Irene Leache: An Inspiration to This Day
Irene Leache. Click image to enlarge.
A Founder's Story
The concept of the fine arts as a civic obligation took root in Norfolk in 1871, when two women arrived in the city and established a school for girls. Irene Leache and her student and companion Anna Wood ran the Leache-Wood Seminary for nearly two decades before retiring to Europe, where Leache died in 1900.
To honor her memory and her life-long devotion to the arts, Wood established in Norfolk the Irene Leache Library, which nurtured a growing art collection for a future museum in the city. Their efforts inspired generations of women in the region. From the members of the Norfolk Society of the Arts to influential art patrons such as Florence Sloane and Jean Outland Chrysler, it was the women of Hampton Roads who insisted that the arts play a central role in the life of the community, and who paved the way for the rich cultural experiences that we enjoy here today.
Today, the Irene Leache Memorial Foundation awards grants in the following arenas: literary work, performance (theater, dance, music), and visual arts. The Memorial Foundation reviews and evaluates program, management, and financial information provided by the applicant. Particular consideration is given to organizations that have demonstrated community support and efficiency of management. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000.
In brief, the Foundation gives priority to projects that:
• seek to reach a broad segment of our community
• leverage additional support from other sources
• promote cooperation without duplicating services
• support and enhance the mission of the Irene Leache Memorial Foundation.
The Foundation ordinarily does not support:
• endowment
• ongoing operating expenses and salaries
• annual appeals in membership drives
• religious organizations for religious purposes
• debt reduction.
Grant Information
Download the grant application here. Download the brochure here.
Who Is Eligible To Receive A Grant From The Foundation?
The Irene Leache Memorial Foundation makes grants to nonprofit tax-exempt arts organizations only. The Memorial Foundation does not award grants to individuals. The programs we consider for support are located in Southeastern Virginia, or will directly benefit the residents of this area.
Deadline
The Irene Leache Memorial Foundation has one deadline for applications: January 31. Grant applications must be postmarked by the deadline date. No faxes or e-mail will be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.
Submit Application To:
Irene Leache
Memorial Foundation
c/o Chrysler Museum of Art
245 West Olney Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
