Impact Stories

Highlighting the people and programs transforming our region 

Explore the stories, articles, and interviews that showcase how the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is making a difference across our region. Since our founding in 1978, we’ve awarded over $100 million in grants and scholarships—fueling innovation, supporting nonprofits, and empowering individuals.

This is philanthropy in action.
Learn how we’re turning generosity into lasting impact.

If you have any story ideas, please contact Amanda Bomfim, Manager of Marketing, Communications and Events.
May 14, 2018

Changing the Frame on Green Energy

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission co-hosted an Innovation Breakfast on May 10, 2018 titled, “Changing the Frame on Green Energy.” More than 100 participants attended the event.

May 10, 2018

$25,000 Grant Awarded to Fairfax County Public Schools Get2Green Initiative

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia today announced the establishment of The Environment Fund. This fund is made possible by a $500,000 gift to The Community Foundation from an anonymous donor.

May 2, 2018
Melinda MerkThis interview is with Melinda Merk, Attorney at McCandlish Lillard, new Community Foundation Board Member, Business Women's Giving Circle (BWGC) member, and active philanthropist.

Melinda has a background in providing holistic multi-generational income and wealth transfer tax planning advice and estaate and trust services to high net worth individuals, families, and business owners.

May 1, 2018

2018 Awardees

Northern Virginia Community College - $25,000

Serving all of Northern Virginia
To support the Adult Career Pathways Program and its ability to defray the costs associated with certification testing for students in its program.

*Nova Maker Faire - $5,000

Serving all of Northern Virginia
To promote and spur innovation and creativity for the 3000+ attendees at the annual NoVa Mini Maker Faire held In Reston each March.

May 1, 2018

Spring Edition Celebrates Corporate Philanthropy

GoodBusiness Spring2018 CoverThe Community Foundation for Northern Virginia released its seventh issue of GOOD BUSINESS magazine, a bi-annual publication that features stories of local businesses that play a key role in the community through philanthropy and volunteerism. The Spring 2018 issue of GOOD BUSINESS features stories that focus on corporate philanthropy and inspiration for future generations.

April 23, 2018

2018 Community Investment Grant Cycle Awards $259,260 to 26 Local Organizations

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announced the winners of its 2018 Community Investment Grants today. The largest and most competitive discretionary grant cycle managed by the Community Foundation and one of the largest pools of funds supporting broad-based giving in the Northern Virginia region, the grants fund organizations which provide support in critical areas of need throughout Northern Virginia. These grants will further the organizations’ abilities to improve the health, education, and general wellbeing of neighbors, communities, and the entire region. The total sum of grants made is $259,260.

April 4, 2018
Abigail Golden VazquezAbigail Golden-Vazquez, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society ProgramLatinos comprise one in four students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade and, as such, they will have a direct and lasting impact on the nation’s democracy and prosperity. This is why it’s absolutely necessary to foster a culture of civic participation among Latino students inside and outside of school. Research shows that exposure to civic engagement at an early age can create lasting habits of civic participation throughout a person’s life. Edu-Futuro is an organization that seeks to engage Latino youth in civic activity for a better American future, a vision that aligns with the goals of its newest grantor, the Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund (LEAF).

March 19, 2018

Grant to Support Adult Career Pathway Program

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announced today a $25,000 grant from the Innovation Fund endowment for the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Adult Career Pathway Program (ACP). Northern Virginia Community College will use the grant to help defray the costs associated with certification testing for students in the ACP program.

March 7, 2018
Cheryl Janey This interview is with Cheryl Janey, Community Foundation Board member, BWGC member, Gala sponsor, and Community Foundation Diversity Task Force member.

February 21, 2018

Opportunity Index Unveiled as Panelists Evaluate Workforce Development Challenges and Opportunities, and Region’s Income Inequality

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the Shape of the Region conference on February 15, 2018 at Valo Park in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Nearly 300 registered guests attended the event. Keynote speakers included Michael Cassidy, President & CEO, Commonwealth Institute, and Richard Reeves, Senior Fellow of Economic Studies and Co-Director of the Center on Children and Families at the Brookings Institution.