A lifetime of generosity can ignite a legacy of philanthropy. Brian Vogel is a perfect example, so much so that—to honor him—the Brian N. Vogel Positive Change Fund with the Community Foundation’s Family Giving Program was created. This was established by Brian's trusted, loving, inspirational, and once-in-his-lifetime significant other Cathy Tran, Principal and Senior Client Advisor at Bessemer Trust. Community members can remember Brian and support those in need by donating to a charity through this fund.
Brian Vogel’s Legacy
Brian was known for his kindness, generosity, and helpfulness from a young age. As far back as elementary school, he was a supportive friend and helping hand for classmates and teachers. His leadership and academic achievements were recognized with his multiple academic awards, and unwavering commitment to help others when needed. From childhood through adulthood, Brian could always be depended on to volunteer in the community and at workplace events. To raise money for cancer research, Brian and his best friend from childhood, ran the 155-mile RacingThePlanet run across the Sahara Desert.
In high school, Brian received the St. Joseph High School 4-Year Scholarship Award in addition to several scholarships for his excellence in leadership, academics, and athletics. He also took part in the National Honor Society. After graduation (and despite a busy schedule), Brian continued supporting St. Joseph sports.
After attending Indiana University, Brian taught Business English at Nankai University in China and represented the university at the Joint US-China Cooperation on Clean Energy Forum. He later worked in private wealth management at Bessemer Trust, earned an MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, and relocated to San Francisco to join Dodge & Cox's Private Wealth Management Group.
Brian always supported his family and friends, whether that involved helping them move, putting a new roof on their house, getting a job in their field of interest, providing them a place to live when they transitioned to a new city, or otherwise. Those around him admired his caring nature, positivity, quick wit, wisdom, and selfless friendship. He never lost the willingness to volunteer his time at various fundraisers and donate generously to various charities to help those in need.
Impacting a Community
Since 2021, Brian’s Positive Change Fund has made significant contributions to aid those facing crises, both in the US and globally. The relief organizations it has provided grants to include:
These organizations focus on delivering meals, building resilient food systems, and improving health for people affected by poverty or disasters. Locally, the fund also supports Meals on Wheels (which feeds homebound seniors) and Old Skool Café (supporting violence prevention and positive change in youth lives).
In addition to addressing hunger and crisis relief, the Brian N. Vogel Positive Change Fund supports health, human rights, and education. Grants in this vein have gone to:
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Uyghur Human Rights Project, High Atlas Foundation
- Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP)
- Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
- Els For Autism Foundation
These organizations focus on advancing medical research, supporting families affected by critical illnesses, advocating for human rights, promoting sustainable development, and assisting students in securing scholarships.
Partnership with the Community Foundation
Through their partnership with our organization, the Brian N. Vogel Positive Change Fund has awarded grants that support worldwide education, address hunger, and promote wellness in Brian’s name. The Fund Administrators are happy with the work of the Community Foundation, noting its positive impact on the local community and abroad.
Anyone can establish a Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away. Moreover, we provide numerous giving tools to help donors achieve philanthropic goals and accept charitable gifts as well as a simple registration process for new funds.
Learn More About Family Funds at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
We honor Brian’s legacy of generosity daily through the Brian N. Vogel Positive Change Fund. Contact our philanthropic team or explore our Family Giving program to learn how your family can contribute to local needs.
Questions?
