Impact Stories

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.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia was proud to join philanthropic partners from across the Commonwealth at the 2025 Virginia Funders Network Conference to explore innovative solutions and strategies that support thriving communities.

Fairfax, VA (March 26, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) convened hundreds of leaders, community members, and changemakers for its annual Shape of the Region conference, an essential gathering focused on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s future. This year’s event focused on youth well-being, addressing issues like bullying, school safety, substance abuse, and mental health access.

Building a Community that Works for Everyone

The English Empowerment Center   is a 2024 grantee of the Education Fund, a component of The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia. To mark the occasion in September, the Community Foundation’s Sari Raskin and Renée Byng Yancey met the Empowerment Center’s Roopal Mehta Saran, Executive Director, and Michael Mahrer, Senior Director of Advancement. Our team was joined by Benton Fisher, a donor who collaborates with us on the Avalon Charitable Fund, which he and his wife Joan established. Benton also serves on the Board of the Justice High School Scholarship Fund. They discussed the Center’s history and work within the greater community.

A Lifelong Commitment to Lasting Impact

Although he joined the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Board of Directors in November 2024, Paul Gilbert’s dedication to the Community Foundation’s mission began many years ago. Paul, who has served as the Executive Director of NOVA Parks since 2005, has contributed invaluable insights as a member of our Investment Committee since 2017. However, his passion for CFNOVA’s work was first realized during a coffee meeting with former CFNOVA President and CEO Eileen Ellsworth.

Fairfax, VA (December 11, 2024) – Paul Gilbert, a lifelong resident and prominent leader in the region, has joined the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s (CFNOVA) Board of Directors. Paul brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service, having made significant contributions to the environmental, historical, and economic success of Northern Virginia.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia invited our community of donors, partners, and changemakers to join us for a September 12 community dinner, The People’s Supper, as a capstone event to our 2024 Elevate NOVA Book Circle. David Brooks’ teachings at the 2024 Shape of the Region and in his book, How to Know a Person, were put to the test during this event focused on social trust. The Community Foundation hosted The People’s Supper in partnership with Dinner Party Labs. Over 40 guests attended and participated in lively, insightful conversations while having a great meal.

The Community Foundation’s Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Events, Amanda Bomfim, recently spoke with Sumeet Shrivastava, President and CEO of Unissant, about his recognition as the 2023 Community Leadership Award honoree. Sumeet possesses great humility and grace; indeed, when he learned he would be the 2023 Raise the Region Gala’s honoree, he was blown away. “It’s not something you expect,” he told Amanda.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a great time to spotlight the Yolonda Pajot Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer, a Donor Advised Fund.

Recently, the Community Foundation’s Renée Byng Yancey, Sari Raskin, Jennifer Cochran, Gaby Webster, and Amanda Bomfim visited Boxes of Basics, a local nonprofit that provides schoolchildren in need with clothing. Our team met program manager Sally Crockett and Founder/Executive Director Sarah Tyndall to learn more about their critical work and the inspiration behind it.