Impact Stories

By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA

Charitable giving doesn’t have to be tied to a deadline or a particular season. In fact, some of the most meaningful and effective philanthropic decisions happen when donors take a step back to look at the bigger picture: your values, your assets, and the impact you want to make over time. This is especially true in light of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which updated several rules related to charitable giving and philanthropy. 

Sue Aft was known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Those who knew her saw firsthand the way she reached out to people in need and made them feel valued.

Her husband, Rabbi Bruce Aft, is determined to ensure that Sue’s impact continues long after her passing. “Sue’s legacy is her kindness and willingness to reach out to her students wherever they were and help them with whatever their needs were at any given time.”

Five Grants Totaling $70,000 for Northern Virginia’s Young Women and Girls

January 6, 2026 (Fairfax, VA) - The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC), established at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, is proud to award $70,000 in 2025 grants to five outstanding organizations delivering programs to girls and young women that provide STEM exposure and training along with leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Leesburg, VA (December 16, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announce that the Loudoun Impact Fund and Creighton Gives have awarded $246,000 in grants to 29 nonprofit organizations providing services to Loudoun residents in need.

Fairfax, VA (December 10, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) serves as the charitable giving partner to ANSER, a mission-driven organization that provides solutions to advance national security, through the newly established ANSER Community Giving Fund. This corporate donor advised fund reflects ANSER’s commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work, alongside its dedication to meaningful, purpose-driven work that makes a profound difference to the nation and the world.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become one of the most popular tools for managing charitable giving. Yet many clients—and even some advisors—don’t realize they can access a more personal, connected version of this tool through their local Community Foundation.