Durusu Foundation Designated Fund

Established: March 6, 2026

Durusu Foundation Fund

Creativity. Movement. Opportunity.

When Nezih Durusu was young, free guitar lessons were offered at school. Although the lessons were free, his family could not afford the instrument, and he was unable to participate. That experience inspired a lifelong belief: young people should never miss opportunities to explore their talents because of financial barriers.

The Durusu Foundation Fund was created by Candi and Nezih Durusu to expand access to music, arts, dance, and healthy movement for youth and communities throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. Music, creativity, and movement have deeply shaped the Durusu family’s life—from piano and visual arts to community singing, dance, and youth athletics. Through this Fund, the family hopes to help young people discover confidence, creativity, belonging, and opportunity through artistic expression, movement, and community connection.

Donations to the Durusu Foundation Fund help support programs that expand access to music, arts, dance, and healthy physical activity opportunities for youth, families, and communities.

Examples of opportunities the Fund may support include:

Providing swim lessons for children and lifeguard training opportunities for high school students through organizations such as SwimRVA
Supporting music education, member training, community outreach concerts, transportation assistance for seniors, and free concert tickets through groups such as Fairfax Jubil-Aires
Helping provide musical instruments, educational support, and scholarships through programs such as Jazz for Justice
Expanding access to dance instruction and community connection opportunities through organizations such as GottaSwing

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and community programs whose mission aligns with the goals of the Durusu Foundation Fund are encouraged to reach out to The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to learn more about potential grant and partnership opportunities.

The family hopes the Fund will continue to grow over time, creating opportunities for future generations to explore their talents, build confidence, experience belonging, and discover joy through creativity, movement, and community connection.