The Community Foundation of the New River Valley Annual Report 2024-2025

WHAT REMAINS CERTAIN A Letter from Jessica Wirgau, CEO

A s our staff members and volunteers talk with donors, grantees, students, and partners, we hear again and again that things feel uncertain right now. For nonprofits, demand for services and funding sources feel uncertain. For some donors, their giving capacity this year feels uncertain. And on and on. Yet, as we move through 2025 awarding scholarships and grants, celebrating another hugely successful GiveLocalNRV Giving Day, and working with our donors to create and grow endowments, we know that many things remain certain. For example, the talent, intelligence, and compassion of our scholarship recipients and our nonprofit partners are certain. Each scholarship applicant’s list of accomplishments both in the classroom and in the community is impressive. And our nonprofit partners demonstrate repeatedly how to innovate and to leverage every dollar to best serve our community. The pride that family, friends, teachers, and coaches have in our scholarship recipients is certain. We see it when reading recommendation letters and at our Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon where 200 people gather to celebrate. Similarly, we see the pride that nonprofit staff and volunteers take in their programs as we read their grant applications, watch their social media feeds during the giving day, and learn about their impact at workshops and events. They believe deeply in their missions and those they serve, and their commitment is inspiring. The kind and generous spirit of each CFNRV donor is certain. In our scholarship recipients, donors see passion for a field of study or a school that they hold dear, or they see glimpses of a loved one in whose memory the scholarship is made. In our grant recipients, they see leaders working tirelessly to provide food, housing, or education, or to improve our quality of life through the arts, recreation, and conservation. Donors provide their financial support, together with their time and expertise, to give back to a community that has welcomed and nourished them. And finally, the unique beauty and character of the New River Valley is certain. We see the natural beauty of the New River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. We admire the leaders committed to working together to address challenges. Over our 30+ year history, the CFNRV has navigated uncertainty together with everyone who makes our work possible. As you read the stories in this year’s report, we invite you to reflect on the steadfast spirit of the New River Valley and take comfort in all those who make this such a wonderful place to live and work.

Celebrating the 2025 Giving Day at the Lyric Theatre.

Families celebrating their students.

2024 Responsive Grantee Luncheon.

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Photos by Margaret Hurst, Three Bird Photography, & Wilsie Photography.