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• Community Foundation Announces 2019 Community Impact Grants

  

  

  Made possible by donor established funds, the Community Foundation announces its 2019 Community Impact grant awards, totaling over $3 million to 83 organizations across the region. Community Impact grants are awarded through a competitive process and 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. Within these areas, the Community Foundation has adopted funding priorities in education, housing, and workforce development initiatives that will increase access and opportunity for low-income residents in Richmond. 

  Here are a few notable highlights from this years’ selection of grants:

  • Continued investment in housing, from homelessness to home ownership;
  • Support for coordinators who are helping to advance the work of the out-of-school time programming and workforce development systems;
  • Support for the arts focused on removing barriers for participation;
  • Increased support for organizations serving Petersburg, which shares similar challenges and opportunities as Richmond City, primarily in education and health; and
  • A growing portfolio that includes investments in systems and advocacy, in addition to program delivery, because we believe that increased coordination of services and targeted public policy can accelerate and scale the kind of change that will improve lives across generations.

  “While we will always support program delivery,” Scott Blackwell, Chief Community Engagement Officer for the Community Foundation said, “we are growing our support for systems level and policy work.  We need all three strategies to make lasting change for our community.”  

  Community Vibrancy

  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.

  Arts and Culture

  Art 180 - $35,000          
  To create and deliver innovative arts-based programs to youth in challenging circumstances.

  CultureWorks - $60,000
  To support CultureWorks service and leadership for the Richmond and Tri-Cities region. (third year of a three-year grant)

  Richmond Ballet - $20,000
  To support afterschool dance programs for students in Greater Richmond.

  Richmond Symphony - $20,000
  To fund the Big Tent Festival and ongoing music education programs.

  SPARC - $30,000
  To support out-of-school time arts programs that address the needs of low-wealth youth in Greater Richmond.

  Science Museum of Virginia Foundation - $20,000
  To support a year-round "applied STEM learning" pipeline for Richmond students in grades 5-8.

  Virginia Museum of History and Culture - $40,000
  To support the exhibition, "Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality."

  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation - $20,000
  To support the exhibition, "Working Together: Louis Draper and the Kamoinge Workshop."

  Virginia Repertory Theatre - $25,000
  To support live theater productions communicating to Greater Richmond youth about human trafficking.

  Virginia Voice - $15,000
  To support equitable access to information, culture and community for individuals with disabilities through technology and the human voice. 

  Visual Arts Center of Richmond - $20,000
  To continue the growth of art education and youth mentoring programs.

  Community Building

  Leadership Metro Richmond - $10,000
  To support two Leadership Quest scholarships for community leaders in low-wealth communities.

  Re-Establish Richmond - $10,000
  To support programs that empower refugees and immigrants in Richmond to rebuild their networks and become self-sufficient.

  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 - $30,000
  To fund inclusion and equity workshops, retreats, and assemblies for students, educators, business leaders, law enforcement, elected officials, and citizens.

  Natural Resources

  Blue Sky Fund - $20,000
  To provide educator support and hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for elementary school students facing disadvantages. 

  Capital Trees - $15,000
  To complete the Low Line and restore 2.5 historic acres of land between the 17th Street flood wall and Great Shiplock Park.

  Enrichmond Foundation - $28,000
  To provide landscaping- and horticulture-based job skills training for Richmond residents working to reclaim Evergreen, East End, and Paupers Cemeteries. 

  James River Association - $15,000
  To protect the James River, improve water quality and connect people to the river for enhanced community vibrancy and individual health.

  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 - $20,000
  To implement the Maymont Explorers Program for Richmond youth.

  ---

  Economic Prosperity

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable, and its residents are economically stable and secure.   

  Affordable Housing

  Better Housing Coalition - $60,000   
  To support operations and fund consulting work to develop a business plan for resident services.

  Habitat for Humanity Powhatan - $15,000
  To support general operating costs and enable hiring of additional Habitat Store staff.

  Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia - $75,000  
  To support work with housing choice voucher clients to help them find affordable housing in high opportunity neighborhoods.

  Partnership for Housing Affordability - $25,000
  To support collaborative work among community members, nonprofit leaders and local government representatives to create the Regional Housing Framework.

  project:HOMES - $50,000
  To support the Immediate Response Fund that quickly addresses hazardous living conditions of low-income families.

  Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity - $50,000  
  To revitalize homes in the Maymont and Randolph neighborhoods.

  Homelessness Reduction

  CARITAS -  $35,000     
  To support case management and shelter staff in the CARITAS shelter.

  HomeAgain - $20,000
  To support general operations of emergency shelters and community housing programs.    

  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 (third year of a three-year grant).

  Housing Families First - $35,000
  To support general operations, expand housing program capacity, and prepare for future rapid re-housing program expansions.

  St. Joseph’s Villa - $40,000    
  To support families and individuals in Greater Richmond who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

  Virginia Supportive Housing - $35,000
  To help our community end homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing services to ensure formerly homeless individuals remain stably housed.

  Side by Side - $15,000
  To support programs for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18-25 who are experiencing housing instability in the Richmond region.

  Neighborhood Development

  HumanKind - $30,000 
  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 - $30,000  
  To support NRC Works, Out-of-School-Time and Food Programs.

  Richmond Opportunities, Inc. - $150,000
  To support the Executive Director's salary, technology and data, and strategic communications. 

  Sacred Heart Center - $30,000
  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 - $30,000         
  To support RVA Thrives' efforts to increase neighborhood leadership in the Jefferson Davis Corridor and disseminate the Community Voice Blueprint to improve how local organizations engage historically marginalized communities.

  Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation - $20,000   
  To support continued work convening residents and partners to develop plans and actions that uplift the Northside neighborhood. 

  Workforce Development

  Center for Nonprofit Excellence - $15,000 
  To provide salary support for the consultant coordinating the Workforce Development Coalition.

  Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia - $50,000
  To support co-locating skill-building training, career advising, digital literacy and job placement and retention services at two pilot sites in coordination with the Work Access Collaborative. 

  IT4Causes - $20,000
  To support programs that help low- to moderate-income technology students build on-the-job experience, soft skills and professional networks.

  Reynolds Community College - $50,000
  To support the new Kitchens at Reynolds facility located in the East End.

  ---

  Educational Success

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that young people achieve in school, engage in their community and are prepared for the workforce.  

  College and Career Readiness

  FutureRVA - $50,000
  To support FutureRVA’s three-year talent development and school-to-job strategies in high schools (third year of a three-year grant).

  Partnership for the Future - $35,000
  To support programming for low-income, college-bound students.

  K-12 Academic Success

  Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond - $50,000   
  To support high-quality staffing, learning programs and mentorship programs in Richmond and Petersburg.    

  Chesterfield 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 L.C. Bird High School.

  Communities In Schools of Petersburg - $25,000
  To support Integrated Student Support services in all Petersburg City Public Schools.

  Communities In Schools of Richmond - $100,000
  To deliver the Integrated Student Support model across 32 high-poverty Richmond Public School sites.

  Henrico Education Foundation - $25,000
  To support a Trauma-Informed Education Coordinator position at Glen Lea Elementary School.

  Higher Achievement - $50,000
  To support Summer and Afterschool Academies for underserved middle school students.

  Junior Achievement of Central Virginia - $20,000  
  To provide financial literacy, workforce readiness, career discovery and entrepreneurship education for middle and high school students.

  The Literacy Lab - $35,000
  To support rigorously-trained, full-time tutors in high-need K-3 classrooms.

  NextUp RVA - $200,000
  To coordinate and deliver high-quality afterschool programs in four Richmond middle schools and expand services into Albert Hill Middle School.

  Peter Paul Development Center - $50,000
  To support afterschool and summer educational programs that help strengthen the academic performance of students in grades 2-12 in Richmond's East End.

  The Podium Foundation - $15,000
  To continue youth writing programs in Richmond, expand into Henrico County, and implement a trauma-informed care approach.

  Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation - $25,000
  To support general operations as the Foundation transitions its focus to fundraising in support of RPS' strategic goals.

  Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation - $75,000   
  To continue the Richmond Teacher Residency - Petersburg program, creating a sustainable pipeline of highly effective teachers committed to the students of Petersburg City Public Schools for the long term.

  Virginia Mentoring Partnership - $20,000
  To support training, technical assistance, quality assurance and evaluation services for youth mentoring programs.

  YMCA of Greater Richmond - $50,000
  To support out-of-school time programs for low-wealth students in Richmond and Petersburg,

  Kindergarten Readiness

  Family Lifeline - $25,000
  To sustain the Early Childhood Home Visiting initiative serving vulnerable families in Richmond.

  FRIENDS Association for Children - $25,000
  To provide high-quality early childhood, preschool and school-age development programs.

  Partnership for Families - $35,000
  To implement programs that ensure Northside youth have the literacy skills necessary for kindergarten.

  Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond - $100,000
  To provide capacity building support (third 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.

  SOAR365 - $25,000    
  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.

  Virginia Early Childhood Foundation - $20,000
  To support a Community Liaison position to work with families and service providers in the East End.

  Virginia Literacy Foundation - $25,000
  To support a project that helps achieve equity in kindergarten readiness and family literacy among children and families in Petersburg and Richmond's Southside.

  YWCA of Richmond - $40,000
  To provide operating support to create access to opportunities, strengthen resilience, and advance equitable systems for lifelong success.

  ---

  Health & Wellness

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members are healthy and safe.

  Access to Primary Care

  Central Virginia Health Services - $50,000
  To establish a school-based health center at Petersburg High School.

  Conexus - $25,000
  To support mobile vision clinic services in Chesterfield, Petersburg, Henrico and Richmond schools.

  Free Clinic of Powhatan - $15,000
  To support operating expenses vital to patient care, including salary support, prescriptions, dental services, medical and office supplies and marketing resources.

  Richmond City Health District - $75,000
  To support the Community Health Worker program.

  Basic Physical Health

  Feed More - $50,000    
  To deliver healthy meals to food-insecure and homebound seniors and disabled adults in Central Virginia.

  Greater Richmond Fit4Kids - $15,000
  To equip parents and amplify their voices to lead policy and systems change efforts to improve their children's health and wellness.

  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.

  Tricycle Urban Ag - $20,000
  To increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Richmond and Henrico.

  Targeted Interventions

  ChildSavers - $50,000
  To support quality early care and mental health care to help children overcome trauma through resilience. 

  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.

  Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging - $25,000
  To support education and advocacy programs that increase equitable access to services, address the changing needs of our community, and enable more people to remain in their homes and communities.

   

  Total Grants: $3,058,000

  
  

• Community Foundation Announces 2018 Community Impact Grants

  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.

   

  Community Vibrancy

  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.

  
  

  Arts and Culture

  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.
  
  

  Community Building

  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.
  
  

  Natural Resources

  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.

   

  Economic Prosperity

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that the region’s resources are sustainable, and its residents are economically stable and secure.   

  Adult Workforce Development

  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.

  
  

  Homelessness Reduction

  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.
  
  

  Neighborhood Development

  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.

  
  Safe and Affordable Housing

  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.

   

  Educational Success

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that young people achieve in school, engage in their community and are prepared for the workforce.  

  College/Career Readiness

  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.

  K-12 Academic Success - In-School

  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.           

   

  K-12 Academic Success – Out-of-School 

   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.

   
  

  Kindergarten Readiness

  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.

   

  Health & Wellness

  Grants awarded in this category aim to ensure that community members are healthy and safe.

  Access to Primary Care

   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.
  
  

  Basic Physical Health

  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.

  
  

  Targeted Interventions

  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.

  
  

  Total Grants                                                          $2,830,000

• Community Foundation Invites RVA to Serve, Donate and Discuss in Honor of MLK

  

  

  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the beginning of the service year as millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. King by contributing their time, talent, voice and money to improve their communities. Over the MLK Day weekend, the Community Foundation and its partners have coordinated several local activities to inspire volunteerism, community conversations and action. Below are ways to get involved.

   

  
  

  Film and Discussion

  Flint: The Poisoning of An American City (2019): This film traces the timeline of Flint, Michigan’s interaction with the Flint River - from the continued abuse and neglect of both city infrastructure and environmental regulations, to subsequent population decline, through today's crisis. 

  When: Sunday, January 19, 2020, doors open around 1 p.m., movie begins at 1:30 p.m. 

  Where: The Byrd Theatre: 2908 W. Cary Street. 

  Bring: School supplies to donate to Richmond Public Schools (see needs below) 

  Register: FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Click here for tickets.

  The film will be followed by a short discussion and community conversation with the Community Foundation, co-hosts Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) and the University of Richmond Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, and other special community guests.

  Social media: #MLKDayRVA #FlintIsEverywhere and tag @HandsOnRVA @FlintPoisoning 

   

  

  Community Service Projects

  Sign up for a slot on one of several projects with nonprofit and community groups in Richmond. Many volunteer opportunities are family-friendly and include activities like weeding, sorting and organizing, making decorations and much more.

  When: Monday, January 20, 2020

  Where: Across Richmond, VA

  Register: Click here and scroll down to browse MLK Day Service Projects.

   

  

  School Supply Drive

  Community members can join together to support Richmond Public Schools by collecting and donating school supplies, which will be distributed to RPS schools in January 2020. There are two donation drop-off days and volunteers are asked to bring at least 5 items from the list.
  

  When: Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20, 2020

  View Donations List and Register: Click here to learn more.

   Hosted by: RPS, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), University of Richmond Bonner Center for Civic Engagement and HandsOn Greater Richmond

   

  

  Discussion Opportunities

  Take this opportunity to gather your friends, families or colleagues and have a discussion about your community. You can use the following discussion questions as a guide:

  • What is one thing you'd like to change in your community?
  • What are the characteristics of a healthy community?
  • What skills, resources, or talents do you have that you could use to change your community?

  Visit https://www.handsonrva.org/MLKDayofService to view service projects and sign up, or to download resources to use at home. 

• Impact 100 Celebrates Giving $1M in 5 Years to Richmond Community

  

  Founded in 2009, Impact 100 Richmond has spearheaded a collective-giving philanthropist initiative aimed at combining members’ financial resources to build and gift $100,000 grants to nonprofits through a member-led selection and voting process. In just under a decade, the women’s organization has grown to 300+ members representing women from across Central Virginia region. In this same time, Impact 100 members have awarded $1.4 million dollars and 14 grants to local non-profits including Shalom Farms, Children’s Home Society, YWCA, and Art 180. These nonprofits have used the grants to fund “shovel ready” transformational projects to address the communities they serve. 
  
  

  This volunteer led organization has increased fundraising and strategic efforts in recent years and are now awarding two $100,000 grants each year, investing a cumulative $1 million in five years. 

  “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a grant recipient of Impact 100, and to work with the women that are part of the organization,” said Tanya Gonzalez representing 2016 grant recipient, the Sacred Heart Center. “A year ago, in an amazing act of solidarity, we received the infusion of funds to begin our immigration work. Because of the funding, we are now providing access to pro bono immigration legal services for families where there previously was none in Richmond. In addition to that, we have developed a deep partnership with the women of Impact 100, who are now engaged in the issue, willing to learn, and to be advocates for the families that we serve. That partnership extends far beyond the funding, and we are very grateful.” 

  Impact 100 Richmond isn’t just about writing the check and raising the grant funds. Throughout the giving season, the organization hosts member networking events, community learning opportunities and members are encouraged to get involved in the grant proposal process with the participating non-profits. “Most Impact 100 members join because they want to be a part of transforming Richmond’s community, said Impact 100 Chair, Jill Lemon. “Most of our members stay because they recognize a transformation in themselves. From day one to present, my membership experience has provided me with so much more than I could have expected for my financial investment. Education, camaraderie, connection, self-discovery, confidence and leadership skills are just a few of the unexpected benefits of being an Impact 100 member. Being a part of Impact 100 has transformed my perspective, my views and shifted my estimation of just how powerful a group of smart, committed women can be when given an opportunity to belong.” 

  Although Impact 100 Richmond is led by a member-volunteer Board, it relies on a partnership with the Community Foundation that provides administrative support and thought leadership. “Impact 100 is an inspiring example of what happens when passionate people unite for a common purpose,” said Sherrie Armstrong, CEO of the Community Foundation. “As a champion for collective philanthropy, the Community Foundation applauds these dedicated women for growing and sustaining a movement that allows nonprofits to dream big and creates a ripple effect of good throughout the region.” 

  

  In May 2018, Impact 100 Richmond concluded its ninth season, awarding two $100,000 grants to Conexus and ChildSavers for their work with juvenile vision care and mental health services, respectively. Following an 18-month strategic planning process, the Impact 100 leadership team will kick-off milestone Year 10 with a new membership structure and additional grant program. At the Big Give event, Incoming Chair, Carol Anne LaJoie, announced a new “Neighborhood Catalyst Grant” initiative aimed at awarding small increment “seed” funds to nonprofits who are actively supporting a neighborhood selected by the Impact 100 members.

• Community Impact Grants 2020

  

  

  The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond awards annual Community Impact grants to support local nonprofits whose strategies and outcomes align with the Foundation’s four focus areas in community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success and health and wellness, with emphasis on programs and initiatives that will increase access and opportunity for low-income residents in Richmond.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation adjusted its grants process to remain nimble and responsive to the ever-changing and dire needs of our community. This year, grant applications are being reviewed in multiple rounds and will be announced throughout the year.  Most nonprofits will receive unrestricted grants for general operating support as well.  

  The initial round of grants totals $1.64 million to 38 organizations. “The nonprofits in our region remain resilient and innovative and we are so proud of their resolve in making our region a better place, particularly during times of crisis. The first round of grants will directly support our high impact partners, backbone organizations and those involved in critical system delivery to our most vulnerable neighbors throughout the region.” said Dr. Jamelle Wilson, Chair of the Board’s Community Impact Committee. Notable grants this round include:  

  • Richmond City Health District - $100,000 to support Community Health Workers helping residents in low-income neighborhoods overcome the social determinants of health.   
    
  • Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond - $100,000 to bring parents, service providers and funders together through coordination, communication, capacity building and advocacy to ensure that every child can succeed in school and in life.   
    
  • Better Housing Coalition - $150,000 for rental assistance and wrap-around services to help people get back to work and stay in stable housing.  
    

  Community Impact grants are just one of many ways the Community Foundation has supported our region during the pandemic. In March, the Foundation launched the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund with the Emergency Management Alliance of Central Virginia, raising more than $6 million from 800 gifts and granting more than $3.4 million to 100 organizations and localities to date. The responsive, phased grantmaking from this Fund began with emergency response strategies for the region’s most vulnerable residents, like health services, shelter for the homeless, food access, and PPE procurement. As the region shifts into pandemic recovery mode, the Fund will support longer term recovery efforts such as eviction prevention remedies, rental assistance, employment services and public school reopening efforts.  

  More Community Impact grants will be awarded this fall from the initial pool of applications. 

  >> See a complete listing of the Community Impact Grants - Round 1 

• Community Foundation and OST partners receive 'Transformational Philanthropy Award'

  

  

  ^{Photo credit: Scott Elmquist}

  In celebration of National Philanthropy Day, the Central Virginia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) honored ten awardees at a luncheon on November 14 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, recognizing those who have made an extraordinary impact on the quality of life, cultural vibrancy, and fabric of our region. Since 1996, AFP has honored more than 100 philanthropists, businesses, and volunteers in the community.

  The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Altria, the City of Richmond and the Robins Foundation were collectively nominated by NextUp and awarded the “Transformational Philanthropy Award,” which honors those who have created powerful change and compelling outcomes by significantly transforming the reach and scope of an organization. 

  Through a synchronized vision, coordinated funding efforts and joint planning, this partnership has created greater access to high-quality Out-of-School Time (OST) programming for youth in the City of Richmond.  This joint investment has added nearly 1,000 afterschool slots across RPS elementary and middle schools and community-based centers, and continued coordination and funding will ensure growth and sustainability for these programs.

  “As partners, we know that creating a coordinated OST system that provides access to consistent, high-quality afterschool experiences improves academic achievement, workforce readiness and social, emotional and physical health among RPS students,” said Scott Blackwell, Chief Community Engagement Officer at the Community Foundation.  “This is an example of collaboration at its best.  However, this is not a ‘get a win and move on’ strategy.  The stage is now set for additional work.”

  In the coming year, this collaborative partnership is putting together a community-wide OST Steering Committee to help guide strategy. Work groups will be formed to collect critical data from key stakeholders, create additional professional development opportunities for instructors, and continue the conversation around key barriers such as transportation access. 

  “Many people have seen the value and are committed to a long-term sustainable shift that will result in better social emotional health and academic outcomes for our children,” said Blackwell, “and we are proud to be a partner in this work to have greater impact and ultimately bring our community to a more prosperous place.”