What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a charitable organization created by and for a community of people in a specific geographic area. It is supported by local donors, governed by a volunteer board of directors, and run by a professional staff with extensive knowledge of community needs and programs.

The foundation invests endowed funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and businesses, and uses the income to award grants and scholarships that benefit the region. Community foundations operate in perpetuity, meaning that gifts made to them will continue to grow and support regional needs for generations. There are currently over 1,500 community foundations worldwide and over 900 in the United States.

New River Valley in the Fall.
New River Valley in the Fall.

How do we work?

The Community Foundation of the New River Valley was established in 1994 and serves the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe, and the City of Radford.

We work with donors to establish and manage permanent, charitable endowments benefitting the New River Valley.
We invest and grow our funds to address current and future community needs in all aspects of community life including animal welfare, arts and culture, civic affairs, education, environment, health, poverty, support, parenting, and care.
We convene nonprofit, government, business, and community leaders to identify and understand our community’s challenges, develop long-term solutions, and provide start-up and ongoing financial and in-kind support.
We build the effectiveness and capacity of our nonprofit leaders by providing technical support and professional development opportunities.List item

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