Building Northern Virginia’s Future—Together
For students across Northern Virginia, opportunity often begins with exposure: the first time they code an app, build a robot, or see how artificial intelligence connects to real-world careers. In 2026, hundreds of middle and high school students will gain those experiences through hands-on STEM programs made possible by a strategic partnership between the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) and the Micron Foundation.Through the Micron STEM Opportunity Fund, CFNOVA and Micron are investing $190,000 in eight nonprofit and educational organizations delivering high-quality, career-connected STEM learning to students in grades 6–12. These programs emphasize engineering and physical sciences, responsible technology and AI learning, and strong measurement practices—ensuring students are not only learning new skills, but building confidence, relevance, and momentum toward future careers.
As professional advisors, you know that the strongest client relationships are built on trust, shared values, and conversations that go beyond technical planning. A recent study from The Philanthropic Initiative underscores an important truth we see every day: philanthropy is often where those deeper conversations begin. Discussing charitable goals not only helps clients clarify what matters most to them—it also creates a powerful opportunity to strengthen long‑term relationships and engage the next generation around family values and legacy.
By Judy L Redpath, CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®
Charitable planning and giving is a very personal activity for individuals and families. As advisors, we often wait to introduce the topic of philanthropy until our clients have accumulated much of their wealth and we are discussing estate planning strategies and considerations under the rubric of a wealth transfer conversation. Whether we are currently working with multigenerational families or are proposing to be introduced to our clients’ children and grandchildren, family-based philanthropy can serve a much broader purpose. When well structured, charitable planning and giving becomes a powerful tool for ongoing family engagement, education, and aligning values to promote a legacy.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has concluded its discretionary grants cycle for the Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts and Environment Fund, both permanent endowments (often called 'forever funds') managed by the Foundation.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners, grants totaling $210,000 will be directed to seventeen regional nonprofits, selected for their work preserving natural spaces, expanding arts access, and engaging residents through creative and environmental programming.
Philanthropy is often included in a client’s financial and estate plan with the best of intentions: clarity, structure, and long-term impact. But as you’ve likely seen in your practice, life rarely stands still—and neither do your clients’ charitable priorities.
You may have worked with clients who feel that once a charitable plan is in place, it should remain fixed. When interests begin to shift though, those clients may hesitate because they may worry that changing direction signals a lack of commitment.
For decades, April 15 has been etched firmly in the minds of both taxpayers and their advisors. As attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, you know that tax season is when many clients start paying closer attention to the rules and how they might have changed since the year before, including rules for charitable deductions.
Especially in light of the tax law changes that took effect in the One Big Beautiful Bill on January 1, now is the time to understand clients’ philanthropic intentions for 2026 if you don’t already. Addressing charitable planning at tax time can help ensure that your clients won’t miss out on important opportunities.
The energy in the room at Refraction was fueled by the momentum of the Shape of Region Conference morning session earlier that day. Advisors from Northwestern Mutual, SEI, United Bank, Atlantic Union Bank, Monument Wealth Management and more* came together, ready to expand their impact - learning how they could further unlock their superpower of making more generosity possible in Northern Virginia. As a bonus, the Insights for Advisors: Philanthropy, Policy, and the Future of Giving session qualified for two CFP continuing education credit hours.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia hosted the annual Shape of the Region Conference on March 24, 2026 at Valo Park in McLean. The Community Foundation welcomed an auditorium full of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who sought bold ideas and practical solutions to shape Northern Virginia’s future. While we brought a wide range of professional perspectives, we shared one overarching goal—to identify strategies that strengthen our economy, workforce, and quality of life.
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