Beatriz McNelly recently opened a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia – The Caimi-Markis Family Fund provides direct grants to nonprofits, schools and faith based institutions serving women, children, families, economically disadvantaged populations, poverty relief, education, health and community improvement.We asked her about why she chose to open a fund with us here at the Community Foundation.
I was co-founder and Vice President of FiberGate Inc., a fiber networking company, until the company was sold in August of 2012. I have always wanted to share my knowledge and good fortune, so I set up a CRT (Charitable Retainer Trust) through my Trust Attorney, Catherine Schott Murray. This money will be very helpful, but not until I am gone. I realized that I want to be part of the process. I started by doing some research and have been involved in volunteer work in my community. When I mentioned this to Catherine, she explained about Donor Advised Funds and suggested I meet with Eileen Ellsworth at the Community Foundation.
As soon as Eileen started to explain what the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia was and how it worked I knew this was going to be a good match. Opening a fund with the Community Foundation was easy. I was impressed by the help available to me. The more I heard about the programs the more I wanted to become involved. I immediately became a member of BWGC (Business Women’s Giving Circle). Their work is dear to my heart.
Today the whole world is in need of help including our communities. I like the idea of helping my neighbors. With so much help needed my time and money seem like a drop in the bucket but combining it with others who support our communities I know we will make a difference in Northern Virginia.
Questions?
