Norfolk-based nonprofit receives $2.5M grant from Amazon CEO’s charity

Norfolk-based nonprofit ForKids has received a $2.5 million grant from Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos’ Day 1 Families Fund.

The grant will be used to provide expanded services in the nonprofit’s Center for Children and Families, which is under construction in South Norfolk and is set to open in early 2021.

“This grant brings ForKids another step closer to completing a $25 million capital campaign to fund two new regional centers and expanded services,” ForKids CEO Thaler McCormick said in a statement. “New buildings do not, by themselves, help families stabilize long-term. We have to put services in them, and that is what this grant does.”

ForKids provides housing, education and wraparound services for families experiencing homelessness across Greater Hampton Roads and operates the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline. It employs 100 people.

Launched in 2018, the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund issues awards to organizations and civic groups that provide shelter and hunger support for young families.

Last year, the charitable fund granted $97.5 billion to 24 organizations in 16 states and Washington, D.C., including Henrico County-based Housing Families First and Oakton-based Northern Virginia Family Service, which each received $2.5 million. This year, the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund has contributed $98.5 million to 32 nonprofits, including Richmond-based St. Joseph’s Villa, which received $1.25 million.

ForKids began as a grassroots shelter in the Ocean View neighborhood over 30 years ago and benefits 70,000 individuals per year. More than 50% of its operating budget is funded through community contributions.