The Community Foundation of the NRV 25-26 Annual Report

In 2020, Deanna founded the nonprofit Inmate Family Assistance (IFA), which works with the Montgomery County Jail to add money to inmates’ telephone and commissary accounts. This literal and figurative lifeline for inmates means they can stay in contact with their families – something many could not do without IFA’s support. Since its inception, IFA has helped over 400 families in the NRV. Her family’s experience, along with seeing how great the need is in the NRV, inspired Deanna to shift the trust’s giving focus. Now, the trust supports organizations meeting basic human needs from food and housing assistance to supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. Moving the Trust to the CFNRV In 2024, Deanna decided to transfer the trust to the CFNRV. It became a field of interest fund, which focuses on specific interest areas, program initiatives, or geographic areas as established by the donor. The CFNRV team

“It just seemed like a perfect fit because I’ve been able to see firsthand how you all manage funds and how much you support local organizations,” said Deanna. “You all are integral to the reason why IFA is still in existence.” Already, the Cox Family Trust has supported five different organizations through the CFNRV’s Responsive Grant process, distributing more than $13,000 in grants.

follows these parameters to select organizations to receive grants.

Hal, Deanna, and Eli in 2026.

KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED

Deanna and Eli shared their story at our 2025 Giving Day event at the Lyric Theatre. Watch via the QR code or visit www.bit.ly/IFAbuzz.

After spending thousands of dollars on phone calls for the three months that her son was in jail, Deanna was inspired to help others. Organizations in our region, such as Virginia CARES and the New River Valley Re-entry Council are active in helping people once they get out. But there are few resources to support families while their loved ones are in jail or prison. The support that IFA provides – just $40/month - makes a huge impact on inmates and their loved ones. Inmate Chris writes, “I just want to start by saying thank you so much for what you are doing and have done for me. I have four little girls out there…you have helped me stay in touch with them by putting money on my books.” To learn more about IFA’s work, visit www.ifaofthenrv.com.

Deanna and Eli on the Lyric’s stage with Buzz host Michael Hemphill. Photo by Three Bird Photography.

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