D B Ames Charitable Foundation - Tes Tr
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on arts and culture, disability advocacy, and community service. It provides funding to organizations that promote the arts, such as the Virginia Arts Festival and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as well as to groups that assist individuals with disabilities. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through its grants, which are typically directed toward general operating support for its recipients. While it primarily serves organizations in Virginia and West Virginia, its commitment to the arts and community service reflects a broader mission of fostering cultural enrichment and social support.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize Virginia-based nonprofit (often arts, culture, or local community service) seeking modest general operating support and able to submit a short, mailed letter describing financial need.
Good Fit
- • Located in Virginia or serving the Virginia metro area.
- • Arts, culture, disability support, or community services mission consistent with prior grantees.
- • Request sizes under $5,000 for general operating support.
- • Can document clear financial need and supply a concise letter to trustees.
- • Local reputation or introductions to trustees/administrative bank (Truist) are available.
Geography
Observed grants are concentrated almost entirely in Virginia with a small number to West Virginia; the footprint is state/regional rather than national.
Recipient Variety
Each year the foundation funded around 7–10 distinct independent recipients (10 in 2024) with a mix of returning and new grantees, indicating a moderate spread of beneficiaries for a micro private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new recipients appears (three new grantees in 2024) and the foundation publishes an application route (a letter to the trustees via a PO Box with a named bank contact), so unfamiliar applicants have a clear, observable path to be considered.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
