The Helen C Cobbs Foundation
Accepts applications
The Helen C Cobbs Foundation is a private foundation in Roanoke, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $251,000 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $12,550 and the largest $43,925. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$251,000
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$12,550
- Largest grant$43,925
- Assets$6.6 million
- New grantees7%
Giving in 2025 was up from $234,100 the year before.
7% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $214,000 | 13 | $5.8 million |
| 2024 | $234,100 | 14 | $6.0 million |
| 2025 | $251,000 | 15 | $6.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Olin R Melchionna Jr Helen C Cobbs 310 1st Street SW 1100, Roanoke, VA 24011 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (540) 525-0319 |
| What to submit | Applications should be submitted in letter format, including a description of the program for which funds are requested as well as the requesting organization's IRS determination letter, its current board list, and its most recent form 990 and audit (if available). |
| Restrictions | Foundation assists charitable organizations providing assistance to underprivileged, elderly, or mentally disabled individuals living in the city of roanoke, Virginia, or within a thirty (30) mile radius of the boundary of the city of roanoke, Virginia. |
What The Helen C Cobbs Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 15 | $251,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Presbyterian Community Center Inc | Donation for rent, electric bills, & food for needy | $43,925 |
| Roanoke College | Donation for general support & cobbs scholars | $37,650 |
| Child Health Investment Partnership (Chip) | Donation for general support | $18,825 |
| Family Service of Roanoke Valley | Donation for general support | $18,825 |
| Rescue Mission of Roanoke Inc | Donation for battered women's program | $18,825 |
| Roanoke Area Ministries (Ram House) | Donation for rent, electric bills, & food for needy | $18,825 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Roanoke Valley Inc | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| Family Promise of Greater Roanoke | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Inc | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| Hollins University Corporation | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| Salem Historical Society DBA Salem Museum | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| West End Center | Donation for general support | $12,550 |
| Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley | Donation for carpet | $9,412 |
| Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries | Donation for rent assistance | $6,275 |
| Blue Ridge Mountains Council Boy Scouts of America | Donation for general support | $3,138 |
Officers and trustees
- Olin R Melchionna Jr Co Spilman
- Elizabeth M Melchionna Co Spilman
Questions people ask
Does The Helen C Cobbs Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Helen C Cobbs Foundation give?
$251,000 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $12,550.
Who runs The Helen C Cobbs Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Olin R Melchionna Jr Co Spilman (Trustee) and Elizabeth M Melchionna Co Spilman (Trustee).
What does The Helen C Cobbs Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, food and hunger and human services.