Brandon Elledge, Board Member, Philanthropist

Brandon H. ElledgeThis interview is with Brandon H. Elledge, Community Foundation Board member, investment committee and Loudoun Impact Fund member, and Permanent Fund donor. He is a partner in Holland & Knight's Northern Virginia office in Tysons Corner.

Can you tell us about your support of the Permanent Fund and what it means to you?

My wife Amy and I decided to support the Permanent Fund last year, and frankly it was an easy decision to make. This was our way to - in the words of the Community Foundation - "give like it matters." The Community Foundation, with its knowledge, trust, and networks developed over 40 years of effective philanthropy in the region, can use our and the other continuing donations to the Permanent Fund to help transform these gifts into a meaningful impact on peoples' lives throughout Northern Virginia. To make a difference in the area we call home is very meaningful to us. We also believe the Permanent Fund is an important strategic asset for the Foundation with its various other donor-advised funds.

Can you tell us about your involvement on the Board over the years and what it means to you?

I joined the Community Foundation Board in 2013 and have served on the Gala committee and Investment committee during most of my tenure on the Board. It is an honor to serve on the Board of this Community Foundation, which cares so deeply about the needs of the Northern Virginia region.

As a practicing lawyer, I've had the opportunity to take on meaningful cases for those in need on a pro bono basis. These kinds of matters are quite rewarding, but they usually affect only one person or group who happens to be a party to a dispute. As a member of this Board, I fortunately have been afforded the opportunity to help make a larger impact on those less fortunate in our region. A mentor of mine, Dick Duvall (also a former member of this Board), instilled the spirit of "doing good" in me and many others at my firm. I'm thankful he introduced me to the Community Foundation years ago.

You have been involved with the Loudoun Impact Fund for many years. What does this mean to you and what are your goals for involvement?

As residents of Loudoun County, Amy and I historically have been part of this wonderful Loudoun-focused giving circle. Many know of Loudoun as one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest counties in the country, but there also is a tremendous amount of need here. We moved to Purcellville in the western part of the county in 2009, and see this need in our community and surrounding areas. The Loudoun Impact Fund has grown each year in size and number of donors, with a focus usually on disadvantaged children and affected families. This is a focus that is dear to us, and I have enjoyed the being a part of the collaboration of all the donors involved. Seeing the impact this fund has had on residents in our community is an inspiration and has motivated us to help continue the work. The Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, also demonstrates the desire and ability of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to partner with other local foundations who share the same goal of meeting critical needs within parts of this region.

To learn more about Brandon Elledge and all of the Community Foundation Board members, please visit our Board Member page.