PATH Foundation Paves the Way

PATH Foundation Paves the Way

By Anita L. Sherman

PATH President and CEO Christy Connolly

Businesses, nonprofits and government agencies have taken a significant hit during the pandemic. Most have been slowly emerging, but often need help. Charitable giving has been compromised, but Fauquier County is fortunate to have an organization with a legacy

of philanthropy that grows stronger with each passing year.

Since 2013, the Warrenton-based PATH Foundation has invested more than $50 million in the community through grants, programs and partnerships. Serving a three-county area – Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper—PATH has helped provide much needed resources.

The foundation looks to boost the health and vitality of the areas it serves. It invests in nonprofits and government agencies that share their focus and have similar goals to promote healthy citizens and the places they live, growing economically vital communities, and capitalizing on strong nonprofit collaborations.

“We provide free office space to several nonprofits, space for the Fauquier Free Clinic, as well as provide the PATH Resource Center with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence,” said director of communications Amy Petty. “The Warrenton

Books on the Bus (BOB), with funds from the PATH Foundation, is an outreach program in Fauquier County that promotes well-being and success for children and their families.

office helps strengthen nonprofits. The PATH Volunteer Hub matches volunteers with area organizations. And at PATH Community Link, help is available here in English and Spanish to connect the community to resources.”

Keen on effective stewardship, PATH looks for prudent fiscal management policies, accountability for goals and measurable outcomes and effective and innovative leadership.

Recently named PATH board chair, Betsy Dietel is a senior partner with Dietel and Partners, a philanthropic advising firm. She has a 30-year career in nonprofit management, community organizing and fundraising.

President and CEO Christy Connolly has served more than 20 years with the foundation. She was on board during its initial growth helping with board development, strategic planning and marketing.

“We’re thankful to invest in our community through programs like FRESH at Fauquier County Public Schools, the 4P Food Hub, residential recovery with Herren Wellness at Twin Oaks, telehealth counseling for Fauquier Free Clinic patients, support of affordable housing efforts, collaboration on ways to alleviate food insecurity, and many more,” said Connolly. “With a strong volunteer board of directors and great community partners, we’re excited to see what the future will bring.”

Nonprofits and government agencies in Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper can take advantage of several grant cycles offered throughout the year. Flexible Funding Grants are designed to help communities in four focus areas: health, childhood wellness, mental health and senior services.

PATH’s endowment is slightly more than $250 million. Its funding relies on the generosity of individuals, local groups and businesses, corporations and multigenerational family philanthropy. Grants can range from a few thousand dollars up to $75,000 depending on the grant category.

Always looking to connect the community, the PATH Resource Center provides information and services through volunteer opportunities, local resources and support for nonprofits. Their location on Walker Drive also offers meeting room spaces.