The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region Newsletter Spring/Summer 2016 www.cfrrr.org
Make It A Million!
Foundation News
Last year, our community generously donated over $822,000 to 155 local nonprofits during The Community Give, doubling the amount raised the first year. This year, we believe participating nonprofits can raise $1,000,000 in a single day–the biggest giving day in local history–Tues. May 3rd. continued page 8
The Davis Initiative will have twice the impact in our community. Take action to help secure a vibrant future for our region by giving a gift today that the Davis Initiative will match.
Board President Bruce Davis and his wife Sandy have been active members in our community for many years. Firm supporters of unrestricted giving, Bruce wants to lead by example in his role as board president and inspire charitable giving throughout the community. “I believe that when you’re with an organization such as The Community Foundation and in a leadership role, you need to lead by example.” Taking his own advice to heart, Bruce and Sandy are offering a $100,000 challenge gift so that other community leaders can make a permanent, positive mark on our community through Youth in Philanthropy or the Community Enrichment Fund. Here is an example of how it works: make a $200 gift before June 30, 2016 to either the Community Enrichment Fund or Youth in Philanthropy Fund, and the Davis Initiative gives a $200 matching gift. This means your leadership gift
Bruce is fond of the Community Enrichment Fund for its unrestricted giving and board-backed decision making, and the Youth in Philanthropy program for its impact on young students – his own daughter, Audrey, included. “It does a lot for kids,” he says, “not just in teaching them about how to give money away, but how to evaluate a grant in order to give it away. It is a great educational tool for when they are adults and need to evaluate their own giving options. I know Audrey’s participation allowed her to mature in her ability to view things from other perspectives.” This is an exciting opportunity for donors who believe in the foundation’s vision of future leaders who are thoughtful, generous and committed to our community. This is also the ideal time to cast your vote of confidence for the foundation and our desire to be responsive and strategic in tackling the big issues in our region. The unrestricted Community Enrichment Fund allows the foundation to make wise decisions about where to fund next based on the knowledge we gain working with the communities most generous citizens and nonprofits with their “boots on the ground”. Donate now to Youth in Philanthropy or to The Community Enrichment Fund and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. Simply mail a check or give on line at www. cfrrr.org/donate-now.
Touching the Lives of Thousands Since the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund was established, over $700,000 in the past 6 years has been awarded to causes that benefit our region’s youth, advance local historic/cultural preservation and promote recreational opportunities in the area. There are many stories about Duff’s quiet philanthropy.
During his lifetime, Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. was a generous man, but private about his giving. Through a single fund at The Community Foundation, established in 2010 after his death, Duff’s philanthropy has touched the lives of thousands of people in the region in only a few years.
“He was riding through town one day when he noticed that the memorial garden at a local church was in need of significant maintenance. Not wanting to impose himself on others (especially since it was not his church), Duff sent the church an envelope with cash and a note asking that the money be used to repair and maintain the garden. That was his way. Quietly making a difference,” said Doug Cooper, an advisor to the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund. The lifelong bachelor and owner of J. W. Masters Lumber Yard in Fredericksburg loved his family farm, Little Falls Farm, in Stafford. Every fall he bought his calves at the local markets, and every spring he sold them. Although regimented in his daily habits, even eating the same breakfast almost every day, Duff loved oysters. “Christmas morning, he could be found sitting on the tailgate of his pickup, eating raw oysters,” said John Neal, an advisor to the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund. Not surprisingly, Duff’s fund has awarded numerous grants to environmental groups, including Friends of the Rappahannock. Other grants have been awarded to groups advocating on behalf of children.
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“The Rappahannock River is one of the most important resources in our region. One of its benefits is the opportunity it provides for recreation and hands-on education. With support from the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation, Friends of the Rappahannock offers these experiences to youth in our region who might not otherwise get that opportunity.
“From learning how to safely swim in the river to practicing basic paddling techniques to investigating the ecology of the river, youth in our region benefit both mentally and physically from these programs. In turn, this benefits our community at large because the more they know about the river and feel connected to it, the more likely they will be to help protect it,” said Assistant Director and Education Director Daria Blom Christian. Awards from his fund were instrumental in the creation of the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Birding and Wildlife Trail at Meadowview Biological Research Station’s Central Virginia Preserve in Caroline County. “These gifts from the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund have allowed us to provide a quality educational and recreational experience for visitors to our headquarters and Central Virginia Preserve. There really is no other preserve like this in Virginia where you can see native rare pitcher plants with guided tours by staff. All of this is possible due to the charitable gifts from the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation,” said Phil Sheridan, Ph.D., President and Director of the Meadowview Biological Research Station. Family history was equally important to Duff. “He frequently reminisced about times with his parents and aunts on the farm,” John Neal said. “With family graveyards in Stafford and Prince William, he took on the responsibility of their upkeep and maintenance.” In Stafford County, hidden in the woods behind Stafford High School, there is a Green Family Cemetery. You need to park and walk quite a distance to reach the site. Every year until his last, he made a trek to that site to clean up the area and place wreaths on the graves of his ancestors dating back to, I believe, the 1700’s. The history of this community was quite important to him,” Doug Cooper said.
Photo credit: Meadowview Biological Research Station
The Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund has provided important support to the Ladies Memorial Fund of Fredericksburg that manages the historic Confederate Cemetery. “The Duff “McDuff Green, Jr. Fund has allowed us to take care of the cemetery, as well as beautify and enhance it. Our income is very limited, consisting only of personal donations and grants like those from the Duff Green Fund,” said Ginnie Branscome, President of the Ladies Memorial Fund.
“I think if Duff were alive today, he’d be pleased with the grants awarded by The Community Foundation in his name. They have been consistent with his feelings,” said Russ Roberts, an adviser to the Duff “McDuff” Green, Jr. Fund.
Another series of grants to the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center has helped that volunteer organization grow. “Without the funds from the Duff Green Fund grant, I know that the center would not have been able to move forward this year with using the services of a marketing firm to develop a strategic marketing plan,” said President Meredith Beckett. “Raising awareness of where the center is and what we do, which is to preserve and make accessible our rich local archives and history, is essential to the growth and well-being of the Heritage Center.” 3
Grant Awards: Six-Month Retrospective Fund
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Grant Amount
Grantee Name
The Beringer Family Endowment Fund
250.00
Duff McDuff Green Jr. Fund
10,000.00 7,500.00 4,000.00 7,500.00 5,500.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 1,500.00 10,000.00 5,214.00 4,972.20 3,500.00 6,250.00 10,000.00
The Hansen Family Fund
500.00 500.00 250.00
The Haven Make a Difference Fund
2,000.00 1,700.00 5,000.00 5,000.00
The Honeywell Charitable Fund
25,000.00 5,000.00 35,001.00 10,000.00 7,500.00
The Marstel-Day Community Conservation Enhancement Fund
1,000.00 7,500.00 1,000.00
Friends of the Rappahannock National Wildlife Refuge Association Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
The Rennie and Richmond McDaniel Fund
1,750.80 583.60 1,167.20 1,459.00 1,459.00 2,918.00
Friends of the Rappahannock Garden Club of Virginia Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters UVA Athletics Foundation UVA McIntire School of Commerce Woodberry Forest School
The Doctor Yum Project Capital Caring Hospice Catholic Charities - Family Services Fredericksburg Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, Inc. Fredericksburg Counseling Services, Inc. Friends of the Rappahannock King George Family YMCA Mental Health America of Fredericksburg Parkside Elementary School Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center Sunshine Ballpark Foundation The George Washington Foundation University of Mary Washington Foundation Washington Heritage Museums Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department Bowling Green Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc St. Christopher's School Foundation Hugh Mercer Elementary School - Gang up for Good Hugh Mercer Elementary School - Virginia Opera in Schools Hugh Mercer Elementary School - Pottery Studies Lafayette Upper Elementary School - Building STEM Gabrielle Dinsmore Heart & Hope Fund S.E.R.V.E. Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts SJI Park and Recreation District SJI Museum of Art Soroptimist International
The Community Foundation receives direct support from many of its named fund donors, including, the Hansen Family Fund, the Honeywell Charitable Fund, the Marstel-Day Community Conservation Enhancement Fund, the Rennie and Richmond McDaniel Fund, and the David Morgan Fund. Thank you for helping sustain our work to protect and grow our vibrant region by advancing community philanthropy! Fund
Grant Amount
Grantee Name
The David Morgan Fund 5,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 3,500.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 3,500.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00
College of William & Mary Fund Empowerhouse Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services Fredericksburg Counseling Services, Inc. Friends of the Rappahannock Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic Micah Ecumenical Ministries Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault Rappahannock Refuge, Inc. Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center St. George's Episcopal Church The Monticello Association Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter, Inc. University of Maryland College Park Foundation
O'Neill Fund for Stewardship of Historic Resources
250,000.00
The George Washington Foundation
The Nicky Seay Charitable Fund
2,500.00
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
The Share Our Selves Fund 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,600.00 1,000.00
Empowerhouse Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Fredericksburg Counseling Services, Inc. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg Micah Ecumenical Ministries Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault Recovery in Motion The Salvation Army of Fredericksburg VA
The Sullivan Family Legacy Fund 1,000.00
Empowerhouse
Trust for Public Education Fund
1,000.00 1,500.00 2,000.00 3,500.00 1,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 4,164.65 2,000.00 500.00
Battlefield Elementary School - Orff Instruments for Students Chancellor Middle School - Character Development via Graphic Design Chancellor Middle School - Teaching for Artist Behavior Courthouse Academy at JJWECC - Aikido for Teens Courtland Elementary School - Stem & Construction Activities for Students Freedom Middle School - Special Education Professional Development John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center Alternative Education Riverbend High School – Special Education Community Engagement Riverbend High School -Student Learning Through Blended Learning Salem Elementary School - Clay Creations
The Virginia Heritage Fund
2,313.14 2,814.00
Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, Inc. Friends of the Rappahannock
Mary and Joe Wilson Fund
3,000.00
University Of Mary Washington Foundation
Youth in Philanthropy
5,000.00 2,114.50 2,885.50
disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock, Inc. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center
Visit cfrrr.org for upcoming competitive grant opportunities. Coming this summer. Duff “McDuff Green, Jr. Fund, Youth in Philanthropy, Trust for Public Education, Haven Make a Difference Fund and the Virginia Heritage Fund.
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New Scholarship Fund Honors John Neal Seeking to honor him in a lasting way, Union Bank and Trust has established the John C. Neal Scholarship Fund to reflect John’s commitment to community. He recently retired as President of Union Bank and Trust. “John has been a key player in Fredericksburg banking circles for over 40 years and with Union for 25 years. Those who work with John know his love of the Fredericksburg community. At Union, John was critical in our growth from a $200 million Bowling Green bank to Virginia’s largest community bank with holdings of $7.8 Billion. The John C. Neal Scholarship Fund through The Community Foundation seemed to be the best path to recognize John’s contribution to Union,” said Union Bank and Trust CEO Billy Beale.
“I am hoping the scholarship will help students who are interested in contributing to their community as well as furthering their education,” John said. “My many years on the Scholarship Committee of my Rotary Club was a very positive experience. Being able to provide funds of my own for the same experience will be rewarding. Having been the parent of college students, I understand the need for education funds, so I am hopeful this will help worthy students,” John said. John Neal served on The Community Foundation Board of Governors from 2002-2005.
The Ian D. and Jalen G. Brown Legacy Scholarship Loved Unconditionally. Still Impacting Others. Loved unconditionally, Ian and Jalen Brown were an inspiration to others. They were known for their optimistic outlook, big hearts and infectious smiles. The brothers’ family and friends established the Ian D. and Jalen G. Brown Legacy Scholarship Fund to support deserving students who share the boys’ ability to spread kindness and to positively impact others around them. Tragically, the boys lost their lives in an automobile accident in November 2015 while on their way to school. Ian was a senior; Jalen was a sophomore at Spotsylvania High School. “This is the scholarship we set up just for you guys and gals (Spotsylvania High School seniors). We want to help send two of you to school next year; a university-bound student and a vocational/technical student,” the boys’ father David Brown said in a recent Facebook posting on the Ian and Jalen Brown Memorial Page. The awards are renewable for up to four years when the recipients maintain good academic standing.
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Jalen and Ian Brown
Disability Resource Fund Making Planned Giving Easier By establishing a charitable fund at The Community Foundation, disAbility Resource Center (dRC) is making it easier for current and future donors to support the organization through planned giving. “Creating the fund with a portion of our reserves makes good sense because it provides our supporters the ability to join us in our commitment to helping people with disabilities achieve their highest potential of independent living,” said Executive Director Debe Fults. dRC is a Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities, their families and caretakers, and community members. It is the only organization
in the area to serve people with all types of disabilities throughout their life span. The nonprofit provides peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training, an ADA advocacy network, transition from nursing homes to individuals’ homes and from high school to adult life, deaf and hard of hearing services, youth services, health and nutrition classes and the dRC’s Equipment Connection, a reusable durable medical equipment program. To contribute to this fund, simply click Donate Now at: www.cfrrr.org/make-a-charitableimpact/current-funds/the-fund-for-the-disabilityresource-center-inc Donations may also be mailed to:
The Community Foundation The Fund for disAbility Resource Center PO BOX 208 Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208 Please make your check payable to: The Fund for disAbility Resource Center
Women and Girls Want to Honor Someone in a Meaningful Way? An ambitious goal and rush of new energy are fueling the Woman and Girls Fund in 2016. Linda Worrell and her daughter, Heather Hagerman Falkenberg, are rallying women to double the fund’s membership this year. And they’re doing it in some innovative ways.
“We’re holding a series of home gatherings and also encouraging existing members to sponsor other women in order to introduce them to this local movement involving women in philanthropy,” Heather said. “For example, Mom sponsored my membership in the fund as an engagement gift. It’s a beautiful way to honor someone.”
The founding vision is a fund made up of 1,000 women, each willing to pledge $1,000, creating a $1 million endowment to address the needs of area women and girls. “I believe that a $1 million fund can have a huge impact on women, girls and on families in our community. There are countless women who would support this effort, but they need to know about it. They need to know how to get involved and they need to understand the potential impact of the endeavor. We want to engage a diverse and caring group of women who are willing to help others,” Linda said. Members will gather on Thursday, April 21st for the 7th annual Live Ballot Event to view presentations and interview grant applicants about the potential impact of their program upon local women and girls. They will then vote to determine which nonprofits are awarded grants.
Heather Hagerman Falkenberg and Linda Worrell
For more information about joining The Women and Girls Fund visit http://www.cfrrr.org/aboutus-and-our-initiatives/women-and-girls-fund or call 540.373.9292.
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Make it a Million! “The momentum is stronger than ever to ‘Make it a Million.’ More nonprofits than ever before - 180 - have signed up and they continue to sharpen their social media fundraising skills, thanks to the free training we provide. Many have already been preparing for the big day for months,” said Campaign Chair Chris Repp. This year you can choose among three easy ways to give between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on May 3rd: 1 Go online to www.TheCommunityGive.Org. 2 Deliver your check(s) between 10:00 am and 8:00 p.m. to 3 The Community Foundation Mill Race North II Building 725 Jackson Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
3 Stop by any Union Bank office in the region during bank business hours to drop off your check(s) or get assistance making donations online.
“Adding over ten Union Bank locations where people can give online or by check will make it easier than ever. We are very thankful for Union Bank’s sponsorship and participation in The Community Give,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Teri McNally.
2016 Sponsors to The Community Give
Goodloe Asphalt, LC
Mary Jane O’Neill
Kelly and Fitz Johnson
The Repp Family 8 Identity & Brand Consultants