Impact Stories

On October 16, 2026, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia welcomed 400 community leaders, philanthropists, nonprofit partners, and supporters to the Raise the Region Gala at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for an inspiring evening celebrating community, philanthropy, and impact across Northern Virginia. Hosted by NBC4's Tommy McFly, the evening was a celebration of community, philanthropy, and impact, but it was also something more: a defining night for Northern Virginia. Throughout the program, guests were reminded that the strength of our region is built by individuals who choose to step forward, give generously, and invest in the communities they call home. Through a collection of powerful "I am" statements shared throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the many roles they play in shaping our region and how individual actions, when combined, create meaningful change for the greater good. 

By Gaby Webster, Director of Donor Relations, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia  
Some organization names are aspirational. Others are descriptive. But after attending the visitor's night at Special Love’s flagship program, Camp Fantastic, I can confidently say that the local nonprofit, Special Love, is aptly named. From the second I walked into the dining hall, it was so clear every camper was having a fantastic time and this place was special! 

When Renée Byng Yancey, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), joined host Dennis Glasgow on the Community DC podcast, she brought an important message to listeners across the region: Northern Virginia is a place of tremendous opportunity, but building a community that works for everyone requires all of us.

The conversation offers listeners a deeper look into the role CFNOVA plays as the region's trusted philanthropic partner and the ways philanthropy can help address some of Northern Virginia's most pressing challenges. From economic mobility and housing affordability to nonprofit sustainability and long-term community investment, Renée shared how CFNOVA connects generosity with community needs to create lasting impact.

For Gil and Liz Blankespoor, community has always been more than a place to live—it is a responsibility to invest in the people and possibilities that make Northern Virginia thrive.

As longtime Reston residents, the Blankespoors have spent decades championing the vision that inspired Reston's founding: a community where people of diverse backgrounds could succeed. Their commitment to that vision led them to establish the Reston Scholarship Fund (RSF), which helps qualified South Lakes High School graduates pursue higher education and career training opportunities.

At a time when nonprofits across the country are navigating unprecedented financial uncertainty, our President and CEO, Renée Byng Yancey alongside a robust panel helped lead a critical conversation about what it will take to build a more sustainable nonprofit sector.

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.