The Community Foundation of the NRV 2022 2023 Annual Report

2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT

VISION

A productive, healthy, and vibrant New River Valley.

MISSION

To encourage charitable giving, nurture collaboration, and invest in lasting solutions that enhance the quality of life for all in the New River Valley.

Cover photos Wilsie Photography & Lindsey Gleason

A Letter from Jessica Wirgau, Chief Executive Officer MANY DONORS MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

At the same time the CFNRV staff was pulling together this report, we were celebrating a record-breaking GiveLocalNRV Giving Day. You can read in these pages about the factors that helped our community raise $921,648 from 3,329 donors, but what struck our team this year was the wide range of donors whose gifts made up that incredible total. Gifts from $2 to $50,000 came from donors throughout Virginia (148 towns and cities), from across the country (46 other states and one U.S. territory), and from 10 foreign countries to support more than 100 organizations. As with GiveLocalNRV, the CFNRV’s history is one of many different donors giving what they can, when they can. Famously, the CFNRV’s founders seeded our first bank account with about $8 to buy postage. They began reaching out to friends and colleagues to promote the idea of a local foundation supporting local causes, and with that outreach came larger gifts from individuals, families, and businesses. Nearly 30 years and more than 200 endowed funds later, the CFNRV’s commitment to providing those from all walks of life with an avenue to support their community remains the same. For example, the 1994 Society, created in honor of our founders, has donors giving $19.94 or more per month to support CFNRV programs and operations. Some members see the Society as an entry point to charitable giving, while others joined to support initiatives not covered by the endowments they already have with us. On the other end of the spectrum are the estate gifts we develop together with donors looking to leave a legacy.

With tools like a charitable remainder trust or bequest, donors have committed more than $25 million in estate gifts to the CFNRV to date. Yet focusing on any specific amounts obscures the many other ways that CFNRV donors embody the diverse backgrounds, interests, and motivations of our community. Behind each of the endowed funds listed in this report is a deeply personal story. Sometimes it is a way to honor a lost loved one, or to give back to an organization that helped during a difficult time. In other cases, the fund channels a donor’s lifelong advocacy for education, the environment, or animals. In all cases, the desire to support the place we call home is at the forefront, as is our gratitude for the work these donors make possible. As we move forward into next year and our 30th anniversary, we’re excited to celebrate with donors like you who have come together to make the CFNRV what it is today and what it will continue to be for generations to come. Each year, the GiveLocalNRV giving day serves as an important fundraiser for many nonprofits, including long time participants Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley.

Photo courtesy of Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley.

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2022 - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

2022-2023 CORPORATE DONORS & PARTNERS Businesses across the New River Valley provide essential support to the Community Foundation’s operations and initiatives through cash and in-kind contributions. These donations underwrite our community events, nonprofit leadership development programs, and regional initiatives, including our annual online GiveLocalNRV Giving Day.

$5,000 & above Atlantic Union Bank First Bank & Trust Co. Green Valley Builders National Bank of Blacksburg $1,000 to $4,999 Automation Creations, Inc. Carter Bank & Trust Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Legacy Builders, Inc. LewisGale Hospital Montgomery Meridian Bird Removal Olio Financial Planning The Maroon Door/Off the Mall Brewing Virginia Community Capital Up to $999 Brown, Edwards, & Company LLP Liberty Mutual In-Kind Sponsors 5Points Creative Buzz4Good Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech New River Computing New River Valley Magazine Other Corporate Partners

At our annual Celebration of Giving event, Amanda Lawrence (left) from Atlantic Union Bank sits with Shannon Hardwicke (middle) from June Bug Center and Laura Pynn (right) from CFNRV.

Old Town Printing Wilsie Photography WSLS Wordsprint

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

Photo by Wilsie Photography

At a 2023 GiveLocalNRV event for the YMCA at Virginia Tech, Susan and Alice Ledford (left and middle) connect with Eileen Hallenbeck.

At the CFNRV’s Buzz4Good episode premiere at the Moss Arts Center, long-time donor Mike Snow (right) from sponsor Atlantic Union Bank chats with donor Pat Artis.

Photos by Melissa Blythe Ripepi, courtesy of the YMCA at

Virginia Tech, & courtesy of the June Bug Center

Students and team members from the June Bug Center celebrate their success with GiveLocalNRV. In 2023, June Bug Center won one of two $1,500 GiveLocalNRV Superstar grants.

At the Buzz4Good episode premiere, CFRNV board members Catherine Cotrupi (left) and Angela Joyner (second from left) celebrate with fellow attendees.

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RECORD-BREAKING 10TH ANNUAL GIVELOCALNRV GIVING DAY RAISES $921,648 FROM COMMUNITY

donors to all come together to celebrate giving to charitable causes. The event consistently demonstrates the generosity of the NRV community as well as the power of many people coming together to have a huge impact. Among the 3,329 donors this year, they made 4,348 donations that ranged from $2 to $50,000, with a median donation of $50. Throughout the years, this event has become integral to many local nonprofits’ success. “Giving Day gives us the unique opportunity to extend our reach much further than we would be able to on our own and provides us with a platform for sharing our story,” said Morris Fleischer, vice president of the board of the Giles County Christian Service Mission, a long-time GiveLocalNRV participant.

This June, our 10th Annual GiveLocalNRV Giving Day raised a record-breaking $921,648 from 3,329 donors for more than 100 nonprofit organizations across the New River Valley. Held this year from noon to noon, June 28 – 29, originally the overall goal for this 24-hour online giving event was set at $500,000 – a similar total to what was raised in 2022 and 2021. But the New River Valley community had other plans. “When we began the annual giving day in 2014, we raised just under $40,000, and we never dreamed that the event would grow to this level,” said Jessica Wirgau. “Ultimately, the money raised across more than 100 organizations benefits members of our community experiencing food insecurity or homelessness, it helps those who are seeking childcare and healthcare, it preserves the beauty of our environment, and so much more.” This year, 115 organizations registered to participate in the giving day. Summer Musical Enterprise was one of 15 participants in the arts and culture category.

10 YEARS OF GIVELOCALNRV $3,588,787 Total $ Raised 21,227 Total # of Donations $376,234 Total $ Raised for CFNRV

In ten years, this community-wide event has engaged dozens of nonprofits and thousands of

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

Photo courtesy of Summer Musical Enterprise

Why was this year so successful?

Our team was excited about what might happen for our 10th anniversary of the giving day, but none of us predicted that we would raise more than $900,000! Here are some reasons why we saw such success this year: 1. More organizations are incorporating the giving day into their annual giving campaigns, so they and their donors are used to the timing of the event and how it works. 2. We added an extra week to the early giving period by moving the date to the last week of June. During this time, many organizations were actively fundraising before the 24-hour period began at noon on June 28. We saw a 40% jump in the number of donors this year - 1,333 more people gave compared to 2022. 3. We had a huge boost with our marketing and publicity efforts. Throughout June, a local TV station, WSLS 10, covered stories about the event. This partnership was made possible by the marketing agency 5 Points Creative and Buzz4Good. 4. Nine donations were $10,000 or more, with those large donations totaling $192,000. Donations of $250 or less combined for a huge impact as well: those 3,983 donations totaled $239,112.52.

In addition to fundraising, this event provides an opportunity for publicity for participating nonprofits and draws attention to the vital importance of giving to nonprofits. Fueling the excitement of the day were 24 grants and prizes totaling $25,500 that are awarded to participating nonprofits. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, the CFNRV worked with the TV show Buzz4Good (which airs weekly on Blue Ridge PBS) to film an episode all about the CFNRV’s work and the giving day. The episode premiered in July at the Moss Arts Center with 100 supporters in attendance. At the event, we announced the winner of our final giving day prize (an episode of Buzz for one of our giving day nonprofits): Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary in Floyd. The CFNRV’s Buzz4Good episode can be viewed online at buzz4good.com/episodes. Thank you to everyone in our community for making this year’s giving day so successful! Celebrating at the CFNRV’s Buzz4Good episode premiere with Buzz4Good creator and host Michael Hemphill (left), Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary’s Lee August (second from left), along with CFNRV’s Lindsey and Jessica.

Photo by Melissa Blythe Ripepi

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CFNRV GRANTMAKING: BEYOND THE APPLICATION Among the most visible ways that the CFNRV makes a difference is through grantmaking, particularly the Responsive Grant Program, to which nonprofits apply each year. But Responsive Grants made up just over half of grants awarded in 2022. Beyond the application, the CFNRV awards grants through designated funds and in partnership with donor advisors to support specific programs in all areas of community life. agencies, and more. The flexibility these funds offer, together with the peace of mind that comes with knowing the CFNRV vets each grant recipient, are among the many reasons donors choose to establish endowments with the CFNRV. For more information on the many ways the CFNRV awards grants, visit cfnrv.org/grants or email cfnrv@cfnrv.org.

Designated funds are created by individual donors or organizations to benefit a specific nonprofit. The donor designates one or two organizations to receive an annual grant from the endowment, and the CFNRV simply cuts a check each spring. For nonprofits, it’s a reliable source of annual income and a way to attract donors who may wish to make a major gift or an estate gift that will last for generations. The CFNRV also awards grants through donor advised funds. These funds allow an individual, family, organization, or business to both set the purpose of the fund and to recommend the specific organizations that receive a grant each year. In recent years, donors who have considered establishing a private foundation instead turn to the CFNRV to establish a donor-advised fund. It provides significant control for the donor, while limiting the costs and administrative burden that come with a private foundation. The grantmaking process is simple. Donors contact the CFNRV to recommend a grant be made to a specific nonprofit. The CFNRV conducts due diligence to ensure that organization is a qualified charitable organization in good standing, and we issue a check. Some of the CFNRV’s largest grants are awarded through this process benefitting local schools, literacy programs, food assistance

GRANTMAKING IN 2022 $208,367 RESPONSIVE GRANT PROGRAM

$150,875 DONOR-ADVISED FUND GRANTS

$39,444 DESIGNATED FUND GRANTS

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

ALL NRV

FLOYD

GRANTS BY AREA OF INTEREST

GRANTS BY REGION

7 %

8 %

FLOYD

ALL NRV

GILES

ANIMALS ARTS & CULTURE COMMUNITY & CIVIC AFFAIRS EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

11 %

2 %

37 %

MONTGOMERY

5 %

20 %

25 %

9 %

GILES

PULASKI

HEALTH & WELLNESS

9 %

PULASKI

RADFORD

14 %

POVERTY SUPPORT, PARENTING & CARE

23 %

10 %

WYTHE

20 %

3 %

WYTHE

RADFORD

MONTGOMERY

$14.6 MILLION

TOTAL ASSETS AS OF 3/31/2023

TOTAL ENDOWED FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT TOTAL GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2022

223

$543,644

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TOTAL WORKSHOPS & EVENTS IN 2022

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN 2022 TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN 2023 TO DATE

$1.1 MILLION

$622,000

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SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SURPASSES 1,100 RECIPIENTS

In May, the CFNRV celebrated our 2023 scholarship winners with a luncheon at Omni Place Event Center in Fairlawn.

Scholarship funds are the fastest growing area at the CFNRV. Currently, the Foundation has more than 50 scholarship funds. In the last year, the CFNRV surpassed 1,100 scholarship recipients since we began awarding scholarships in 2002. In the spring and summer of 2023, the Foundation gave out $155,641 in scholarships to 92 students living or studying in the New River Valley, including 20 who are first in their family to attend college. Since 2002, the CFNRV has awarded a total of $1,334,454.70 to students pursuing a wide variety of majors and certifications. Many of these students are funded for multiple years throughout their higher education experiences. Funding for these scholarships comes from generous donors, including individuals, families, and businesses, all with a desire to support the continuing

education of high school seniors, college students, and students attending trade or technical schools. Many of our funds have been awarding scholarships for years, including 14 funds that have awarded 20 or more scholarships. Donors work with the CFNRV to set up a scholarship fund based on specific criteria such as where the student is attending school, their financial needs, or their career goals. When the

2022

2023

$142,596

$155,641

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Photo by Wilsie Photography

Future Commercial Pilot Benefits from Consistent CFNRV Scholarships

fund is fully endowed, income generated from the investment can start awarding scholarships annually, with the goal of funding students for generations to come. The 2023 scholarship recipients include 50 high school seniors, with the greatest number of students coming from Blacksburg High School (11), Floyd County High School (10), Christiansburg High School (8), Eastern Montgomery High School (6), and Auburn High School (4). Also receiving scholarships are 42 college students, with the most students coming from Virginia Tech (27), Radford University (16), and New River Community College (6). “We received a record number of applications this year and I am proud to say that we were able to fund over half of them,” said Laura Pynn, who manages the CFNRV scholarship program. “It is very important to us to help students find a way to realize their dreams when, for so many, college seems so out of reach.” Next year’s scholarship application cycle will open this October, with a deadline to apply in January 2024. Anyone interested in learning more about establishing a scholarship fund to support students in our region may contact the foundation at 540-381-8999 or cfnrv@cfnrv.org.

Cole Shepherd, from Elliston is currently in his final year at Delta State University in Mississippi.

A CFNRV scholarship recipient since 2020, Cole Shepherd calls the support “an absolute blessing”. Cole is studying to be a commercial pilot, which is a long and expensive road. “From the 34 students that started with me in the commercial aviation path, there are only seven of us left,” said Cole. “A good portion of them had to drop out because of the high costs of this career path. Scholarships like the ones from CFNRV have helped me to continue this path.” Following college, Cole will need to log more flight hours before transitioning into his dream career as a pilot. Once he is established in his career, Cole wants to help students just like him by donating back to the CFNRV.

Photo courtesy of Cole Shepherd

I am so appreciative of being a recipient of this scholarship. The Community Foundation of New River Valley has been a great part of my success so far in my journey to become a commercial pilot.

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PAYING IT FORWARD The Blue Collar Scholarship honors the life & impact of Kent Quesenberry

In addition to sharing his expertise on the job site, Kent’s values around gaining and sharing knowledge extended to higher education. When his daughters Billie and her younger sister Jessie were both in college at the same time, Kent and his wife, Joni, started to think about how they could eventually help other blue collar families navigate paying for college, especially because both of their daughters benefitted from scholarships. “We’re a blue collar family and it’s very close to our hearts. We learned that being a second, third, and fourth year in college makes it much harder to get scholarships,” said Jessie. “We want to help families like ours by helping their kids go to college or further their education in whatever way.” Eventually, Joni reached out to the CFNRV to gather information about setting up a scholarship fund, but life got busy, and the idea was shelved for the time being. Years later, in 2021, Kent unexpectedly passed away. While his family was discussing how to honor his legacy, they revisited the idea of a scholarship to support families like theirs. When they felt ready, they reached back out to the Foundation. “Everyone at the Foundation made this a welcoming and supportive experience. The Blue Collar Scholarship would not be a reality without their help,” said Joni. “Learning all the rules and laws involved in setting up a scholarship would be overwhelming without their expertise and guidance. With the Foundation at our side, we now feel like the scholarship will continue to grow and be around for generations.”

Kent Quesenberry used to say, “You’re never too old to learn something new each day.” As a Master Plumber and Class B contractor, Kent could often be seen leaning on his shovel at a worksite, taking the time to get to know everyone and pass along advice and encouragement. “He was an awesome person and had a hello for every single person he met. He made it feel like you had known him your whole life,” said Billie, one of Kent’s daughters. “He was always a jokester, always laughing, and always had a twinkle in his eye.” Blue collar is in our genes,” said Joni Quesenberry. “Both Kent’s and my families were blue collar and Billie and Jessie inherited the gene.

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Photo courtesy of the Quesenberry family

At their last Christmas together with Kent in 2020, the Quesenberry family gathers. Back row from left: Wesley Turpin (Jessie’s husband), Kent, Kerry Martin (Billie’s husband); front row from left: Jessie, Joni, and Billie.

Together with the CFNRV team, Joni, Billie, and Jessie worked out the parameters of the fund, to provide scholarships to students in the NRV from blue collar families to pursue a degree at a 2 or 4-year college, university, trade, or technical school. Scholarship selection criteria include demonstrated financial need and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Preference is given to students already in college. The Quesenberry family have been surrounded by the support of their community since Kent’s passing, with many individuals and businesses contributing to the scholarship fund. They also heard stories about Kent’s impact on those who knew him and how many people he had gone out of his way to help over the course of his career. As Kent’s family reflects on the future, they hope that the scholarship comes to someone at the

right time and helps them do something – just like scholarships did for Billie and Jessie. All three women find comfort in knowing they are helping to continue Kent’s legacy of encouraging people along their path in life. They hope that receiving a scholarship from the fund inspires those students to one day help others in a similar position and that it continues to grow each year. “It would be our greatest joy to know that Dad’s legacy will continue and enable others to continue their education,” said Billie. Learn more and donate to the fund at givelocalnrv. org/story/Bluecollar. For more information about setting up a scholarship fund, contact the CFNRV team at cfnrv@cfnrv.org or 540-381-8999.

Photo courtesy of the Quesenberry family

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FIRST STEPS TACKLES THE CHILDCARE WORKFORCE CRISIS

The pandemic brought the importance of human service providers and educators to the forefront of everyone’s mind, emphasizing the ways in which teachers, counselors, food pantry volunteers, and more form the foundation of our communities. As the pandemic has waned, it is easy to forget how essential this workforce is, yet these sectors remain in crisis, especially in the New River Valley’s childcare industry. The NRV’s Early Education Workforce Qualified educators are the backbone of childcare. Recruiting and retaining staff has always been challenging, but today the industry is at a crisis point. As of fall 2022, childcare centers in the NRV were operating at about 50% of their licensed capacity, meaning centers have the physical space to accommodate more children but lack the number of teachers needed to meet state-mandated ratios and provide quality care. The lack of teachers is not surprising given that the starting salary for an early educator in the NRV is between $12 and $16 per hour, often without benefits. With public schools similarly navigating a tight labor market, many childcare teachers move into the public school system, while still others leave the industry for higher pay and less stress. Unlike some other industries, raising prices to raise pay is not an easy decision. Center directors must balance paying their staff a wage worthy of their expertise with keeping tuition affordable for families. The average cost of infant care in Virginia is more than $15,000 annually, and that amount is still not reflective of the true cost of high-quality care. The NRV’s childcare providers

The 2022 Early Childhood Champions. Left to right: Bonnie Graham, Chelsea Naughton Sharlow, Shannon Marshall Mury, Judy Shelor, and Bonnie Caldwell (representing herself and co teacher Ben Rowan.)

Setting up a Book Walk by Virginia Tech’s Duck Pond.

have maximized pandemic-relief dollars to raise pay and provide bonuses, but their long-term ability to maintain and grow pay is precarious. Moreover, those teachers that remain in the field are facing burnout while managing an increase in behavioral challenges among children in their care.

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Photos by Wilsie Photography & Courtesy of Meghan Pfleiderer

Investing in Local Solutions First Steps is a network of organizations and individuals working to support young children and families. With financial and administrative leadership from the CFNRV, First Steps working groups collaborate to disseminate information about the importance of early childhood and lead programs to support the early education and development workforce through locally based solutions. State and federal funding has been helpful in keeping care affordable while addressing workforce challenges, but these programs lack flexibility and can be cumbersome to manage. In 2022, First Steps was awarded a four-year $1.15 million grant from the Town of Blacksburg’s American Rescue Plan funds to pilot a program focused on stabilizing and growing the childcare workforce in Blacksburg. The program will provide financial incentives to recruit and retain educators, focus on hands-on mentorship and professional development, and work with public schools and community colleges to expand the number of people pursuing early education as a career. “Our goal is to balance the flexibility providers need with reporting that helps us understand how local investment can attract, retain, and support talented educators, all so we can expand this across the NRV,” said Margaret Hurst, First Steps Program Coordinator. In addition to this grant award, the CFNRV has been working with Virginia Tech, business leaders, and government officials to emphasize the importance of childcare to economic development and the need for both financial and in-kind investment. “NRV employers recognize that access to affordable, quality childcare is essential to attracting and retaining their own workforce,” said Jessica Wirgau. “There is no one-size-fits all solution, but each of us can do something to support the amazing educators that care for our children.” For more information about First Steps and ways to support early education, email margarethurst@cfnrv.org or visit cfnrv.org/first-steps.

WORKFORCE CRISIS In fall 2022, NRV childcare centers were operating at about 50% of their licensed capacity due to teacher shortages.

INADEQUATE PAY

Starting salaries range from $12 to $16 per hour, well below the $18-$24 per hour available for some entry-level office or retail positions.

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REASONS TO GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Prudent Financial Management Our team entrusts its assets to locally based, professional money managers who believe in our mission and help us to sustain our endowed funds in perpetuity. Our managers include: • Atlantic Union Bank • First Trust & Wealth Management • National Bank of Blacksburg

Donor Engagement We encourage all of our donors to be actively involved in our work. We provide you with timely, accurate information about your fund; invite feedback on grant and scholarship applications; and offer opportunities throughout the year for you to meet the people and organizations that you support.

• Olio Financial Planning • Wells Fargo Advisors

Local Knowledge for Local Impact We are dedicated to ensuring that your gift has the greatest positive impact right here in the New River Valley. Our professional staff has extensive knowledge of regional needs and the innovative programs and organizations meeting those needs. They can help you to find the causes that appeal to you and ensure that your gift truly makes a difference.

Many Ways to Make an Impact We offer many different ways to make an impact with your charitable gift, including: • Starting an endowed fund based on your unique charitable interest. • Contributing to one of over 200 existing endowments supporting scholarships and grants in a variety of issue areas. • Maximizing your impact through the Fund for the NRV, which is focused on helping organizations work together to meet regional needs.

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WAYS TO GIVE

DEFERRED GIFTS

Bequest You may start a fund or give to an existing fund through a bequest in your will. Some donors designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of their estate. Others simply leave the residue of their estate to the CFNRV. The CFNRV staff is happy to provide you and your estate planning advisors with sample bequest language. Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) A CRT provides you with a lifetime income to yourself, your spouse, or other beneficiary while designating the principal of the trust to the CFNRV upon your death. This principal can be used to create a new endowed fund in your name or support an existing fund at the CFNRV. Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) A CLT allows you to provide support to the CFNRV through annual payments from the trust’s income for a period of years. These payments can be allocated to an endowed fund you establish or to another existing fund at the CFNRV. Upon the termination of the trust, the principal goes to designated beneficiaries such as family members. Private Foundation Transfer Administering and making grants from a private foundation can become burdensome for its trustees. Trustees can elect to transfer the assets of a private foundation to the CFNRV to establish an endowed fund carrying the same name and purpose as the private foundation. Trustees can continue to serve as advisors to the fund without the cumbersome administrative responsibilities.

OUTRIGHT GIFTS

Cash You can make an immediate,

tax-deductible gift via cash, check, or credit card to establish a fund or support an existing fund at the CFNRV. Simply make your check out to the CFNRV and designate a specific fund in the memo line, or go to cfnrv.org/give to make a secure, online gift. Appreciated Securities The CFNRV has extensive experience handling non-cash gifts, including appreciated securities, which are publicly traded stocks. When you transfer ownership of securities to the CFNRV, you avoid capital gain on the appreciation and enjoy the full tax benefits of contributing to a public charity.

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DESIGNATED/AGENCY FUNDS 

Designated or agency funds support specific agencies identified by the donor. Many organizations also establish endowed funds with the CFNRV to provide a long-term source of funding that meets their unique missions. 41 funds / 13% of foundation assets / $39,444 awarded in 2022

Administrative Endowment Fund (Miles C. & Ruth C. Horton, Jr.) Supports the mission of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley by supporting administrative expenses. Friends of Pulaski County Library to promote the interests of the Pulaski County Library System and to educate the members and the community about library services. Specifically supports books for children. Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club Endowment Supports the charitable activities of the Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club. Blacksburg Community Band Founders Scholarship Endowment * Supports the Founders Scholarship program of the Blacksburg Community Band. Betty B. Kegley Endowment Supports the mission of the

Blacksburg New School Endowment

Donald L. & Lois H. Stafford Endowment for the Humane Society of Pulaski County Supports the mission of the Humane Society of Pulaski County to advance the welfare of animals in Pulaski County, Virginia. Ethel C. Flippin Endowment Supports programming carried out by The Friends of Pulaski County Library, which promotes the interests of the Pulaski County Library System. Frank & Shirleigh Marvin Scholarship Fund for the Renaissance Music Academy Supports the mission of the Renaissance Music Academy of Virginia. Friends of Claytor Lake, Inc. Endowment Fund Supports the mission of the Friends of Claytor Lake. Giles Animal Rescue Inc. Endowment Fund Supports the mission of Giles Animal Rescue.

Supports the Blacksburg New School, a nonprofit organization located in Blacksburg, Virginia, to advance the priority objectives articulated in its most recently adopted strategic plan. Brickey Family Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Fund Supports the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. Community Health Center of the New River Valley Endowment Fund (Formerly the Free Clinic of the New River Valley) Supports the mission of the Community Health Center of the New River Valley. Don Michelsen Administrative Endowment Provides annual funding to meet Community Foundation operational costs with a goal of self-sufficiency. In memory of Don Michelsen, founding board member for the CFNRV.

* Fund established in 2022 – 2023

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Hale Community Garden Endowment Supports the Hale Community Garden, a community garden located in Blacksburg, Virginia and managed by Live, Work, Eat, Grow, Inc. Jim & Janet Johnson Band Scholarship Supports enhancing the musical skills and music appreciation of band students at Blacksburg High School. John & Mary Jean Brown Fund Supports the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program at New River Community College for Montgomery County students. Lindsay B. West Administrative Endowment Supports the mission of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Lineweaver Family Fund Supports the missions of the YMCA at Virginia Tech and Montgomery County 4-H, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Literacy Volunteers of America – New River Valley Endowment Fund (Louis M. Gwin & Rachel R. Parker-Gwin) Supports Literacy Volunteers of America – New River Valley.

Children gather at the Iris Brammer Library, a 2022 Responsive Grant recipient.

Photo courtesy of the Iris Brammer Library

MCEAP Endowment (Joe & Margot Thompson) Supports the Montgomery

Montgomery County Christmas Store Endowment Fund Supports the mission of the Montgomery County Christmas Store.

County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP) in memory of Father Harry Scott and in honor of MCEAP’s dedicated staff and volunteers, exemplified by Margie Vitale.

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DESIGNATED/AGENCY FUNDS . . . 

Pulaski County Library System Endowment Fund Supports the mission of the Pulaski County Library System. Radford Child Development, Inc. Fund Supports the mission of Radford Child Development, Inc. Robbie Armbrister Memorial Family Services Fund * (Friends & family of Robbie Armbrister) Supports children, youth, young adults and young families with children under the age of 25 that are in crisis or need a hand up, who are located principally in the Virginia counties of Henry and Wythe through grants to Piedmont Community Services in Martinsville, Virginia and Help Overcoming Poverty’s Existence (HOPE), in Wytheville, Virginia. Roy & Vivian Davis Memorial Fund (James & Josephine Shotts) Supports the mission of the Bladen County, North Carolina Library. SEEDS Endowment Fund Supports the mission of SEEDS (Seek, Education, Explore, Discover).

The Open Door Café in Wytheville is a “donate-what-you-can” restaurant and run by a 2022 Responsive Grant recipient The Open Door Community (formerly Helping Overcome Poverty’s Existence, Inc.)

Montgomery Museum of Art & History Endowment Supports the mission of the Montgomery Museum of Art and History. Nancy & Thomas Murray Endowment for NRV CARES Supports the mission of NRV CARES. New River Family Shelter Fund Supports the mission of the New River Family Shelter.

NRV Dental Benevolence Fund (Joe & Margot Thompson) Supports dental services and dental education provided by the Community Health Center of the New River Valley. NRV Leading Lights Endowment Supports NRV Leading Lights, an organization committed to acknowledging and honoring volunteers across the NRV who are making community-changing impacts.

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Photo courtesy of Open Door Community

Sharon Scott Leadership & Business Endowment Provides grants to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support business involvement in the Chamber membership community; to include seats in the leadership class, possible membership support, and other programs as deemed appropriate by the Chamber. Susan Mattingly Lyric Theatre Endowment * (The Lyric Council) Supports the operations and programs of the Lyric Theatre. Town of Blacksburg Senior Center Endowment Fund (Bruce M. & Constance D. Anderson) Supports the mission of the Town of Blacksburg Senior Center. United Way of the New River Valley Endowment Fund Supports the mission of the United Way of the New River Valley.

Valley Interfaith Child Care Center Fund Supports the mission of the Valley Interfaith Child Care Center. William J. Dawson, Jr. Memorial Fund (Evelyn Sandy Dawson) Supports the ongoing work of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Women’s Resource Center Endowment Fund Supports the mission of the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. Young Life Kids to Camp Fund Supports Young Life of Virginia with funding to provide scholarships to send kids to camp. Youngs Memorial Fund (Robert & Esther Youngs) Supports the maintenance of the International Peace Garden in Blacksburg, and educational or cultural programs associated with the garden.

Zeta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega Endowment Fund for Leadership, Friendship & Service Supports the mission of the Zeta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega.

A child plays at Wonder Universe, A Children’s Museum, a 2022 Responsive Grant recipient.

Photo courtesy of Wonder Universe

Fund Spotlight: The Susan Mattingly Lyric Theatre Endowment Originally opened to the public in 1930, the Lyric Theatre was refurbished in the late 1990s to become a centerpiece of life in downtown Blacksburg. Susan Mattingly served as Executive Director of the Lyric from November 2000 to May 2023. During her tenure, she made the historic theatre a vibrant destination for films, live music, and other cultural programs. She has also been active in numerous nonprofit organizations and currently serves as a member of the Blacksburg Town Council. In honor of Susan’s tireless work as executive director, the Lyric Council established this endowment to provide ongoing support to the Lyric’s mission and programs.

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DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

Donor advised funds are established by donors who wish to actively participate in the grantmaking process by recommending charitable projects or organizations to support with their grant dollars. 86 funds / 22 support general charitable purposes throughout the region 48% of foundation assets / $265,666 awarded in 2022

Akers Browning Enrichment Fund for Young Women Provides young women and girls in the New River Valley, particularly those experiencing financial hardship and complicated home lives, with opportunities and experiences otherwise not available to them. Ann & H.W. Huff, Jr. Family Fund Supports charitable work in Pulaski County that serves the poor, the needy, and the less fortunate. Annette & Lee Brown Fund (Jo & Bud Brown) Supports collaboration among charitable, governmental, and private agencies to address critical needs in the New River Valley. Arts Alliance Endowment Fund Supports local arts organizations and individual artists (through a sponsoring organization) in support of arts projects and/or specific operational needs related to the arts.

Arts Fund of the CFNRV (Chris Thompson) Supports activities that promote the arts. Bauers-Wall Foundation (Kamala Bauers & Jack Wall) Supports the charitable, religious, scientific, educational, and/ or literacy activities of qualified charitable organizations located in and/or serving Floyd County. Supports the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley and other charitable organizations in the region. BelleBend Fund Provides grants to improve, support, survey, and enhance the lives and educations of the very youngest citizens of Giles County and their families – prenatally through kindergarten – with particular emphasis on those living in poverty. Beatrice S. Kalka Endowment Fund

Blue Roads Education Fund (Lee & Patti Talbot) Provides grants to improve global competencies and foster innovation among teachers and school leaders in rural communities in Southwestern Virginia through customized, professional learning. Cabell & Shirley Brand & SEEDS Student Fellowship & Mini-Grant Fund (Cabell & Shirley Brand, & Mike Rosenzweig) Provides grants of fellowships to high school and college students to encourage and facilitate the study, research, and development of solutions to social and environmental issues such as recycling, education, hunger, land use, homelessness, biodiversity, and health care in Southwest Virginia. This includes, but is not limited to, the VA Vital Signs region.

* Fund established in 2022 – 2023

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

Chachra Family Cultural Fund Promotes understanding of the culture of India by supporting cultural activities such as workshops, readings, movies, festivals, concerts, fireworks, and dance. Children’s Shelter Home Endowment Fund Supports charities that assist children in need. Chris Thompson Family Endowment Supports general charitable purposes in the New River Valley. Community Service Fund (James & Josephine Shotts) Supports general charitable activities in the New River Valley. Cottingham-Stuart Community Fund (Bob & Emily Stuart) Supports general charitable purposes or the YMCA at Virginia Tech. Daniel C. & Joanne L. Bell Endowment Fund Supports charitable organizations that are engaged in hospice care. Photo courtesy of New River Community Action

2022 Responsive Grant Recipient Virginia CARES, a program of New River Community Action that supports formerly imprisoned citizens.

Dianna Pickering Memorial Garden Fund Supports the development of interpretative botanical sites open and accessible to the general public, such as those on the grounds of Historic Smithfield Plantation. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (Margot Sebba) Supports NRV public charities that assist AIDS victims and their families, children in need, those in need of hospice care, and the homeless.

Early Childhood Education Teachers Fund (David, Marilyn & Mark Hutchins) Supports professional development and continued strengthening of NRV early childhood education teachers. Eclectic Oenophiles Endowment Fund Supports general charitable purposes with emphasis on programs and organizations serving Pulaski County and the City of Radford.

Davis Family Fund (C.Y. & Carol Davis) Supports general charitable purposes.

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2022 - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS . . .

Ellen Moore Memorial Fund (The Rotary Club of Montgomery County) Supports general charitable purposes. Endowment for Floyd County Supports NRV charities with a focus on Floyd County. Endowment for Giles County Supports nonprofit work in Giles County. Feisty Floyd Filanthropists Supports charitable organizations serving Floyd County. Fritz & Emma Spengler Loving Memorial Fund (Manfred Spengler) Supports Young Life of Virginia exclusively for camp scholarships; specifically for youngsters residing in Montgomery County and Giles County. George R. & Mildred H. Smith Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes in the NRV. Gerus Blieszner Fund Promotes innovative classroom practices in Montgomery County elementary schools. Coordinated with the public school system’s STAR grants.

Hawk’s Ridge Fund (Donna E. Douglas)

Supports the Women’s Resource Center of the NRV, SEEDS, and the New River Land Trust. Hazelton Family Fund Supports the purchase of science equipment and supplies for science lessons for public school children in Yellowstone County, Montana, and the New River Valley, Virginia. HMM Miami High School Scholarship Fund Provides scholarships for graduated Miami (AZ) High School students pursuing higher education at a major Arizona college or university. HMM Poverty Assistance Fund Supports programs addressing problems of poverty. Homer T. & Beverly A. Hurst Family Endowed Fund Supports general charitable purposes including scholarships. Hulannie A. Jenkins & Kimberlyn Atherton-Jenkins Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes.

Ghia Borg Memorial Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Ghia Borg Memorial Health Care Fund Supports health care needs of the poor, the needy, and the less fortunate. Goette Family Fund Addresses issues of race, the environment, and early childhood through grants to qualified charitable organizations in the United States, with emphasis on projects in Donaldsonville, Louisiana and the river parishes of South Louisiana. In 2022, the Floyd County Humane Society received a Responsive Grant from the Homer T. and Beverly A. Hurst Family Fund.

Photo courtesy of the Floyd County Humane Society

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

JJ Fund Supports scholarships for the needy in the NRV and art supplies for classroom needs. Jackson S. Copenhaver Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Jackson S. Copenhaver Legacy Fund Supports scholarships for students in Animal and Poultry Sciences and provides annual support to the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Jacobs Family Fund Supports charitable organizations and programs for young children and families in need. Jane Brugh Layman Charitable Fund Supports benevolences such as the Free Clinic, Interfaith Food Pantry, and Habitat for Humanity; and for cultural activities. Joann & J.B. Sutphin Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Kammerer Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Katherine M. & William H. Sanders Family Fund Promotes education, intellectual development, and social engagement among children and young people with particular emphasis on the arts.

Kennedy Family Fund Supports NRV and US agencies that are engaged in Christian mission efforts locally, nationally, and internationally. Kolla-Landwehr Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Litschert Family Fund Supports general charitable activities, the environment, and education in the NRV. Lydia Roeske Wright Memorial Fund (Reverdy Wright) Supports libraries in the New River Valley and general charitable purposes. MANISTAL Fund (The Grieco Family) Supports general charitable purposes. Margaret & Samuel H. Tollison Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Mark & Connie Froggatt Fund for Public Education Supports Montgomery County Public Schools to enable students, teachers and administrators to discover, advance, and enhance educational opportunities through grants awarded in conjunction with the Montgomery County Educational Foundation.

Mary E. Sanders Family Fund Promotes education, intellectual development, social awareness, and civic responsibility among young people; especially those from circumstances with no previous history of college education. Mary P. Risacher Memorial Fund (Bill & Mary Lee Hendricks, Anthony Equale) Supports general charitable purposes. Miller Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Montgomery County Educational Foundation Endowment Supports Montgomery County Public Schools to enable students, teachers, and administrators to discover, advance, and enhance educational opportunities. Nelle Oakey Ryan Gardner Fund (Rebecca Ryan Dunkenberger) Supports general charitable purposes. New Mountain Climbers Fund Supports charitable organizations serving Montgomery County for general charitable purposes, including scholarships.

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DONOR ADVISED FUNDS . . .

Piscura Family Endowed Fund Supports qualified charitable organizations in the NRV and elsewhere that are engaged in protecting the environment, education, and gun control. Pulaski County Library System Fund Supports the Pulaski Library System. Recognition Research Foundation Supports general charitable purposes. Robert & Emily Stuart Grassroots Leadership Development Fund Supports grassroots leadership development in the New River Valley. Robert E. & Nadine J. Newcomb Memorial Fund - The Parenting Skills Fund Supports charities that teach parenting skills, especially to disadvantaged parents of pre school aged children.

Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary’s Alex Tuchman and CFNRV Board President Pat Hyer at the CFNRV’s annual grantee reception.

New River Valley Association of Realtors Community Engagement Fund Provides grants to nurture and strengthen our local communities by impacting three pivotal areas of importance – diversity, housing opportunity, and smart growth – in the counties of Montgomery, Floyd, Pulaski, and Giles; the City of Radford; the counties of Wythe, Carroll, Bland, Tazewell, and Grayson; and the City of Galax.

New River Valley Fund for Animals (Chris Thompson) Supports charitable organizations or agencies in the NRV for companion animal welfare programs. North Family Fund Supports charitable organizations that help single, head-of household families – especially those of Hispanic origin – in need.

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY

Photo by Lindsey Gleason

Fund Spotlight: The Gerus-Blieszner Fund

Steve Gerus and Rosemary Blieszner established the very first endowed fund at the Community Foundation of the New River Valley in 1996 as a way to engage their entire family in giving back to their community. Early grants from this fund supported innovative programs in Montgomery County Public Schools, while more recent support has gone to the YMCA at Virginia Tech, the NRV Glean Team, New River Community Action, the Renaissance Music Academy, and many more. For Steve and Rosemary, the opportunity to engage their children early on in giving back, to recommend specific grant recipients each year, and to change their giving preferences over time have been important benefits of their donor-advised fund.

Robert L. Nicholson Family Fund of Radford Provides grants to enhance the well-being and improve the quality of life of children in Radford and the neighboring counties of Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, and Giles. Supports social, ethical, educational, recreational, and health programs or those simple pleasures that bring comfort, security, joy, and smiles to children. Rosina & Dean Carter Fund for the Visual Arts Supports charitable organizations that engage in, educate, or promote the field of visual arts. Smart Beginnings NRV Charitable Fund Supports programs to improve kindergarten readiness and early educational success by supporting quality educational and developmental opportunities in the New River Valley for children and their families, prenatally through early elementary school.

Shuler Family Reading Fund Supports New River Valley charitable organizations that provide literacy services. Stoop Fund (Ellen Ryan) Supports general charitable purposes. Susan Garrison Memorial Fund (Lisa Barroso & friends) Promotes and supports environmental awareness, sustainability, and/or community beautification in the New River Valley. Talbot Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes with awards to organizations such as the Free Clinic of the New River Valley, the Interfaith Food Pantry located at Blacksburg Baptist Church, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, and the Montgomery County Christmas Store.

Todd Family Fund Supports agencies including faith based organizations in Grayson County; the City of Galax, Virginia; and the New River Valley for general charitable purposes. Vernon L. & Lois B. Baldwin Memorial ‘Town & Gown’ Award Fund Supports organizations that make awards to and otherwise honor those individuals who have been of long service to both Virginia Tech and the Blacksburg community. Virle & Al Payne Family Fund Supports general charitable purposes. Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grants Fund To provide scholarships and for general charitable purposes.

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2022 - 2023 ANNUAL REPORT