NOVA RPCV provides grants to Peace Corp Volunteer (PCV) projects with priority given to projects led by Volunteers from Virginia. NOVA RPCV’s Charitable Giving Committee reviews grant requests that may include Peace Corps Partnership projects. Funding for charitable contributions comes from NOVA RPCV dues and calendar sales. Normal grant requests range between $250 to $500.
Goals: Support PCVs in the field and bring the PC experience back home by supporting activities in our own back yard in accordance with the Third Goal
Targets: Fund 2-3 projects each year (averaging $250 per donation based on available funds). For domestic projects, consider funding the same project for a two or three year timeframe.
Selection Criteria
Projects may be proposed by NOVA RPCV members or by current Volunteers. The Charitable Giving Committee reviews proposals and extends recommendations to the NOVA RPCV Board. To propose a project, please contact the Board at [email protected]
- Projects should be self-sustaining and have ongoing community support;
- Priority is given to projects proposed by Volunteers and Returned Volunteers from Virginia;
- Overseas projects may be selected from the Peace Corps Partnership program;
- Domestic projects should be with internationally focused charities or NGOs in the Northern Virginia area.
Funding Sources
- Madison, WI RPCV calendar sales
Sales are conducted annually and include the purchase, advertising, and delivery of calendars in Northern Virginia and the metropolitan area. This is a major fundraiser for NOVA RPCV and provides resources for our grants.
- Membership donations
Any donations to NOVA RPCV will support projects identified by the Charitable Giving Committee.
Donations to Peace Corps Partnership projects may be given directly via the PC Partnership website.
If you would like to donate to NOVA RPCV to support our projects and organization, please CONTACT US at [email protected]. Include “DONATION” in the subject line and we will contact you to share details on how you can support us. You may also donate in-person at a quarterly meeting or other event.
Current Grants
2025
In 2025, NOVA RPCV provided $500 grants to three worthwhile projects led by PCVs from our area. These include funding to PCV Victoria Wright, sponsoring Library Improvements in Tanzania; to PCV Luke Smith, sponsoring the Outpatient Department Renovation in Kenya and a third grant in Gambia for the Gambia: Water Supply Enhancement for Community Garden project.
Previous Grants
2024
In 2024, funding for the Madagascar: Tree Nursery/Food Security & Reforestation project was considered but became fully funded before NOVA RPCV could process the donation.
2023
In 2023, NOVA RPCV donated $500 for the Eswatini Income-Generating Cooperative.
2021
In 2021, NOVA RPCV donated $500 to the NPCA-sponsored Water Charity program, which supported current and returned Volunteers seeking donations for water or sanitation projects on behalf of their country and community of service.
2020
In 2020, NOVA RPCV donated $500 to improve infrastructure support for an English classroom in North Macedonia. However, the sponsoring PCV was evacuated due to the coronavirus pandemic and the project became fully funded. Peace Corps refunded NOVA RPCV’s donation.
2019
In May, NOVA RPCV donated $500 for a PC Partnership Program project in the Gambia.Led by Dustin Lape of Virginia, the “Solar Power Water Supply System” project upgraded an existing potable water hand pump system to a four-panel solar powered system that enabled 4,000-liter water storage and seven water taps throughout the village.
In March, NOVA RPCV donated $250 for a PC Partnership Program in Liberia. The “Learning Environment Improvement Project” added six new classrooms. Also in March, NOVA RPCV extended $250 for a PC Partnership Program in Indonesia. The “Library Development in Karawang” project added air conditioning and a computer as well as room repairs, finishing an annex and a deserted radio station at the school.
NOVA RPCV also donated $250 to Global Camps Africa in memory of Ellen Moyer. Ellen helped host many South African Volchellis (camp counselors) when they worked during the summer in the DC metropolitan area.
2018
In 2018, NOVA RPCV donated funds towards two Peace Corps Partnership projects:
- $250 for the Armenia project titled, “Digital Literacy to Empower Young Women”. For more information, please click here.
- Funding for the Namibia “Water Security” project was considered but became fully funded before NOVA RPCV could process the donation.
2017
In February, NOVA RPCV extended a $250 grant to a PC Partnership Program project in the Philippines. The project was titled, “Building Community Resilience to Climate Change Through a Small Island Ridge-to-Reef Program”. NOVA RPCV also extended a grant to the Burkino Faso: Kenedougou Child Development Center project.
2016
In June 2016, NOVA RPCV extended a $250 grant to a PC Partnership Program in Moldova. Led by Peace Corps Volunteer J. Randall from Virginia, the project provided improved access to emergency medical, postal, and utility services for a village in the Hincesti district. For more information, please click here.
2014
In 2014, NOVA RPCV directly supported projects coordinated by a South Africa PCV from Northern Virginia. The first project collected books to establish a library at the school where the volunteer was serving in Limpopo. In addition to books, NOVA RPCV sent pens, pencils, notebooks and other supplies to the children at the school. The second project collected donations in support of a girls’ sex education program.
