In addition to being awarded funding, every applicant that applies to start an idea in their community as part of the Southern Virginia Community Challenge will receive a range of supports including:

• A physical starter pack in the mail


• A 5 step starter guide for your chosen project


• Free tech tools & website to help get your project started and manage your group


• Advice & support via email and phone

The Southern Virginia Community Challenge is open to existing groups and individuals (once they form a team) across Mecklenburg, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenberg, and Brunswick Counties to start new projects in their community, from the portfolio of ideas on the ChangeX site (https://www.changex.org/us/funds/southern-virginia-community-challenge) that address environmental issues and improve community wellbeing.

Examples of eligible groups include schools, universities, colleges, daycares, churches or other faith-based organizations, hospitals and hospital rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, community gardens, neighborhood groups, senior citizen centers, community centers and recognized government entities.

There is a total fund of $50,000 available to help support new community projects across Southern Virginia. Each applicant who successfully completes a 30 Day Challenge and an Impact Challange will receive funding amounts ranging from $500-$5,500 to help get their selected project off the ground.

The steps to complete the 30 Day Challenge include:

• Scheduling a 15 min call with one of the ChangeX team


• Recruiting 4 people to join your team


• Hosting a casual kick-off virtual meeting


• Sharing a team photo (screenshot from virtual meeting) & a short action plan (including a COVID plan)