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. We have extensive knowledge of community needs and programs.

The foundation invests endowed funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. We then use 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.

How do we work?

Established in 1994, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley serves the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe, and the City of Radford. We are one of 26 community foundations in Virginia.

• We work with donors to establish and manage permanent, charitable endowments benefitting the New River Valley. View our Endowed Fund List to learn more about these endowments.
• We invest and grow our funds to address current and future community needs in all aspects of community life. These areas of community life included animal welfare, arts and culture, civic affairs, education, environment, health, poverty, support, parenting, and care. The income from these investments gives out grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students.
• We convene nonprofit, government, business, and community leaders to identify and understand our community’s challenges. We work together to develop long-term solutions, and provide start-up and ongoing financial and in-kind support. Learn more about our collaborative work with community members.
• We build the effectiveness and capacity of our nonprofit leaders by providing technical support and professional development opportunities. This includes our monthly Third Thursday workshop series.