Impact Stories

Highlighting the people and programs transforming our region 

Explore the stories, articles, and interviews that showcase how the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is making a difference across our region. Since our founding in 1978, we’ve awarded over $100 million in grants and scholarships—fueling innovation, supporting nonprofits, and empowering individuals.

This is philanthropy in action.
Learn how we’re turning generosity into lasting impact.

If you have any story ideas, please contact Amanda Bomfim, Manager of Marketing, Communications and Events.
October 10, 2018

Annual Gala Raised $636,000 to Support Critical Needs in the Northern Virginia Region

Ellen and Jim Dyke were recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for their history of passionate leadership and philanthropy with the 2018 Community Leadership Award at the Raise the Region Gala held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

September 20, 2018
Schott Murray C 3x4 FINAL 2We recently sat down with Catherine Schott Murray of Odin, Feldman & Pittleman. Catherine is a Community Foundation Board member, member of the Raise the Region Gala committee, and member of the Business Women's Giving Circle.

September 17, 2018

Eighth annual “Healthy Kids Grants” cycle supports 11 schools in Northern Virginia

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awarded $20,245 in Healthy Kids Grants to address the main causes of childhood obesity by supporting programs that increase physical activity and/or improve nutrition in Northern Virginia public schools. The 2018-2019 school year is the eighth annual Healthy Kids grants cycle, with a total of $138,245 awarded to date.

September 17, 2018

Reviving the Dream: Designing Technology for Social Wellbeing

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia recently partnered with the WHEELS Global Foundation to hold an Innovation Breakfast Series event titled, "Reviving the Dream: Designing Technology for Social Wellbeing." More than 100 guests attended the event.

July 16, 2018
Bruce and Jean WymanWe recently sat down with Bruce and Jean Wyman, who and are actively involved with the Community Foundation, as well as having a Donor Advised Fund with the Community Foundation. They are both members of the Giving Circle of HOPE, and focus their grant making locally.

July 13, 2018

By Joshua D. Stillman, CFP®

Josh Stillman Headshot VerticalWhat are the greatest needs in Northern Virginia and how can we meet them?

This thought-provoking question was recently posed at a dinner hosted by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The question resonated with me – how can I help? However, it immediately prompted another personal question in need of answering first: Should I?

July 12, 2018

Supports 93 Students in Northern Virginia

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has awarded scholarships to 93 students, totaling $296,008 to support their continuing higher education beginning in the fall. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia manages and administers the funds for twenty-five scholarships that support Northern Virginia students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

June 26, 2018
Recently, former Community Foundation Board members and staff reunited to reminsce about the 40 year history of the Foundation.

June 7, 2018

$22,750 in Grants Awarded to Support Military Personnel and their Families

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia recently awarded $22,750 in grants to support military personnel and their families through its Military Families and their Personnel Fund.

June 4, 2018
Ali Culhane, Get2Green Program Specialist and Donna Volkmann, Get2Green Resource Teacher, talk about the Get2Green Program