The Suffolk Foundation is preparing to award its next group of competitive grants, and seeks applications from tax-exempt organizations in the area.

William Hill, executive director of the foundation, anticipates having about $60,000 to award this year. Last year, 11 organizations received $43,800 in grants for various programs.

“Last year, we kind of went for human needs and health because of the economy,” he said. “The economy hasn’t completely rebounded, but we felt like we needed to expand. The assets have improved some, and there is a little bit more funding available to the community.”

The grant application process is open to any 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization in Suffolk or a surrounding community. The proposed project or program must be available to Suffolk residents.

Grants may be awarded to projects covering a wide range of categories, including human needs, arts and culture, education, environment and health.

“We can’t fund them all, but we certainly try to look and evaluate each one on its own merit,” Hill said.

Last year’s grant recipients included ForKids, Inc., the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, Salvation Army, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Access College Foundation, Children’s Center, Suffolk Family YMCA, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Suffolk Literacy Council, Tidewater Youth Services Foundation and Edmarc Hospice for Children.

“We’re small, and we’re young, but every year we’ve been able to give back to the community,” Hill said.

Grant recipients are required to provide updates on the programs and projects that were funded with foundation money.

Grant applications will be available beginning Sept. 1, and may be found at www.suffolkfoundation.org, by e-mailing bhill@suffolkfoundation.org, or by calling 923-9090. They also may be picked up at the foundation’s office, 1426 Holland Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications are due Oct. 16.

Call 923-9090 for more information.