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The Suffolk Foundation and the Community Action Coalition of Virginia (CACOV) have announced plans to join forces.

Both Suffolk nonprofits, which work to assist various nonprofit organizations in the Suffolk and Western Tidewater areas with grants, have merged. The Suffolk Foundation assists with CACOV’s grantmaking and administration. The unification allows more groups, individuals, and organizations in the community to be served.

CACOV, founded in 1991, has used funds received in their active partnership with the Perrel Management Company, which owns and manages various apartment home communities within the Hampton Roads area. A former Suffolk resident, Peril Management Owner and President Allen Perrel has helped establish CACOV to give back to the community. Over the past 33 years, it has awarded over $2.5 million in grants to over 60 organizations, including Western Tidewater Free Clinic, the Salvation Army, YMCA, and others, to help support charitable activities such as literacy, health and wellness and education.

In a statement, Suffolk Foundation President and CACOV Board Member Harry Cross says that the partnership will allow CACOV to “be part of a larger, more cost-effective foundation while allowing CACOV volunteers to reach a broader pool of applications and make grant decisions.” Director of CACOV and Perrel Management Bookkeeper Dana Cutler said she “was thrilled to have someone help.”

Nonprofits can complete only one application to be considered for grants with both CACOV and the Suffolk Foundation. The Suffolk Foundation online grant application opens on Sept. 1, and submissions are due by Oct. 15.

Since its formation in 2006, the Suffolk Foundation has awarded over $8.4 million in grants and $450,000 in scholarships. Its mission is to benefit Suffolk and Western Tidewater areas by facilitating and developing philanthropy and awarding grants that meet a range of local community needs.