The start of the new year is always filled with exciting updates and opportunities, but first, let’s start with a look back at some recent happenings in the Virginia nonprofit community.
ICYMI
The Friendship Circle of Virginia, a local nonprofit founded in 2012 that works to facilitate friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities, held its inaugural Disability Expo at the Weinstein JCC on January 7. The event gave families and people in the community the chance to find resources and connect with one another. Some three dozen nonprofits participated in this year’s Expo, including Medical Home Plus, Autism Society of Central Virginia, Sportable and Special Olympics-Richmond. You can watch NBC12’s coverage of the event here.
United Way 2023 Impact Report
The United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg released its annual Impact Report for 2023. The compendium provides a comprehensive assessment of the region’s needs and priorities on the human services front as well as chronicles the impact that UWGRP is making across many sectors.
During the year, the local United Way chapter invested $2.475 million in 72 programs at 54 local nonprofits. Just over one-quarter of the grants went to support basic needs like food, safety and housing. Other funds focused on children and educational programs, services for seniors and healthcare. On the volunteering front, more than 2,200 volunteers served close to 52,000 community members.
The report concluded that 40% of all households in the region are living paycheck to paycheck and that about one third of individuals cannot find affordable housing.
Community Foundation Grants to Seed Entrepreneurial Opportunities
As a complement to its existing workforce strategy – one that seeks to create access to job opportunities and training for Richmond-area residents who are out to improve their economic mobility – the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond has created the Fund for Entrepreneurial Growth. The goal behind the pooled fund is to help diversify the region’s entrepreneurial base so that more folks can start and grow their own businesses (learn more here).
Among the nonprofits receiving 2023 grants from the Fund are:
- Bridging Virginia – $ 50,000 to support the Capital Access Hub.
- Chesterfield (MADE) – $25,000 to support the MADE Business Entrepreneurial Growth Grant.
- Girls for a Change – $ 50,000 to support the Immersion Lab.
- Henrico Education Foundation – $ 35,000 to develop Future-Ready Skills – Entrepreneurial Programming for students in Henrico County.
- JWC Foundation – $30,000 to expand social capital for Black entrepreneurs.
- MBL Foundation – $30,000 to continue the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
- NextUp RVA – $30,000 to support So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur?
- Startup Virginia – $30,000 to support general operating costs.
- YMCA of Greater Richmond – $40,000 to build Future-Ready Skills through Entrepreneurism.
More Monies to Support Four-Legged Programs
The Community Foundation’s Fund for Animal Welfare also announced its latest round of awards. Thirty-three nonprofits that provide care, shelter and/or medical services to animals in the Richmond region will share grants totaling close to $1.6 million.
The largest grants went to the Richmond Animal League ($250,000) to support its Rescue and Adoption Program and Spay/Neuter Clinic; the Chesterfield Education Foundation ($125,000) to expand Chesterfield County Public Schools’ Veterinary Science Program; and Virginia State University College of Agriculture ($125,000) to support its Animal Welfare Champions Program.
Mark Your Calendars
MARCH 2 – SAVOR Dining Experience
Looking for an epicurean dining experience… and for a good cause? The award-winning chefs at SAVOR will be at The Jefferson to fashion a unique gourmet dining experience. Proceeds from the evening, which includes a live and silent auction featuring fine wines, home entertainment packages, dinners at top restaurants and travel, will go to support The Doorways: Between Healing and Home. The nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of providing lodging and support for patients and their families who travel to Richmond for medical treatment. Tickets are $300 and can be purchased here.
