The professional chamber vocal ensemble, based in Northern Virginia, presents exceptional performances of traditional and newly commissioned works in the vocal chamber music repertoire — spanning classical art song, jazz, and the American songbook — while bringing educational initiatives and community programming to audiences across the region. Known for adapting choral works written for much larger ensembles into intimate performances for fewer performers, they can fill a concert hall or a living room. The music never varies in its level. Its quality, its professionalism, and its delivery remain steadfast throughout.
As you counsel charitable clients who are age 70 ½ or older, it is crucial to consider a tool called the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. You’re likely aware that a QCD allows an individual who is age 70 ½ and older to give up to $111,000 in 2026 directly from an IRA to an eligible charity, including funds at the Community Foundation. The QCD is a tax-savvy way for clients to fulfill charitable intentions while managing taxable income.
New legislation in Congress could expand charitable planning opportunities involving QCDs even further. To get up to speed quickly, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia invites you to skim through six FAQs about developments affecting charitable giving from retirement accounts.
For 99 students across Northern Virginia and beyond, this year marks more than the start of a new academic chapter—it marks the realization of dreams made possible by a community that believes in them.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) is proud to award $376,650 in scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, continuing a growing tradition of investing in students’ potential. These scholars come from 13 counties, 37 high schools, and even several states outside the region—each carrying their own story, resilience, and vision for the future.
By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
Last month, we shared insights on how donors express generosity in different ways—and how tailoring philanthropic conversations to individual motivations can deepen relationships and outcomes. This month, I’d like to take that a step further by offering practical entry points: thoughtful, client-friendly questions you can use to open meaningful charitable planning discussions.
2019 seems like a long time ago, and in many ways it was! But some of your clients may be living in the past when it comes to inherited IRAs. How so? You may recall that the tax laws used to permit clients to withdraw money they inherited in their parents’ IRAs over the course of their lifetimes. This was useful because clients could defer the income tax for as long as possible. Known as the “stretch IRA,” this option was largely eliminated by the SECURE Act of 2019, which requires most non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw the entire inherited IRA via annual distributions within 10 years, rather than stretching withdrawals over their lifetime.
You’re likely well aware that regularly talking with your clients about charitable giving can strengthen your relationships. That’s not surprising, considering that the topic of philanthropy itself helps uncover values, build trust, and position you as not just an advisor but as a holistic partner. Indeed, recent research shows that 99% of advisors believe these conversations are important and 96% see them as their responsibility, highlighting both the expectation and the opportunity for advisors to engage more deeply.
At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we work with business leaders and owners to structure charitable giving plans that support both corporate goals and community impact. Whether your corporate clients give directly to local nonprofits or organize philanthropy through a fund at the Community Foundation, thoughtful planning has always mattered. In 2026, it matters even more.
By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
Charitable giving doesn’t have to be tied to a deadline or a particular season. In fact, some of the most meaningful and effective philanthropic decisions happen when donors take a step back to look at the bigger picture: your values, your assets, and the impact you want to make over time. This is especially true in light of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which updated several rules related to charitable giving and philanthropy.
By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2026, one thing is clear: generosity is growing and donors like you are leading the way.
According to a recent Foundation Source infographic on funder priorities for 2026, nearly half of donors (49%) plan to give more to charity this year than they did in 2025. This renewed commitment to philanthropy comes from both opportunity and urgency.
Questions?
