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This year, the Community Foundation celebrates 50 years of philanthropy in the greater Richmond region. This milestone is made possible by our growing network of donors, whose collective generosity has improved the quality of life in our region. The progress achieved thus far is also a reflection of collaboration and shared vision among community partners, and our ability to support forward-thinking initiatives that can scale solutions and create communities of opportunity.
In this spirit, we are pleased to announce a special anniversary grant of $1 million to the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust (MWCLT). This grant signifies the Community Foundation’s deep commitment to affordable housing as a cornerstone to economic stability and wealth building for low to moderate income families.
Created in 2016, Maggie Walker Community Land Trust uses a proven model that creates single-family homes – often utilizing vacant land or rehabilitating deteriorated properties – that are sold to qualified buyers while the trust retains ownership of the land. When a homeowner sells, the community land trust and the homeowner “share” the equity created by the increase in market value. MWCLT’s share stays in the house and is not added to the sales price. This keeps the home affordable to future qualified homebuyers.
With 26 homes currently in various stages of development, MWCLT has a goal to increase its portfolio to 113 homes in the next five years. This grant will accelerate the process by directly funding the acquisition and subsidy of 40 properties, many in Richmond’s East End which the foundation has identified as a community of focus. Over the next 50 years, these homes will serve as many as 400 families. Notably, MWCLT partners with existing housing organizations to build and rehabilitate homes, as well as to recruit and coach prospective buyers. “We view this investment as similar to our recent announcement to join with others in jump-starting the expansion of quality after-school programming for students in Richmond Public Schools,” says Armstrong. “We have a unique opportunity to be proactive, go bigger, and invest deeper – all as a complement and addition to our annual grantmaking.” With 26 homes currently in various stages of development, MWCLT has a goal to increase its portfolio to 113 homes in the next five years. This grant will accelerate the process by directly funding the acquisition and subsidy of 40 properties, many in Richmond’s East End which the foundation has identified as a community of focus. Over the next 50 years, these homes will serve as many as 400 families. Notably, MWCLT partners with existing housing organizations to build and rehabilitate homes, as well as to recruit and coach prospective buyers. “We view this investment as similar to our recent announcement to join with others in jump-starting the expansion of quality after-school programming for students in Richmond Public Schools,” says Armstrong. “We have a unique opportunity to be proactive, go bigger, and invest deeper – all as a complement and addition to our annual grantmaking.”
At The Community Foundation, we know that no individual or organization alone can solve a problem as complex as intergenerational poverty. That is why we must work together toward shared goals and collaborative efforts that will create powerful, lasting change for our region.
It is in this spirit that The Community Foundation has committed $750,000 over 3 years to support the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, a comprehensive plan to transform Richmond's East End from a community rooted in segregation and disinvestment into a community of choice and opportunity. The work will begin in Creighton Court, the second largest of the city's six public housing communities. Led by Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and informed by neighborhood leaders, the strategy is built on empowering the people of the East End by providing choice: of housing, employment, education and health within their own community.
Funding from TCF helps meet the local funding match required for Richmond to be considered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Choice Neighborhood implementation grant, which would bring $30 million to support this revitalization. Our support will help bring services directly to residents, reflecting our desire to help individuals and families achieve educational success, economic prosperity and health and wellness.
PERSISTENT POVERTY: UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
Richmond is experiencing an influx of business development, internationally acclaimed arts and recreational opportunities and a robust housing market. However, in stark contrast to these exciting growth opportunities, we have extreme pockets of poverty and communities where educational attainment, income and life expectancy are all significantly lower than their suburban counterparts. Over 20,000 residents live in public housing communities located in Richmond’s East End. These communities are over 75 years old and were born from segregation and disinvestment. Struggling to find hope and help, residents of these communities have little to no access to early childhood education, transportation or employment opportunities, and live in housing so old it causes health issues, especially in children.
About Creighton Court:
STEPS WE HAVE TAKEN
The Community Foundation has prioritized the East End since 2009 with funding, staff leadership, and co-investment with our donors. In the last 3 years alone, TCF and its donors have invested over $7 million. Together, we have:
Our nonprofit partners are stronger today because of these investments. However, extreme concentrated poverty, and the challenges that come with it, still exist.
CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVE: A NEW, POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative is an opportunity to transform a housing project into a thriving neighborhood. A team of civic and neighborhood leaders is crafting a bold plan to transform public housing and the surrounding neighborhood in Church Hill. This work will begin in Creighton Court, a public housing community of 504 families located in Richmond’s East End.
Why now?
We believe this opportunity places Richmond on the cusp of real change. Stay tuned for updates about HUD funding and upcoming tours of the revitalization zone!
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, together with its donors, is pleased to announce Community Impact grant awards for 2018, totaling $2.83 million to 78 organizations across the region. Community Impact grants support local nonprofits whose strategies and outcomes align with the Foundation’s four focus areas: community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness. Over the past year, the Foundation has adopted funding priorities in education, housing, and workforce development initiatives that will increase access and opportunity for low-income residents in Richmond.
A significant number of grants were awarded in the City of Richmond, where economic challenges tend to be the highest, with a focus on the East End, Northside and Southside (including the Jefferson Davis Corridor) neighborhoods. Ten grants were also awarded in the Petersburg area, primarily in education. The awards support nonprofit partners who are focused on high quality programming, systems, and advocacy and policy.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members enjoy good quality of life, with access to and an appreciation for the arts, cultural opportunities, and natural assets.
Art 180 - $25,000 To create and deliver innovative arts-based programs to youth in challenging circumstances.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia - $30,000 To execute and expand Hands on History, the BHMVA's ongoing mission of providing invaluable opportunities to experience history and culture.
CultureWorks - $40,000 To support CultureWorks service and leadership for the Richmond and Tri-Cities region. (second year of a three-year grant)
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance - $25,000 To transform and expand Early Literacy Learning through the Arts programs to additional Pre-K classrooms.
Richmond Symphony - $20,000 To fund community-led Big Tent festivals and programming.
SPARC - $20,000 To support operating costs of SPARC’s outreach programs.
The Valentine - $30,000 To provide free access to interactive Richmond history programs in partnership with RPS and CIS.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation - $20,000 To expand and diversify its presence in the community through its Family and Community Outreach programs.
Virginia Repertory Theatre - $20,000 To support operations of the model access program.
Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers - $50,000 To advocate for equity-based transportation infrastructure through the development of safe and accessible places for people to bike and walk in greater Richmond.
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities - $25,000 To fund inclusion and equity workshops, retreats, and assemblies for students, educators, business leaders, law enforcement, elected officials, and citizens.
Capital Trees - $15,000 To restore and enhance Richmond's urban green spaces and to support agency infrastructure.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - $30,000 To support a corps of community volunteers trained to lead urban greening initiatives in their own neighborhoods.
Maymont Foundation - $30,000 To support operations and Immersive STEM Summer Camp pilot in partnership with Peter Paul Development Center.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable, and its residents are economically stable and secure.
Children's Home Society of Virginia - $20,000 To support the Possibilities Project, a collaborative program providing youth who age out of foster care with housing and life skills.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Inc. - $40,000 To support planning for GCCVA to lead a consortium of partners to improve workforce development services for challenging populations.
RVA Rapid Transit - $20,000 To advance the work of educating, organizing, and advocating for regional public transportation.
The READ Center - $20,000 To support adult literacy programs that include reading, writing, math and digital skills to at least 250 adults in our community.
CARITAS - $40,000 To support case management staff in the CARITAS shelter.
HomeAgain - $20,000 To support general operations of emergency shelters, bridge housing for veterans, rapid rehousing, and permanent and supportive housing.
Homeward - $50,000 To support Homeward’s collaborative work with over 30 public and nonprofit homeless service providers of the greater Richmond Continuum of Care and the development of strategic cross-sector partnerships (second year of a three-year grant).
Housing Families First - $40,000 To support strategic plan implementation and operation of Hilliard House and Building Neighbors.
St. Joseph’s Villa - $40,000 To support general operations of the Flagler Housing and Homeless Services Program, and educational and mental health services.
Virginia Supportive Housing - $40,000 To help our community end homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.
HumanKind - $40,000 To support individuals as they build their financial well-being through employment, financial and benefits coaching or through facilitation of a fair-interest vehicle loan.
Neighborhood Resource Center - $40,000 To serve 460 individuals through NRC Works and Case Management, Out-of-School-Time, gardening, and food programs.
Sacred Heart Center - $40,000 To support the general operating costs of the Sacred Heart Center, in providing educational and human service programs to adults, children, youth, and families.
Thriving Cities Group - $40,000 To further develop the RVA Thrives steering committee and the development of collaborative, community-rooted projects on the Jefferson Davis Corridor.
Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation - $20,000 To implementation neighborhood revitalization strategies in Highland Park.
Better Housing Coalition - $40,000 To support BHC’s operations as they address the affordable housing shortage in our community and work to empower their 2,100 residents.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia - $75,000 To provide mobility counseling to deconcentrate poverty, integrate schools, and reduce barriers that prevent Housing Choice Voucher holders from living in neighborhoods of opportunity.
Project:HOMES - $40,000 To support the Immediate Response Fund that quickly addresses hazardous living conditions of low-income families.
Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity - $40,000 To revitalize 12 homes acquired from RRHA in the Maymont/Randolph neighborhood into safe, affordable, mixed-income housing for local individuals and families.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that young people achieve in school, engage in their community and are prepared for the workforce.
FutureRVA - $50,000 To support FutureRVA’s three-year talent development and talent attraction strategies (second year of a three-year grant).
Partnership for the Future - $40,000 To support programming for low-income, college bound students.
Blue Sky Fund - $20,000 To support the Explorers program to over 2,700 Richmond Public School students.
Chesterfield County Education Foundation - $25,000 To grow the operating capacity to support a growing school division.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield - $25,000 To support expansion of programming to Meadowbrook High School.
Communities In Schools of Petersburg - $25,000 To support Integrated Student Support Program at the elementary level and develop and implement a Middle School Transition Program.
Communities In Schools of Richmond - $100,000 To support coordination services for students in RPS, including targeted services for Latino students in Southside Richmond.
Goochland Education Foundation - $25,000 To provide broadband devices for at-risk students to actively engage in learning outside the classroom.
Henrico Education Foundation - $25,000 To develop and implement trauma-informed care practices at Glen Lea Elementary School.
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia - $25,000 To provide financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship education for 900 middle and high school students at JA Finance Park.
Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation - $25,000 To support general operations and the strategic needs of the RPS Superintendent and School Board.
The Literacy Lab - $25,000 To support 47 rigorously-trained, full-time tutors in high-need K-3 classrooms.
VCU Foundation - $100,000 To support the Richmond Teacher Residency program and a pilot in Petersburg to create a sustainable pipeline of highly-effective teachers committed to the students of RPS and PCPS for the long term.
Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond - $50,000 To support work in out-of-school time including creating and implementing trauma-informed systems within the five clubs and four neighborhoods they serve.
Higher Achievement Program, Inc. - $25,000 To support intensive program of expanded learning, mentorship, and opportunity for underserved middle school students.
NextUp RVA - $150,000 To expand a citywide afterschool network for Richmond’s youth through a unique model that multiplies the impact of investments by eliminating fragmented, duplicated services and removing cost and transportation barriers.
Peter Paul Development Center - $50,000 To support the after-school and summer educational program that helps strengthen the academic performance of students in grades 2-12 in Richmond's East End.
The Science Museum of Virginia Foundation - $25,000 To support the first-year programming and strategic audience development of a broad range of applied STEM skills and affiliated career pathways through project-based learning.
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg - $50,000 To support delivery of continuous improvement process for up to 50 sites, improvement of Richmond YPQI, expansion of professional learning community to regional youth program providers, and design/delivery of advanced trainings for staff.
Virginia Excels - $15,000 To support pilot operations and programming of comprehensive advocacy training to parents and community members of Richmond Public Schools.
YMCA of Greater Richmond - $50,000 To support youth and teen programs in Richmond and Petersburg.
FRIENDS Association for Children - $25,000 To support early childhood, preschool, and school-age development programs.
Greater Richmond ARC- $20,000 To support services for children with disabilities by supporting therapists' travel to the child's natural environment and translation costs for non-English speaking families.
Partnership for Families - $40,000 To support a comprehensive planning process for a model that ensures child/parent success in early learning.
Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond - $100,000 To provide capacity building support (second year of a three-year grant).
Smart Beginnings Southeast - $25,000 To support quality and access to the early childhood system in Petersburg through Westview Early Learning Center.
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation - $20,000 To support Richmond Area Service Alliance (RASA) and steps to bolster two-generation supports for families in concentrated poverty.
Virginia Literacy Foundation - $40,000 To support a project that helps achieve equity in kindergarten readiness, and family and health literacy among Richmond’s Southside children and families.
YWCA of Richmond - $50,000 To provide operating support to create access to opportunities, strengthen resilience, and advance equitable systems for lifelong success.
Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members are healthy and safe.
Family Lifeline - $25,000 To support early childhood development initiatives.
ChildSavers - $50,000 To support general operations and programs in outpatient children’s mental health and child development services.
Side by Side - $20,000 To support transgender youth by increasing access to mental health services.
Central Virginia Health Services - $25,000 To give access to behavioral health services for underserved areas in the Petersburg region using interns in counseling and case management.
Daily Planet Health Services - $25,000 To provide specialized trauma-informed care.
Free Clinic of Powhatan - $25,000 To support various operating expenses vital to patient care.
Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services - $25,000 To support medical, dental, and mental health services.
Pathways - $40,000 To address otherwise untreated mental health issues for youth participants. (third year of a three-year grant)
Richmond City Health District - $75,000 To empower leadership and connectivity in public housing residents and providers through a collective impact model.
Virginia League for Planned Parenthood - $25,000 To support the operations for comprehensive, high-quality primary health care.
FeedMore - $50,000 To support Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs.
Shalom Farms - $25,000 To improve the health and increase self-sufficiency of low-income communities with limited access to healthy food, resources, and supports to improve health.
Greater Richmond SCAN - $25,000 To reduce the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), build community resilience, and reduce the prevalence of ACEs in the region.
The James House Intervention/Prevention Services - $25,000 To provide trauma informed care, safe shelter, and advocacy for children and adults in the Tri-Cities affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse and neglect.
Virginia Home for Boys and Girls - $20,000 To support the Group Care Services program to help children heal from trauma so they can transition to foster care, adoption or biological family.
Virginia Voice - $20,000 To give individuals with vision impairments equitable access to newspapers, magazines, and live theater performances.
Each year, a portion of The Community Foundation’s grantmaking is awarded through a competitive process, in which local organizations apply for funding for programs and operations. We invite submissions in partnership with The Jenkins Foundation, one of TCF’s six partner foundations, which focuses its grant program on improving health care in the region. The process is guided by a framework in which the Foundation identifies nonprofit partners that are effectively, and many times collaboratively, working to lift up Richmond as a place where all of its residents can thrive.
As part of this collective vision for our community, our grants align with four priority areas – Cultural Vibrancy, Economic Prosperity, Educational Success and Health & Wellness – that we believe are the cornerstones to a healthy, vibrant community.
We are pleased to announce combined grant awards, totaling just over $2 million, to the following organizations:
CULTURAL VIBRANCY Goal: to ensure that community members have access to and an appreciation for arts and cultural opportunities.
Art180 $40,000 to support free young programs led by professional artists trained in creative youth development best practices.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia $25,000 to support the access to and availability of history and cultural activities.
Maymont Foundation $50,000 to secure ongoing care, programming, and vibrancy of Maymont .
Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers $100,000 to support Bike Walk RVA, a program designed to build safe and accessible infrastructure for people to bike and walk in all parts of the Richmond region.
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (formerly CenterStage) $50,000 to support the expansion of BrightLights Education Initiatives.
The Valentine $22,000 to support the opening of a new exhibition, Nuestras Historias: Latinos in Richmond.
Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation (ICA) $50,000 to support free admission to temporary art exhibitions over three years and engage a broad array of visitors.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation $15,000 to support VMFA’s need to accurately track its existing space, determine its best usage and plan for optimum space utilization for near-term usage.
Virginia Repertory Theatre $30,000 to support the improvement and expansion of Virginia Rep's innovative health and wellness programs.
Virginia Voice $20,000 to support our new Live Audio Description program so that theater patrons with low vision can have equal access to the performing arts in Central Virginia.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond $30,000 to support the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s programs and partnerships that will deliver free arts education and adult mentoring to 1,504 Richmond youth.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Goal: to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable and its residents are economically stable and secure.
$25,000 to support the Inside Out Community Strengthening Model in the Brookland Park community.
HomeAgain $25,000 to enhance case management support for households residing in HomeAgain's emergency shelters and those enrolled in rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Inc. (HOME) $75,000 to support mobility counseling to deconcentrate poverty, integrate schools, and tear down barriers that prevent Housing Choice Voucher holders from living in neighborhoods of opportunity.
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities $15,000 to support "This is the Moment," designed to respond to increased demand for programs and services.
Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce $15,000 to hire an Executive Vice President to drive future success.
EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS Goal: to ensure children enter school ready to learn and receive effective academic and social support throughout their educational experience.
Blue Sky Fund $50,000 to support experiential academic enrichment with a special focus on environmental science for Richmond Public School students.
CodeVA $40,000 to support establishment of the Region 1 Computer Science Hub.
Communities In Schools of Chesterfield $25,000 to support CIS programming at six CCPS schools.
Communities In Schools of Petersburg $25,000 to supports site coordination and program support to two schools .
Conexus $25,000 to support improved vision services to Richmond students and to measure the educational impact for students needing and receiving vision correction.
Greater Richmond Chamber Foundation (Smart Beginnings) $300,000 over 3 years to provide operating support for Smart Beginnings and its implementation of the School Readiness Plan 2017-2020.
Partnership for Families $50,000 to support the Data Collaborative Initiative.
Peter Paul Development Center $75,000 to support the satellite program at Fairfield Court Elementary School.
Science Museum of Virginia Foundation $50,000 to support a pilot program designed to foster interest in STEM career pathways.
Southside Transformation Opportunities for Residents and Youth (STORY) $25,000 to support the ML2 After School program in the Thomas Rolfe Court public housing community.
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg $50,000 to support strategic plan implementation for Richmond Youth Program Quality Intervention, in partnership with youth serving organizations in the region.
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation $50,000 to support the implementation of Richmond Area Services Alliance (RASA) to improve the capacity to provide stable, affordable, quality early education in high-risk Richmond communities.
Virginia Literacy Foundation $40,000 to support kindergarten classrooms at Oak Grove and Westover Hills Elementary Schools.
YMCA of Greater Richmond $40,000 to support YMCA year-round expanded learning programs in Richmond at Woodville and Oak Grove Elementary Schools and in Petersburg at Walnut Hill Elementary School.
HEALTH & WELLNESS Goal: to ensure that Central Virginia residents are safe and healthy.
Alzheimer's Association Jenkins $37,500 to expand access to dedicated Alzheimer's Association care consultants.
Central Virginia Health Services $50,000 to increase access to behavioral health services.
Challenge Discovery Projects Jenkins $30,000 to support the "Say It With Heart" bullying and violence prevention curriculum. Circle Center Adult Day Services Jenkins/Sheltering Arms $40,000 to provide high quality care and support that enables older adults to live at home with their families. Cross Over Ministry Sheltering Arms $10,000 to support general operations. Doorways Sheltering Arms $5,000 to help Greater Richmond families access primary, specialty or life-saving care.
Elk Hill Jenkins / TCF $50,000 to support school-based mental health services for students in Goochland Middle School.
Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment Sheltering Arms $15,000 to increase outreach to meet the needs of the residents facing mobility challenges. Free Clinic of Powhatan Jenkins $30,000 to support the addition of a part-time RN.
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids $45,000 to support Wellness Integration and Learning Garden programs.
Goochland Free Clinic Sheltering Arms $10,000 to provide health care services that meet basic human needs in Goochland County.
International Rescue Committee $20,000 to support improved refugee health outcomes in Richmond.
Jewish Family Services Jenkins $40,000 to provide low-income older adults or adults with disabilities with comprehensive services to remain safe and independent in their own homes. Legal Information Network for Cancer Jenkins $20,000 to support non-medical needs and referrals to legal or financial volunteer professionals. Lucy Corr Foundation Jenkins $40,000 to provide salary support for a dental assistant and registered dental hygienist. MCV School of Nursing Jenkins $30,000 to provide healthy meals and connect vulnerable older adults to resources. NAMI Central Virginia Jenkins $10,000 to provide Mental Health Education for parents or caregivers of children with a mental health condition. Positive Vibe Sheltering Arms $15,000 to partially support the cost of a Training Program Director. project:Homes Sheltering Arms $10,000 to provide elderly and/or disabled homeowners with critical accessibility modifications for their homes. RAMPS Sheltering Arms $7,500 to provide ramps for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
REACHcycles Sheltering Arms $5,000 to purchase therapeutic cycles for children and veterans. The READ Center Jenkins $20,000 to help low-literate adults better understand health concepts and navigate the healthcare system.
Richmond Peace Education Center Jenkins / TCF $25,000 to support new, site-based programming to equip young people to be leaders for peace in their schools and neighborhoods, resulting in less violent, more cohesive and more vibrant communities.
RVA Rapid Transit Sheltering Arms $17,500 to advance education, organization, and advocacy for a regional public transportation system.
Rx Partnership $15,000 to expand outreach through the development of interactive web, video and print materials.
Shalom Farms Jenkins / TCF $50,000 to improve health and increase self-sufficiency of low-income communities in Richmond experiencing the most limited access to healthy food and resources.
South Richmond Adult Day Care Center Jenkins / Sheltering Arms $50,000 to provide care for low-income older adults with complex medical conditions. Sportable Sheltering Arms $20,000 to support the I Am An Athlete program for athletes with physical and visual disabilities.
St. Joseph's Villa $60,000 to support continued rapid re-housing efforts of Flagler Housing & Homeless Services by helping homeless families of all compositions obtain permanent housing with integrated support services based on need.
Swim RVA $35,000 to support a collaboration with youth-serving agencies.
The James House Intervention/Prevention Services, Inc. $40,000 to provide evidence-based prevention education programs in English and Spanish, as well as advocacy services for children and adults impacted by interpersonal violence.
Tricycle Gardens $15,000 to extend programming to further address the needs associated with limited food access.
United Spinal Association of Virginia Sheltering Arms $15,000 to expand the Peer Mentor and Family Support Program.
Virginia Supportive Housing Jenkins $25,000 to support the A Place To Start program.
Learn more about how to apply for a grant
Richmond, VA: The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the following individuals as the 2015 recipients of the Stettinius Awards for Nonprofit Leadership – Ryan Ripperton, Avi Hopkins and Mary Dunne Stewart. Now in its 11th year, the awards program seeks to recognize outstanding professionals who provide effective organizational leadership within the charitable sector. After reviewing nominations of many exceptional candidates, the selection committee chose these three individuals to receive $10,000 grants each to pursue professional development activities of their own design.
Since 1992, U-Turn Sports has successfully connected youth from Richmond, VA’s inner-city and suburban neighborhoods for high-performance athletic development, team competition, fellowship events and bible-based guidance. During his 9 years as Executive Director, Avi was an integral part of this mission, growing the organization to benefit over 2,000 Richmond area youth and expanding its physical space into a 150,000 sq. ft. facility. If Avi takes on his next challenge within Richmond’s nonprofit sector, he will have the opportunity to use his Stettinius Award to participate in the Nonprofit Capacity Conference and attend Stanford University’s Nonprofit Management Institute.
Ryan has served in the nonprofit sector for over 17 years. In his current role as Executive Director of SPARC, he and his team embody their mission of inspiring young people in the Richmond community to reach their full potential through quality training in the performing arts. Over the past 5 years, Ryan has pioneered the implementation LIVE ART, a program that provides arts training and a performance opportunity for children, many with development challenges who don’t otherwise have an opportunity to perform. Ryan will use his award to attend the national conference of Independent Sector in Washington D.C. this year. Additionally, he will attend a SCORRE Conference in Beaver Creek, Colorado and the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference (NGCAE) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Under Mary’s leadership, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids serves the community as a best practice program focused in childhood obesity prevention. Under her leadership, Fit4Kids has grown from a startup with a plan, to an effective non-profit that serves 4,000 children per year. With her award, Mary plans to participate in the Leadership Quest offered through Leadership Metro Richmond. In 2016, she will attend the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leadership (EPNL) at Stanford University, which includes lectures, discussions and exercises led by Stanford MBA faculty. Mary believes these opportunities will transform her leadership skills and positively impact the productivity for Fit4Kids.
The Stettinius Fund for Nonprofit Leadership was established by Cadmus Communications Corporation to honor Wallace Stettinius’ retirement from the Cadmus Board of Directors. An active board volunteer throughout his business career, Stettinius expanded his scope of volunteer work in his “first” retirement to become a trusted advisor, teacher and mentor to many area nonprofits. Stettinius is a former chairman of The Community Foundation, serving on its board from 1986 - 1995. Since inception, the awards program has supported professional development for 33 rising leaders in the field. The deadline for 2016 nominations will be announced in January.
Learn more about how to apply for the Stettinius Award for Nonprofit Leadership.
We are pleased to announce our latest grant awards, totaling just over $2 million, to the following organizations:
Capital Trees $25,000 to provide programming and operational support for projects to restore and enhance Richmond's urban green spaces. CenterStage Foundation $25,000 to facilitate the strategic planning process. CultureWorks, Inc. $120,000 to support awareness of the rich arts and cultural offerings in the Richmond region. Richmond Symphony $30,000 to fund community-led Big Tent festivals. School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community $40,000 to advance performing arts education outreach programs. Virginia Repertory Theatre $30,000 to support work with TRG Arts.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY Goal: to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable and its residents are economically stable and secure.
CARITAS $50,000 to support the CARITAS Shelter and Case Management Program. Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Inc. $50,000 to support Business Development integration and Customer Service certification training. Greater Richmond Bar Foundation $25,000 to expand the Pro Bono Clearinghouse program. Homeward $150,000 (over 3 years) to support the convening and coordinating of 30+ public and nonprofit homeless service providers. Housing Families First $30,000 to provide families and single women experiencing homelessness with permanent housing and stabilization services. Junior Achievement of Central Virginia $50,000 to support programming to tenth-grade students and sponsor of the Philanthropy Center at Junior Achievement Finance Park. Neighborhood Resource Center $35,000 to support NRC Works as well as youth development programs for individuals and families in Greater Fulton. Sacred Heart Center $40,000 to build organizational infrastructure to grow and serve the Latino population in Greater Richmond. Virginia Supportive Housing $50,000 to support permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.
Armstrong Priorities Freshman Academy $30,000 to support the Third Pilot Year of the Armstrong Priorities Freshman Academy. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond $50,000 to support ongoing core programs to over 400 youth daily at four Clubs in the City of Richmond. ChildSavers $50,000 to support quality early child care and education. Communities In Schools of Richmond, Inc. $100,000 to support coordination services for students in Richmond Public Schools. Friends Association for Children $30,000 to provide operating support for childcare and youth development programs. Higher Achievement Program, Inc. $50,000 to support the growth of programming focused on expanded learning, caring role models, and high expectations for low-income 5th-8th grade children. Partnership for the Future $50,000 to support programming for low-income, college bound students as well as to support a strategic plan to evaluate program expansion. The Literacy Lab $30,000 to support 36 full-time tutors. The Podium Foundation $15,000 to support middle and high school academic-year writing programs. VCU Foundation $54,000 to support the Richmond Teacher Residency. Virginia Mentoring Partnership $25,000 to provide general operating support. YWCA of Richmond $50,000 to support the Sprout School.
Access Now Jenkins $40,000 to support access to donated specialty medical care for low-income, uninsured patients. Better Housing Coalition Jenkins $40,000 to support the Senior Coordinated Care program, which provides health and wellness supports to older adults. Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation Jenkins $15,000 to expand a prevention-based mental health program into additional high schools. Chesterfield CASA Jenkins $20,000 to support training and supervision for volunteers serving as court advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CHIP of Virginia $30,000 to support the merger of CHIP of Virginia and Prevent Child Abuse Virginia.
The Daily Planet Jenkins $50,000 to provide access to medical transportation for older adults, promoting health and wellness in underserved communities.
Family Lifeline Jenkins/TCF $75,000 to support early childhood home visiting programs. FeedMore Jenkins/TCF $100,000 to support Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition Programs. Full Circle Grief Center Jenkins $25,000 to support community-based bereavement support groups. Gateway Homes Jenkins $40,000 to provide training, counseling, and support for individuals with serious mental illness. Greater Richmond SCAN Jenkins/TCF $100,000 to support Trauma Informed Care services that provide weekly intensive treatment groups for families affected by abuse. Henrico CASA Jenkins $25,000 to support training and oversight of additional volunteers serving as court advocates for abused or neglected children. Honoring Choices Jenkins $35,000 to implement an electronic health record system. Jewish Family Services Jenkins $12,500 to implement an electronic health record system. McShin Foundation Jenkins $25,000 to provide residential and wraparound services to clients in substance abuse recovery. Senior Connections Jenkins $25,000 to support Family Navigators who help families navigate and access children's mental health resources. Side by Side $30,000 to support transgender youth by increasing access to mental health services. St Joseph’s Villa Jenkins $30,000 to develop patient and family-centered educational tools. Virginia Dental Association Foundation Jenkins $25,000 to support the Crisis Stabilization Unit, which serves youth experiencing mental health crises. Virginia Treatment Center for Children Jenkins $40,000 to support a Clinical Practice Manager position to oversee operations at the Children's Mental Health Resource Center.
Now in its fifth year, the Ujima Legacy Fund has harnessed the generosity of its 40 members to award two grants of $20,000 each to Higher Achievement and Mega Mentors. Created with the goal to increase the philanthropic impact of African American men in the Greater Richmond region, the Ujima Legacy Fund focuses its grant program on organizations working to empower youth through education-related programs. Cumulative grantmaking now totals $168,000 to 8 area nonprofits.
Higher Achievement closes the opportunity gap for underserved students through intensive after-school and summer programs that provide expanded learning, mentorship and opportunity. Scholars begin as rising 5th and 6th graders and remain in the program through 8th grade. Support from the Ujima Legacy Fund will allow Higher Achievement to grow in response to increased demand and high retention by scaling programming at the newest of their four sites – Binford and Wilder Middle Schools. It means that next school year more than 300 scholars will realize gains equivalent to an extra 48 days of learning in math and an extra 30 days in reading; and most importantly, they will be on track for college with the character, confidence and skills to succeed.
Mega Mentors was created in 2009 when then superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome asked African American community leaders to be role models for students in Chesterfield County. While intentional about working with African American students, the volunteer-run program is designed to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and reduce disciplinary issues for all middle and high school students who are underserved or disenfranchised. This year, 150 volunteer mentors work with 500 middle and high school students in 7 schools. Grant funding will support a part-time coordinator to help grow the program to serve more schools and students, provide greater consistency and build stronger partnerships and collaborations.
In 2013, Ujima Legacy Fund launched to make philanthropy engaging and accessible for African American men in the Richmond region. Ujima is named after the third day of Kwanzaa and means collective work and responsibility. One of three giving circles created in partnership with The Community Foundation, Ujima members pool contributions of $1,100 each to generate greater community impact. Together, they select at least one local nonprofit organization annually that they feel best demonstrates the ability to empower youth through education-related initiatives, with emphasis on underserved youth.
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