The Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation concentrates its giving on local community welfare in the Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach area, with the vast majority of funds routed through the local United Way for broad community improvement. They also fund education access (college scholarships/pathways) and health/hospice care, favoring established nonprofits that deliver direct services. The foundation makes a small number of fairly large grants and shows a pattern of repeat support to core community organizations.
A defining feature of the Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation C/o Douglas Dickerson is its repeated support for United Way in Norfolk, with three recent grants of $109,000 in 2023, $81,500 in 2024, and $80,500 in 2025 for assistance in improving communities. That pattern points to a foundation that favors ongoing support for established local nonprofits rather than a wide spread of one-time awards. Alongside community improvement, the foundation has backed education access, hospice care, disability services, and food relief. Its recent grants also show a strong Virginia footprint, especially in Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach, while still making selected gifts outside Virginia. The largest awards in the recent record go to United Way and Access College Foundation, while other recurring support appears for organizations serving students, children with disabilities, and people needing end-of-life care. The grant list suggests a practical, direct-service orientation: scholarship pathways, therapy support, hospice care, and community-based relief programs are all present. Across the recent filings, the foundation’s giving is steady, repeat-driven, and centered on nonprofits delivering services rather than broad advocacy.
Education access is a recurring theme. In 2025, the foundation gave $31,000 to Access College Foundation to provide students who may not have the opportunity the path to attend and complete college, after earlier gifts of $5,000 in 2023 and $4,000 in 2024 to the same organization. The foundation also supports school-related services through An Achievable Dream, with gifts of $15,000 in 2023, $10,000 in 2024, and $5,000 in 2025 for education assistance. Health and disability services are another clear area. Equi-kids received $5,000 in 2023 and $4,000 in both 2024 and 2025 for therapy for individuals with disabilities. Hospice House of Hampton Roads received $25,000 in 2023 to support its tax-exempt program, showing an interest in end-of-life care. Food security appears as well, with grants to Imperial Valley Food Pantry and San Diego Food Bank for hunger-related work.
Typical grants are modest but consistent: the p25 is $1,000, the median is $2,000, and the p75 is $3,625. The recent record also includes a small number of larger awards, which concentrates the annual total into a limited set of grantees. Repeat support is common. United Way appears in three consecutive years, Access College Foundation and An Achievable Dream recur across multiple years, and Equi-kids and St Mary Home for Disabled Children also receive follow-on gifts. The foundation gives as a private family foundation under the Douglas & Marianne Dickerson Foundation C/o Douglas Dickerson name. The data does not indicate an application process or unsolicited-grant mechanism.
$224K
$3.7M
$381K
$248K
Most grants fall between $1K and $4K, with a median of $2K.
25th Percentile
$1K
Median
$2K
75th Percentile
$4K
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Concentrated, small portfolio: a few mid-to-large grants each year with repeat funding to a primary intermediary (United Way) and targeted one-off gifts to local service providers; funds are directed toward direct-service organizations rather than national advocacy.
Notable grantees: United Way (local/Hampton Roads), Access College Foundation, Hospice House of Hampton Roads
The strongest geographic cluster is Virginia, where 46% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Norfolk appears repeatedly through United Way, Access College Foundation, Hospice House of Hampton Roads, and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, while Virginia Beach and Newport News also appear in multiple grants. Outside Virginia, the foundation gives in California through Imperial Valley Food Pantry in El Centro and San Diego Food Bank in San Diego, and in Georgia and North Carolina through Catalyst Sports in Atlanta, Backpack Beginnings and Out of the Garden Project in Greensboro, and Samaritan's Purse in Boone. All recent grants in the provided list go to U.S. recipients.
The recent grants point to direct-service nonprofits: United Way for community improvement, Access College Foundation for college access, Hospice House of Hampton Roads for hospice care, and organizations serving children with disabilities, food-insecure households, and local health needs. The grant descriptions emphasize program support rather than advocacy.
Yes. It gave Access College Foundation $31,000 in 2025 to help students attend and complete college, after prior gifts of $5,000 in 2023 and $4,000 in 2024. It also supported An Achievable Dream with $15,000 in 2023, $10,000 in 2024, and $5,000 in 2025 for education assistance.
The grant-size profile is relatively small: p25 is $1,000, median grant size is $2,000, and p75 is $3,625. Even so, a few larger awards stand out, including several five-figure gifts and a recurring seven-figure-scale pattern over multiple years when summed across major grantees.
Yes. United Way received grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Access College Foundation appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; An Achievable Dream appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and Equi-kids and St Mary Home for Disabled Children also recur across years. That suggests ongoing relationships with core grantees.
The largest share goes to Virginia recipients, which account for 46% of grants. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News show up repeatedly, but the foundation also funds recipients in California, North Carolina, and Georgia.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNITED WAY | NORFOLK, VA | $118,500 | 2026 | FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING COMMUNITIES |
| ACCESS COLLEGE FOUNDATION | NORFOLK, VA | $13,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE STUDENTS, WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, THE PATH TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE COLLEGE |
| TUNNEL TO TOWERS | STATEN ISLAND, NY | $12,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE MORTGAGE FREE HOMES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS |
| YOUTH WITH A MISSION | RICHMOND, VA | $7,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| ST MARY HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN | NORFOLK, VA | $6,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN |
| 4CS FOOD PANTRY | HAMPSTEAD, NC | $5,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| EQUI-KIDS | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $5,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES |
| SAMARITAN'S PURSE | BOONE, NC | $5,000 | 2026 | TO PROVIDE DISASTER RELIEF |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS | NORFOLK, VA | $5,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| PROJECT ANGEL HEART | DENVER, CO | $5,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| FOODBANK OF THE ROCKIES | DENVER, CO | $5,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| AN ACHIEVABLE DREAM | NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $5,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR EDUCATION |
| IMPERIAL VALLEY FOOD PANTRY | EL CENTRO, CA | $5,000 | 2026 | BRINGING HEALTH AND HOPE TO THE IMPERIAL VALLEY |
| NOURISH NC | WILMINGTON, NC | $4,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | NORFOLK, VA | $3,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK | SAN DIEGO, CA | $3,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO HUNGER AND CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES |
| RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES | OAK BROOK, IL | $2,000 | 2026 | FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN |
| HOPE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | KANSAS CITY, MO | $2,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| EASTER SEALS | SALEM, VA | $2,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| CONVOY OF HOPE | SPRINGFIELD, MO | $2,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECEIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER | RANCHO SANTA FE, CA | $2,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| OPERATION SMILE | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING CHILDREN ACCESS TO SAFE SURGERY |
| CATALYST SPORTS | ATLANTA, GA | $1,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART | NORFOLK, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| MONTREAT COLLEGE | MONTREAT, NC | $1,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION |
| NORFOLK ACADEMY | NORFOLK, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE PREPATORY STUDENTS |
| FRIENDS OF FIRST LANDING STATE PARK | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $1,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| ST BONAVENTURE INDIAN MISSION SCHOOL | THOREAU, NM | $500 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY | NORFOLK, VA | $500 | 2026 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION |
| UNITED WAY | NORFOLK, VA | $80,500 | 2025 | FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING COMMUNITIES |
| ACCESS COLLEGE FOUNDATION | NORFOLK, VA | $31,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE STUDENTS, WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, THE PATH TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE COLLEGE |
| SAMARITAN'S PURSE | BOONE, NC | $7,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE DISASTER RELIEF |
| YOUTH WITH A MISSION | RICHMOND, VA | $6,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| IMPERIAL VALLEY FOOD PANTRY | EL CENTRO, CA | $5,000 | 2025 | BRINGING HEALTH AND HOPE TO THE IMPERIAL VALLEY |
| ST MARY HOME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN | NORFOLK, VA | $5,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN |
| AN ACHIEVABLE DREAM | NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $5,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR EDUCATION |
| EQUI-KIDS | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $4,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | NORFOLK, VA | $3,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK | SAN DIEGO, CA | $3,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO HUNGER AND CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF THE KING'S DAUGHTERS | NORFOLK, VA | $3,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| REGIONAL AIR QUALITY CONTROL | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2025 | TO CONDUCT NON-PARTISAN RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ON AIR POLUTION |
| 4CS FOOD PANTRY | HAMPSTEAD, NC | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| TUNNEL TO TOWERS | STATEN ISLAND, NY | $2,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE MORTGAGE FREE HOMES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS |
| FOODBANK OF THE ROCKIES | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| GROWHAUS | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO HUNGER |
| HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER | RANCHO SANTA FE, CA | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| HOPE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | KANSAS CITY, MO | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| CATALYST SPORTS | ATLANTA, GA | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
| GROUNDWORK DENVER | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2025 | TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING |
| PROJECT ANGEL HEART | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM |
UNITED WAY
$118,500FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING COMMUNITIES
TO PROVIDE STUDENTS, WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, THE PATH TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE COLLEGE
TUNNEL TO TOWERS
$12,000TO PROVIDE MORTGAGE FREE HOMES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
YOUTH WITH A MISSION
$7,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
4CS FOOD PANTRY
TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
EQUI-KIDS
$5,000PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM
IMPERIAL VALLEY FOOD PANTRY
$5,000BRINGING HEALTH AND HOPE TO THE IMPERIAL VALLEY
CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
$3,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM
SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
$3,000PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO HUNGER AND CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
$2,000FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN
HOPE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
EASTER SEALS
$2,000TO SUPPORT THE RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
CONVOY OF HOPE
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECEIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING CHILDREN ACCESS TO SAFE SURGERY
NORFOLK ACADEMY
$1,000PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE PREPATORY STUDENTS
FRIENDS OF FIRST LANDING STATE PARK
$1,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
ST BONAVENTURE INDIAN MISSION SCHOOL
$500TO SUPPORT THE RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
$500PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
UNITED WAY
$80,500FOR ASSISTANCE IN IMPROVING COMMUNITIES
TO PROVIDE STUDENTS, WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, THE PATH TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE COLLEGE
YOUTH WITH A MISSION
$6,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
EQUI-KIDS
$4,000PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
$3,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM
SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
$3,000PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO HUNGER AND CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES
TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX-EXEMPT PROGRAM
REGIONAL AIR QUALITY CONTROL
$2,000TO CONDUCT NON-PARTISAN RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ON AIR POLUTION
4CS FOOD PANTRY
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
FOODBANK OF THE ROCKIES
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
HOPE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
$2,000TO SUPPORT RECIPIENT'S TAX EXEMPT PROGRAM
TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING