Smithfield VA Events, the nonprofit organization that hosts three annual festivals at the Windsor Castle manor house, is accepting grant applications through Aug. 31 for the festivals that will be held in 2025.

The nonprofit hosts the BOB Fest, an all-you-can-eat festival highlighting Bloody Marys, oysters and Brunswick stew, in January, followed by the Wine & Brew Fest in April and the Bacon & Bourbon Fest in October.

The purpose of selecting benefiting organizations by Smithfield VA Events is to help local organizations improve, expand and/or initiate programs and/or services that benefit the Smithfield and Isle of Wight County communities.

The proceeds from each festival fund one or more $10,000 grants and one or more $5,000 grants to organizations that serve or benefit Smithfield and/or Isle of Wight County.

“Historically there isn’t any set rule in stone on how many of each amount get awarded each year,” said Gina Ippolito, festival director for Smithfield VA Events.

While eligible organizations can be located outside the local area, they must demonstrate substantial benefits to area residents. The organization’s impact should benefit the targeted community as a whole. Grants are not awarded for individual scholarship funds, specific travel sports teams, or single individuals. Organizations cannot receive grants in consecutive years; for example, if they received a grant from a festival in 2024, they are not eligible to apply for the 2025 grant cycle.

The SVAE Board will review and make selections and recipients will be announced in November. Historically, the Board has awarded $70,000 to $80,000 in grants annually.

Grant Application and more details are available online at SmithfieldVAEvents.com on the “Get Funds for Your Org” page of the website. Questions can be emailed to Grants@SmithfieldVAEvents.com.