Impact Stories

The Community Foundation’s Resilient Communications: Cutting Through the Noise During Challenging Times webinar, offered through the Beyond the Grant series, was a great learning experience for 43 nonprofit leaders, seeking to strengthen their missions through more intentional storytelling and messaging. Participants learned that organizations that consistently prioritized effective communication and emotionally resonant stories were better equipped to deliver on their missions, inspire donors, and offer hope during challenging moments.

A Legacy of Stewardship Lives On

When ANSER launched their Community Giving Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the goal was clear: to make a meaningful difference in the communities where its employees live and work. For the inaugural grant cycle, ANSER chose to honor one of its own—Tom Apperson, Senior Advisor at Avalon Net Worth, a dedicated Board member who served for more than 20 years and retired this November.

President and CEO, Renée Byng Yancey, was featured on the November 21 episode of Give Better Get Better as part of their CEO Series. In this conversation with host, Josh Dukelow, Renée discussed the critical role of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA)—and how we’re working to maximize charitable impact during a time of unprecedented need.

As the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia turns the page to a new fiscal year, it also begins a new chapter in leadership—one filled with gratitude, optimism, and a shared commitment to community.

On July 1, 2025, Harry Klaff officially stepped into the role of Chair of the Board of Directors, bringing with him decades of leadership experience and a deep passion for service. He follows in the footsteps of Bob Kipps, who now serves as Immediate Past Chair after two transformative years at the helm.

In a powerful episode of the We’re Good podcast, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) takes center stage as a philanthropic changemaker driving meaningful impacts across the region. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with CFNOVA President & CEO, Renée Byng Yancey and fund partner, Benton Fisher to explore how the Foundation responds to both urgent crises and long-term community needs.

In a powerful episode of the We’re Good podcast, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) takes center stage as a philanthropic changemaker driving meaningful impacts across the region. Host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with CFNOVA President & CEO, Renée Byng Yancey and fund partner, Benton Fisher to explore how the Foundation responds to both urgent crises and long-term community needs.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia welcomes Drew Kolber as our 2025 Summer Intern! She is diving into a dynamic, hands-on experience across marketing, grants, fundraising, and research. From interviewing changemakers and crafting compelling stories to analyzing community data and supporting donor engagement, she will be at the heart of our mission to build a Northern Virginia that works for everyone.