Our Impact
Sandler Center Foundation (SCF):
Coastal Virginia's Premier Server and Funder for the Arts
Since 2005, providing critical work to advance children’s education and connecting the needs of the community with local arts organizations.
Learn about SCF impactful projects and initiatives:
OUTREACH & CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
Helping to improve children's literacy and learning and connecting communities in need through the performing arts.
GREAT PERFORMANCES & SHOWCASES
Helping to bring top performers into the Sandler Center and showcasing great artists.
SCF's Impact By The Numbers
The Sandler Center Foundation strives to improve children's literacy and learning while connecting communities in need through the performing arts. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization existing in three spaces: the school setting with educational programming, the digital space with accessible arts-based performances, and in person at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
- SCF has invested roughly $18.5 million over the past two decades.
- We have served over 55,000 children in Southeast Virginia and other parts of the state.
We are putting our mission into action—here’s what we have accomplished in our Coastal Virginia community.
Leveling the Performing Field (LPF)
A collaboration between Sandler Center Foundation, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), and Ballet Virginia. The program is a component of the Johns Hopkins Excellence Project in the Virginia Beach Schools. We cover all administrative costs, provide dance attire for all enrolled students, and offer the opportunity for them to see performances at the Sandler Center.
- Nearly 100 students at four Title I schools in Virginia Beach.
- One student dancer was accepted to Old Donation’s Gifted Dance Program.
- We covered the cost of tickets for all children in the Afterschool Excellence Network to attend The Nutcracker at the Sandler Center.
On The Road (OTR)
Performance-oriented educational opportunities are introduced in the school setting. We collaborated with Richmond Ballet to bring in live, curriculum-based matinees of Cinderella at no cost to the schools. Lecture demonstrations are performed as adaptations of classic ballets.
- 16 Virginia Beach Public Schools, including 13 Title I schools.
- Almost 4,000 students from K—5th grade in attendance.
- 56 performances since 2021.
Virtual Academy
Free, virtual programming to support K—8th grade educators utilizing performance-based, arts-education videos, reinforcing learning in and out of the classroom. Digital performances are presented throughout the academic year in a range of topics, each accompanied by a curated study guide to maximize learning opportunities.
- Over 55,000 children, teachers, and administrators served through more than 130 offerings since 2021.
- 18 digital performances in the 2024-2025 school year, with....
- 30 schools served, and...
- over 5,400 students.
Artist Receptions
A partnership between the City of Virginia Beach - Office of Cultural Affairs, Sandler Center Foundation, and Oak View Group to exhibit local Virginia Beach artists in the world-class venue of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Receptions are funded by the Foundation and curated to the featured artist.
- 4 local artists were featured between the fall of 2024 and summer of 2025.
- Nearly 300 guests attended.
