Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cox Charities?
Cox Charities is a newly launched philanthropic initiative supporting the academic enrichment of children in the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions.

What is the mission of Cox Charities? What types of programs does it fund?
The mission of Cox Charities is to provide grants to non-profit organizations serving the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions. Grants are designated for youth education programs involving science and technology, mentoring, literacy, and other areas promoting the academic enrichment of children.

What communities does Cox Charities support?
Cox Charities provides grant funding support to non-profit organizations serving the Hampton Roads and Roanoke regions.

The specific communities in Hampton Roads are: Chesapeake, Currituck County (Knott’s Island only), Gloucester County, Hampton, James City County,  King & Queen County, Newport News, New Kent County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Town of West Point, and York County.

The specific communities in Roanoke are: the City of Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton.

What role does the United Way of South Hampton Roads play in Cox Charities?
The United Way’s subsidiary, Charitable Pledge Processing, LLC, serves as Cox’s fiscal agent. Charitable Pledge Processing, LLC is an independent arm of the United Way and manages all contributions made to Cox Charities.  The United Way also assists Cox Charities in evaluating grant applications. 

Why did Cox begin this program?
Cox’s core community strategy is to participate in and enhance the communities in which the company operates. Each year, Cox gives an estimated $3 million in direct and in-kind donations to support the communities we serve.  We believe that Cox Charities will enable the company to further enhance its giving by deepening its support and expanding its impact for local communities within Cox’s service areas.

How much money will Cox Charities distribute each year? What is the typical grant amount?
Annual total grant awards will vary based on fund raising efforts throughout each fiscal year. Individual grants will most often be made in amounts of $5,000 and $10,000.

Why is this a combined Hampton Roads and Roanoke effort?
Cox operations in Roanoke and Hampton Roads are now combined under the leadership of Gary McCollum, Senior Vice President and General Manager. To achieve our goal of giving back to the communities we serve, Cox Charities will issue grants in Cox’s Hampton Roads and Roanoke service areas. For grant criteria and an application, please visit www.coxcharities.org.

Are Cox employees involved in Cox Charities?
Cox’s nearly 2,000 local employees are the cornerstone of the company’s charitable and community outreach efforts and play a key role in the success of Cox Charities.  As the program continues to build, Cox employees will help raise money for Cox Charities, volunteer at special events, and recommend organizations for grant consideration.

How often are Cox Charities grants awarded?
Grants are issued annually. The Cox Charities Advisory Committee selects grant recipients.

How can my organization apply for funding?
Visit the Cox Charities website, www.coxcharities.org for grant criteria and information concerning the grant cycle and awards process, and to download a grant application.

Is my Cox Charities contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. Donations to Cox Charities are tax-deductible.

How can individuals and businesses support Cox Charities?
Contributions to Cox Charities can be made at any time by check payable to Cox Charities and mailed to: