Impact Stories

Advancing Equity in Northern Virginia

Learn about our impact on the local community and beyond. Since its inception in 1978, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $90 million in cumulative grants and scholarships. Here’s how we are putting philanthropy to work.

If you would like to contribute to an impact story please contact Tara Nadel, Vice President of Marketing and Events.
March 24, 2016
Milton HerdMilton Herd recently opened a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia – The Milton J. and G. Ronald Herd Charitable Fund provides direct grants to nonprofits, schools, and other non-religious affiliated programs to benefit children and youth 12 to 19 years of age living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level in Northern Virginia.

We asked him about why she chose to open a fund with us here at the Community Foundation.

March 14, 2016
BWGC
BWGC members Faith Boettger, Lauri Isbrandtsen, and Jennifer Siciliano, joined Dr. Carole Inge, Co-Chair of Million Women Mentors Virginia, at the International Women's Day and Million Women Mentors Initiative Launch Event in Richmond, Virginia where Governor Terry McAuliffe presented a proclamation supporting girls and women in STEM.

February 1, 2016
Child, Youth Development and Education Grant Recipient: Child and Family Network Centers

Grants Awarded in 2016

Grants of more than $380,000 were issued to 36 local nonprofits in 2016.

January 26, 2016
GOOD BUSINESS

Third Edition of Magazine Released

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia released the third edition of GOOD BUSINESS, a publication launched last year that celebrates the impact of corporate giving in Northern Virginia. It features stories of local businesses that practice corporate social responsibility in ways that benefit the local community. This bi-annual publication is designed to inform, inspire, and help spark a community dialogue on the future of corporate philanthropy in Northern Virginia. The full publication can be downloaded here.

January 11, 2016
michellMichell Merhige, in honor of whom Marcy Mager established her scholarship.Marcy Mager is a donor advisor at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The Michell Merhige Scholarship Fund provides an award of up to $1,500 to a graduating senior attending a Fairfax County public school and honors the memory of her daughter - a young woman who overcame great obstacles in her life and went on to graduate from college, establish a successful career and give back to her community in numerous ways.

We asked her about why she chose to open a fund with us here at the Community Foundation.

December 22, 2015
Delegate Anderson speaking to Prince William County students to launch the new Civic Engagement program

Makes $23,000 Grant to Prince William County Public Schools

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has just awarded a grant of $23,000 to SPARK, the Education Foundation of Prince William County Public Schools, to support a new Civic Engagement Program for 200 middle school students across the county. The program is designed to teach students how their local, state and federal governments work; to give them an understanding of how to change public policy; and to offer hands-on experience researching and debating current issues in the community.

December 14, 2015
A grant to SHINE For Girls will support curriculum-based programming for disadvantaged middle school girls that combines formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEM.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Giving Circle Supports Local Women’s Philanthropy

The Business Women’s Giving Circle announced the winners of its second annual grant cycle today. A total of $40,000 has been awarded to three organizations providing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), leadership and entrepreneurship programs to girls in Northern Virginia. Since its launch in 2014, which launched in 2014, the giving circle has already awarded $80,000 to date to programs supporting STEM education for girls and women’s entrepreneurship.

November 12, 2015
lif

Giving Circle at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia supports critical needs in Loudoun County

Eleven charities dedicated to programs benefiting youth and elderly received 2015 Loudoun Impact Fund grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Winners were announced on October 28, at a reception hosted by Shoes Cup and Cork and attended by charity representatives and donors.

October 14, 2015
Jim Wordsworth

2015 Sweet Home Virginia Gala Raises $482,000, Engages Hundreds of Donors 

Jim Wordsworth of J.R.’s Goodtimes Inc. has been recognized with the 2015 Community Leadership Award by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.  The Community Leadership Award is the most prestigious, longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, and was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Sweet Home Virginia Gala on October 9, 2015 at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

September 16, 2015
Capital Area Food Bank

J.O.Y. Charitable Fund Grants $32,000 to Capital Area Food Bank's Family Market Program

The J.O.Y. Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia made a grant of $32,000 to fully support the Capital Area Food Bank’s (CAFB) Family Market Program at Manassas Park High School for the 2015-2016 school year. This grant will provide 6,000 pounds of food to over 200 families 9 times per year, in a community where 51% are on free and reduced lunches through the school.