About the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Building a Community that Works for Everyone

About the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership.



Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:
  • Social and Economic Mobility
  • Opportunities for All
  • Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
  • Community Resilience

Our Values


Trust: 
We are an accountable steward of Northern Virginia’s charitable resources for immediate and long-lasting impact that respond to the wishes of our donors and communities.

Collaboration: We unite community members, nonprofits, government, businesses, and donors to drive meaningful, lasting change. By leveraging our collective strengths, we co-create innovative solutions that build a more vibrant and resilient Northern Virginia.

Humility: 
We listen first, respect different voices, and seek out opportunities to learn from others.

Inclusion and Belonging: 
Recognizing the complexity of our society, we aim to foster vibrant inclusive growth for the diverse region, striving to more effectively address barriers that hamper our collective potential to strengthen Northern Virginia.

Knowledge and Innovation: 
We work to build understanding of our region’s challenges and opportunities through dialogue, research, data, and constantly learning from voices throughout our community.


Comprised of donor established funds for individuals, families, businesses and organizations, permanent funds, giving circles, and other charitable endowments, the Community Foundation invests and administers these funds in partnership with its donors and other leaders to advance equity, striving to build a Northern Virginia that works for everyone.

In 2024 the Community Foundation awarded more than $10 million in grants and scholarships and reported $100 million in managed philanthropic assets. Our philanthropy offers a positive impact within the Northern Virginia community and beyond.

The Community Foundation has a dedicated paid staff and the organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that is representative of the Northern Virginia region we serve which includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

The Community Foundation’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator; and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of nonprofit information.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a 501 (c) (3) organization and our tax ID # is 51-0232459. Available upon request is a list of our third-party investment managers, fees charged, and members of the Investment Committee responsible for investment and oversight. Please contact us at (703) 879-7640.