Impact Stories

Highlighting the people and programs transforming our region 

Explore the stories, articles, and interviews that showcase how the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is making a difference across our region. Since our founding in 1978, we’ve awarded over $100 million in grants and scholarships—fueling innovation, supporting nonprofits, and empowering individuals.

This is philanthropy in action.
Learn how we’re turning generosity into lasting impact.

If you have any story ideas, please contact Amanda Bomfim, Manager of Marketing, Communications and Events.
January 7, 2026
GOTR We're Good episode
 In this uplifting episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee spotlights a Community Foundation for Northern Virginia 2025 grantee, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia — “much more than running” program blends movement with powerful life lessons for 3rd–8th grade girls. Jaimi Taylor and Sammy Carr reveal how the intentionally designed, evidence-based curriculum builds a “Go-To Toolbox” of social-emotional skills—star power, happy pace, breathe-and-reset—that girls carry far beyond the track. With research showing girls’ self-belief dips sharply around age nine, GOTR meets them right then, wrapping goal-setting, empathy, and voice-finding into games, journaling, and team rituals that make character feel fun—and stick.

January 6, 2026
Technology Youth Empowerment
The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC), established at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, is proud to award $70,000 in 2025 grants to five outstanding organizations delivering programs to girls and young women that provide STEM exposure and training along with leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

December 16, 2025
LIF 2025

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties announce that the Loudoun Impact Fund and Creighton Gives, an initiative by Creighton Farms, have awarded $246,000 in grants to 29 local nonprofit organizations providing services to Loudoun residents in need. This marks a record-breaking year for the Loudoun Impact Fund.

December 11, 2025
Three tips for year end giving
As you guide your charitably inclined clients through year-end planning, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is happy to help you navigate the unusually time-sensitive opportunities available in 2025. With major charitable deduction changes taking effect in 2026 under the OBBBA, this year presents a critical window for optimizing both tax strategy and philanthropic impact.

December 10, 2025
ANSER Community Giving Fund

A Legacy of Stewardship Lives On

When ANSER launched their Community Giving Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the goal was clear: to make a meaningful difference in the communities where its employees live and work. For the inaugural grant cycle, ANSER chose to honor one of its own—Tom Apperson, Senior Advisor at Avalon Net Worth, a dedicated Board member who served for more than 20 years and retired this November.

December 4, 2025
donor-advised funds at cfnova

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become one of the most popular tools for managing charitable giving. Yet many clients—and even some advisors—don’t realize they can access a more personal, connected version of this tool through their local Community Foundation.

November 21, 2025
Give Better Get Better

President and CEO, Renée Byng Yancey, was featured on the November 21 episode of Give Better Get Better as part of their CEO Series. In this conversation with host, Josh Dukelow, Renée discussed the critical role of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA)—and how we’re working to maximize charitable impact during a time of unprecedented need.

November 20, 2025
The State of Nonprofits in Northern Virginia

The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia hosted a webinar on the State of Nonprofits in Northern Virginia, featuring data and research from Insight Region® in partnership with the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. The presentation highlighted the challenges faced by nonprofits, including reduced government funding, declining donations, and increased demand for services, as well as the impact of the recent government shutdown. 

November 19, 2025
Wilderness Kids Alexandria

Spotlight on Jerry Casagrande, Executive Director and Founder of Wilderness Kids Alexandria

Meet one of our 2025 grantees making a difference in Northern Virginia! In this video, Jerry shares the mission behind Wilderness Kids Alexandria, the challenges they face, and the opportunities ahead. 

November 12, 2025
DAFs101
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia hosted a webinar to educate attendees about donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their benefits, with presentations from leadership team members discussing the Foundation's role in managing charitable assets and its commitment to local giving.