The Harvest Foundation invites everyone to kick off this year’s Project Hope initiative at a community mixer on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Gravely-Lester Art Garden, located at the corner of Starling Avenue and Mulberry Road.
This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to:
* Learn more about the Project Hope grant program;
* Connect with past grant recipients;
* Workshop your own project ideas with program staff from The Harvest Foundation; and
* Fellowship with the community and share wonderful refreshments from Jen’s “Cakes with Personality.”
“These local hope builders have poured their time, heart, and energy into making our community stronger,” said Latala Hodges, senior communications and operating officer at The Harvest Foundation. “This is your chance to connect, learn more about what Project Hope is all about, and maybe even spark your own idea for bringing hope to your neighborhood — your way. Bring a friend, your family, your questions, and your heart for service.”
Now entering its fourth year, Project Hope is a community engagement initiative that funds small, volunteer-led projects aimed at building stronger, more connected communities across Martinsville-Henry County. Grants are typically capped at $15,000 and must be completed within one year.
A 13-member committee of local “hope builders” reviews all applications and allocates funding — keeping the decision-making power in the hands of the community.
“The foundation is thrilled to celebrate the fourth year of Project Hope,” said India Brown, program officer at The Harvest Foundation. “These special grants — guided and decided by members of our community — support individuals and grassroots groups who are ready to lead and inspire positive change right here at home. But it’s about more than just grant funding. It’s about building a cohort of bold, compassionate people and organizations who aren’t afraid to step up and be lights in Martinsville and Henry County. Project Hope creates a sense of camaraderie, shared purpose, and contagious energy.”
This year, The Harvest Foundation is partnering with the Dan River Nonprofit Network (DRNN) to support applicants throughout the process. If you’re stuck on an idea, they can be your thought partner, guiding you through project content and support with templates and resources to strengthen your grant proposal. Contact sheri@danrivernonprofits.org for more information.
The 2025 Project Hope Request for Proposals (RFP) is available at theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope. For more information, contact India Brown at ibrown@theharvestfoundation.org or (276) 632-3329 ext. 112.
In case of weather-related updates to Saturday’s Project Hope Community Mixer, check The Harvest Foundation’s Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/harvest.foundation.mhc.
