Essential & Critical Needs Grant Program

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SERCAP’s Essential & Critical Needs Grant Program 

Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc.’s (SERCAP) Essential & Critical Needs (E&CN) Grant Program provides small grants to low-income homeowners to assist with critical water and wastewater needs, such as: repairs to a well or septic system, replacement of a water heater, public water/wastewater connection fees, and more. 

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Service Area

Currently, SERCAP’s Essential & Critical Needs Grant Program is only available in Virginia.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for SERCAP’s E&CN Grant Program, homeowners/applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Household Income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Must own and occupy the home, or have lifetime rights. 
  • Property must be located in a rural area.

Maximum Grant Amounts

SERCAP’s E&CN Grant Program will provide grants up to the indicated amount for each of the following critical repairs, replacements, or needs:  

  • $600.00 toward Water/Wastewater Repair Projects
  • $1,000.00 toward Installation of new Water Well (based on required Health Permit)
  • $1,000.00 toward Tap Fees for Water/Wastewater
  • $1,500.00 toward Septic System Construction/Installation   
    (based on required Health Permit)
  • $1,500.00 toward Flood Damage Repair
  • $2,000.00 toward an Alternative Septic System Construction/Installation
  • $3,500.00 Maximum toward Laterals for Water/Wastewater
  • $5,000.00 Maximum toward Lead Service-line Replacement

For more information about SERCAP’s E&CN Grant Program, contact SERCAP at:

Email: awhitfield@sercap.org  
Phone: 540-345-1184 ext. 117  
TTY: Dial 711