Press Releases

10 October 2023 (Fairfax, VA): The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia held its annual Raise the Region Gala at the Hilton McLean Tyson’s Corner this past Friday, to a completely sold-out room. More than 850 people participated, between in-person and virtual participation options. The black-tie event celebrated a rousing sense of renewal for the region and for the Community Foundation, and honored Sumeet Shrivastava with the Community Leadership Award. Here is the video shared in tribute of Sumeet’s work in Northern Virginia and beyond.

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21 September 2023 (Fairfax, VA)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has joined a nationwide coalition of more than 40 community foundations to launch the Community Foundation Climate Collaborative. The Collaborative is a coordinated effort aimed at helping local communities secure funding and more effectively respond to climate change.

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In 2019, worker mental health represented a salient but relatively uncommon issue for Northern Virginia employers: approximately 11 percent of working adults were experiencing mild anxiety or depression, and 7 percent fell into a clinical range.

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In 2021, one in five families (20 percent) in Northern Virginia did not earn enough money to meet their basic needs for shelter, food, medical care, and other essentials. An additional nine percent could not cover these basic needs, and pay for childcare. All told, 29 percent of the region’s families were struggling with income inadequacy.

To cope with rising costs, families at all income levels are changing their habits. The majority of families are cutting back on discretionary spending. Nearly half of families at all income levels have compromised their financial health, including taking on more debt, and getting behind on bills. More than a quarter were sacrificing a basic need, such as delaying medical care, keeping their homes at an unsafe temperature, or going hungry.

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Fairfax, VA, June 26, 2023

After nearly two decades, Eileen Ellsworth has announced her plans to retire as the President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. She will continue in the role until her successor has been selected.

"After 18 wonderful years, I have decided to turn the reins over to the next generation and start a new chapter in my personal and professional life," said Ellsworth. "I am filled with gratitude for the chance to have served. It has been the professional privilege of my life."

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21 June 2023 (Oakton, VA)- The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 142 students pursuing higher education.

The Community Foundation’s scholarship funds are leaving positive legacies across the region and beyond. More than 50 volunteers reviewed more than 400 scholarship applications for these funds this year. In total, the Community Foundation manages 13 scholarships and administers the funds for 21 others that support Northern Virginia students. These awards range from $1,500 to greater than $6,000.

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The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has awarded $763,969 in competitive grants to 44 local organizations through its 2023 Community Investment Funds, Environment Fund, and Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts, helping support broad-based needs and address complex social issues across the region. This work addresses two of the core pillars of the Community Foundation's strategic work— to build community resilience and advance social and economic mobility for all of Northern Virginia's residents.

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Oakton, Virginia: March 2, 2023— The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is collaborating with 17 other philanthropic foundations from throughout Virginia to provide funding for expanded REACH behavioral health trainings for primary care providers treating children, adolescents and young adults across the Commonwealth. More than $170,000 has been contributed by these foundations in an effort to address the growing need for improved access to mental health care.

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20 January 2023 (Oakton, VA)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announces several grants made to organizations through multiple discretionary funds, including the Afghan Refugee and Resettlement Fund, Business Women’s Giving Circle, Healthy Kids Mental Health Grants, the Loudoun Impact Fund, and the Micron Opportunity Fund. These grants, amounting to more than $200,000, will increase equity by supporting educational opportunities, increasing access to social and economic support, and helping strengthen community resilience for residents across the region.

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18 November 2022 (Oakton, VA)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is pleased to announce that a $50,000 grant made to Melwood will go towards supporting the Fairfax County Workforce, Innovation, and Skills Hub (WISH). The grant is made of two gifts- one for $35,000 awarded at the discretion of the Community Foundation’s Board, and the other for $15,000- directed by the Community Foundation’s Shrivastava Charitable Fund.

The WISH Center is a first-of-its-kind workforce development center designed to break down barriers and create opportunities for economic empowerment and independence for the Fairfax County community. Led by Melwood’s deeply experienced and connected team and in partnership with Building Momentum, WISH offers tactical skills training, soft skills training, job placement services, career mapping, and resources related to language learning, childcare and affordable housing.

Read the full press release here.