$100MENTOR CHILDREN
LEGACY HOSPICE
$100FIRE RESCUE
SALVATION ARMY
$100CHURCH
G & W AMBULANCE
$100VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
CHURCH OF THE LAMB
$100CHURCH
BROADWAY RESCUE SQUAD
$100VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
$100CHARITY
BOYS HOME OF VIRGINIA
$100EDUCATION SUPPORT
JMU FOUNDATION
$100CHURCH
RIKKI'S REFUGE
$100ANIMAL SHELTER
BRIDGEWATER VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
$100VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
EXPLORE MORE DISCOVERY MUSEUM
$30,670MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN
HARRISONBURG DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE
$5,001PROVIDES GRANTS TO BUSINESSES
WOODBINE CEMETERY
$4,000CEMETERY
OASIS FINE ARTS & CRAFTS
$3,000PROMTES LOCAL ARTISIANS
HARRISONBURG RESCUE SQUAD
$2,400VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD
GROTTOES POOL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
$2,000PRESERVATION
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
$2,000SPECIAL NEEDS