Faith Boettger’s path to collective philanthropy began with her passion for making a meaningful impact in her local community and involvement with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
When CFNOVA launched the Business Women’s Giving Circle, the idea of collective giving (also referred to as giving circles) appealed to Faith as a way to meet like-minded women and invest in programs to support girls and women’s success. Recognizing that her own path faced discouragement in high school about pursuing a math-based career, the idea of inspiring and encouraging others to overcome obstacles was appealing. As a founding member and the first Chair of CFNOVA’s Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC), Faith encouraged the group’s members to make a difference for girls and young women throughout Northern Virginia by applying their collective strength to support STEM programs over the past ten years.
After her youngest son went off to college, Faith channeled her passion for giving circles into creating Social4Good, a grassroots
initiative focused on educating, engaging and empowering women to build a stronger community. Each month, Social4Good brings women together to support the needs of local nonprofits. This approach allows members to make in-kind and financial donations, volunteer, and learn about the diverse needs of their local community – all while focusing on the needs of each nonprofit’s clients.
With an engaged Steering Committee and a set of guiding principles—such as local impact only, no politics or religion, and support for the projects you’re passionate about - Social4Good has built a community where philanthropy is heartfelt and without guilt. Under the leadership of an engaged Steering Committee, Social4Good has built a community where philanthropy is heartfelt and without guilt. Since 2019, Social4Good has worked with over 53 organizations and donated more than $280,000 to causes such as Fairfax Diapers, Northern Virginia Family Service, Our Minds Matter, and SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center.
"Collectively, we can do more and better together"
One of the group’s recent projects with Carpenter's Shelter demonstrates the power of community and connections. As a reader for CFNOVA’s Community Investment Funds, Faith learned about Carpenter’s Shelter’s impactful work in helping people affected by homelessness. Motivated by The Community Foundation’s report on mental health needs in Northern Virginia, Social4Good’s Project Research Team was eager to partner with Carpenter’s Shelter for a special holiday project. Social4Good’s Project Team, led by Molly Magee and Marcy Rehberger, supported the shelter by providing gifts for children, gift cards for teenagers, wrapping paper and supplies, and volunteering at a festive marketplace where parents could choose and wrap gifts. The members of Social4Good rallied around the cause, purchasing every toy on Carpenter’s Shelter’s wish list. Adding to community collaboration, Shelter House, another Social4Good nonprofit partner that received an award of 1,000 pairs of Bombas from Social4Good’s nomination, donated 70 pairs to support Carpenter’s Shelter’s work with those at risk or facing homelessness.
The total financial impact of this initiative was over $6,000, but its greatest value was the normalcy and dignity it brought to the families served by Carpenter’s Shelter. Faith was particularly inspired by how Carpenter’s Shelter empowers its clients to achieve lasting independence, a mission that resonated deeply with Social4Good members. In reflecting on the project, Faith said,
“We could be one bill away from everything collapsing. Our initiative to support the Holiday Marketplace is a meaningful opportunity to uplift our neighbors in need during the holiday season."
Social4Good members provided not just material support but also a sense of community and respect for those facing homelessness - profoundly impacting everyone involved.
The collaboration between Social4Good and Carpenter’s Shelter testifies to the power of collective giving and the difference
it can make for communities. Faith and project leaders Molly Magee and Marcy Rehberger hope their story will inspire others to think about how they can engage with and support their local communities. Their efforts demonstrate how even a small group of people can make a far-reaching and transformative impact.
Faith’s journey, from her early involvement with the Business Women’s Giving Circle to the creation of Social4Good, has been marked by a desire to give back, empower others, and leave a lasting legacy of positive change. Through these initiatives, Faith not only shaped her philanthropic journey but also sparked a movement of giving, engagement, and enduring impact in Northern Virginia.
Volunteer with the Community Foundation
Like Faith, you can explore and learn about the causes that make a real difference in our communities. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards over $10 million in grants annually to more than 300 nonprofits and over $500,000 in student scholarships. While many of these grants and scholarships are made at the request of our 280+ donor-established fund representatives, the Foundation also oversees competitive grant cycles and scholarship programs that actively involve volunteers in the decision-making process.
Individuals who want to volunteer and give back through the Community Foundation can consider the following options:
- Join the Business Women’s Giving Circle
- Volunteer on a Grants and Scholarships committee
- Support a Field of Interest where your collective impact will forever benefit this region
- Support the Raise the Region Gala
Questions?
Questions?
