GIVING CIRCLE OF HOPE ANNOUNCES 2019 GRANT AWARD RECIPIENTS

(Reston, VA) - For the 16th consecutive year, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Giving Circle of HOPE (GCH) evaluated and is awarding grants to eight nonprofits that are serving the needs of families in Northern Virginia. The GCH reviewed 31 grant requests and, through the power of collective giving, will award $56,000 this year--with over $1.25 million over its history--to further the aims of nonprofits working to improve the lives of those in our community.

The following recipients will use their grants for the designated projects or capacity-building efforts (CBE) listed:

ASPIRE: Support Daily Reading Programs to Increase English Language Proficiency

BRAWS: Provide Services to Ex-Offenders in Partnership with Friends of Guest House

Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Advocating for Abused and Neglected Youth, Ages 18-21

La Cocina: Continuation of Culinary Training and Food Assistance Program

Stroke Comeback Center: Increase Program Management Capabilities

The Chris Atwood Foundation: Creation of New Communications and Advocacy Initiative

The Josh Anderson Foundation: Expansion of Our Minds Matter Program

Together We Bake: Initiate Pilot Program for Spanish-Speaking Women

These organizations represent the myriad needs in our community and specifically address the areas of Health, Mental Health & Aging, and Poverty Relief. Additionally, the GCH awarded smaller grants to Heeling House, Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect, and Kids R First at a celebration of collective giving, Together We Give, on October 17, 2019. The organization doubled fundraising goals and once again provided the community with the opportunity to experience the power of collective giving in real-time.

The Giving Circle of HOPE, a 501(c)3 nonprofit component fund of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, has invested more than a million dollars in the Northern Virginia community since its founding in 2004. Through the power of collective giving members come together to improve their communities, engage with their neighbors, and deliver a positive impact on long-term social problems. The organization awards project and capacity-building grants to local nonprofits with budgets under $1 million.