Our Initiatives

A Legacy of Service

Supporting our region through the giving of time, talent, resources, and grant funds is a cornerstone of our beliefs. Here are some of the ways in which we give back:

Aid to Local Ports

Each year The Port of Virginia is able to distribute $1,000,000 through Aid to Local Ports. The grant is used to support capital needs of publicly-owned ocean, river, and tributary ports and their marine facilities within the Commonwealth. The Aid to Local Ports grant helps to foster and stimulate the flow of commerce through the ports of Virginia.

American Red Cross

The Port of Virginia has sponsored eight blood drives, collecting a total of 181 productive units of blood, potentially saving 543 lives!

Bridges to Prosperity

Since 2007, port colleagues have worked with Bridges of Prosperity. The port has donated over 200,000 feet of cable to build over 100 footbridges across the globe, from Ethiopia to Haiti.

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

For as far back as anyone can remember, many colleagues of The Port of Virginia have donated both time—and canned goods—to our local Foodbank. Just since 2012, NIT and VIG colleagues have collected 1,522 pounds of food for our local Foodbank.

Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads

In 2012, The Port of Virginia constructed a Habitat for Humanity House on Garfield Avenue in Portsmouth.

Nauticus

The Port of Virginia donated a permanent exhibit to Nauticus, which helps to educate the public and raise awareness of the positive impact of maritime commerce.

The United Way

During 2012’s United Way Day of Caring, 20 port volunteers cleaned and repaired the Schaffer Building for the Union Mission Hope Haven. During 2013’s United Way Day of Caring, 20 port volunteers made Christmas come early by repairing, painting and restoring the USO NOB Santa’s Workshop.

Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund

In May 2018, the Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund for the purpose of supporting shallow-draft dredging projects throughout the Commonwealth. The source of the grant funds shall be the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Grant Fund. The Virginia Port Authority finds it necessary and in the public body interest, and pursuant to its statutory responsibility, to establish the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Grant Program Guidelines.