Are you passionate about creating positive change?
ChangeX offers funding to help you create change through exciting community projects as part of the Southern Virginia Community Challenge. You can start an idea or apply with an existing project.
The ChangeX Southern Virginia Community Challenge is now open!
Apply to start one of the ChangeX project ideas, or apply with an idea of your own.
Supported by Microsoft, the ChangeX Southern Virginia Community Challenge makes funding available to help build thriving and sustainable communities across Southern Virginia.
Individuals, existing local groups, and community organizations in Mecklenburg, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, and Brunswick Counties in Southern Virginia are eligible to submit applications for seed funding, resources, mentorship, technology tools, and potential additional funding to make ideas for community change a reality!
How it works
- Select an idea listed on the ChangeX website OR submit your existing project
- Register to get your project page on the ChangeX website
- Use your project page to complete the 30 Day Challenge
- Submit a photo and your action plan
- Let ChangeX know what impact you are having in your community
Who can apply
- You want to start a ChangeX idea OR you have your own project idea to improve your local community
- You are an individual, an existing local group, or a community organization
- You’re passionate about building a thriving community where you live in one of these Microsoft TechSpark Southern Virginia region, which includes these localities: Mecklenburg, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, and Brunswick Counties
What you get
- Seed funding to start or expand a project
- Free starter resource pack, mentorship and technology tools to get started
- Additional impact funding, once you report back on the social impact of your active project
Featured ChangeX Projects
Hear from some of the recipients of the ChangeX challenge about how the funding helped improve their communities in Southern Virginia!
Occoneechee Park’s Wildlife Education Series
“Despite heavy rains today, we had a large turnout at our Worms & Vermicomposting class which was held at the newly renovated Posseclay Interpretive shelter at Occoneechee State Park. Virginia Master Naturalist Melina shared her knowledge and passion for worms which play a critical role in nature’s recycling business. Melina covered natural history, biology, and ecosystem services provided by worms. Melina helped guests make worm composting bins, complete with worms to take home. This class is part of the Wildlife Education series sponsored by Friends of Occoneechee State Park. Wewere able to offer this class free to the public since class materials were funded [by a] Microsoft Changex grant.” (Learn more HERE)
The ChangeX Southern Virginia Community Challenge is a partnership among
“The Southern Virginia Community Challenge offers a chance for communities to unite in fostering vibrant and sustainable environments throughout Mecklenburg, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, and Brunswick Counties. We’re excited to support local action across the Southern Virginia Area and to see the collective impact we can have in building healthier, more sustainable communities.“