There’s a lot to love about Virginia’s nonprofit community. This month’s Phil-Ins is chock full of updates and opportunities, from cultural events to awards.
Best of Richmond: Get nominating
Style Weekly’s annual “Best Of” issue is now soliciting nominations, including in such categories as Community Leader, Museum and other areas open to nonprofits. Who do you think is best? Start nominating here until Feb. 29.
Lace ‘em Up
With daffodils already poking their heads out, it must be time to hit the pavement. Our friends at SportsBackers have a few races in the offing. First up is the Virginia Credit Union River City Half and 5k, which will take place on March 9 (register here) followed a bit over a month later by the 25th (already?) running of one of the nation’s most popular races, the Ukrop’s 10k (register here). Need to get in shape for the 10k? YMCA’s 10k training program has already begun, but maybe you can still nab a spot!
Four-legged Lonely Hearts Club
February is Lonely Hearts Club month at the Richmond SPCA. The pet-friendly nonprofit is waiving all adoption fees during the month for the furry critter awaiting snuggle buddies. Here are the cats and dogs that are currently waiting for you. (Reader warning: Bigfoot is adorable!)
On the legislative front…
According to the Virginia Mercury, the General Assembly is taking up a variety of bills that would impact a range of Virginia nonprofits, including:
- In an effort to reduce blight in urban areas across the commonwealth, Del. Carrie Coyner (R-Chesterfield) has introduced a bill that would allow localities to create registries of derelict properties and ultimately help local governments and nonprofits address abandoned property. A similar bill in the 2023 legislative session failed. VM has the story here.
- State Sen. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) has sponsored a bill that would provide free breakfasts and lunches to Virginia’s 1.26 million public school children. If the bill were to become law, the commonwealth would be among a handful of pioneering states that feed all K-12 students regardless of income. Read more about it in the Mercury.
- Now in its 30 years as champions for the commonwealth’s young people, Voices for Virginia’s Children has a robust legislative docket this year, advocating for bills that would improve broaden health coverage, provide greater economic security, enhance the affordability of early care and improve health equity. You can take a closer look at its 2024 legislative agenda here.
NAMI broadening its Virginia footprint
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, a national nonprofit with 14 satellite chapters throughout the commonwealth, has opened a Martinsville office. Cardinal News has the story.
Coming soon
Here are some upcoming happenings this week from our events calendar:
February 15
As part of its continuing series marking the 250th anniversary of events surrounding the Revolutionary War, VA250 is presenting “Forgotten Patriots: Virginia’s Black Continental Army Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolution.” Hear the story of how the citizens of Chesterfield County witnessed the war first-hand as Black Virginia men fought side by side with their white neighbors. LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road N, North Chesterfield. 6-7 p.m.
February 17
Chesterfield County and Richmond Night Market are sponsoring a Black History Month Vendor Fair, featuring more than 40 local vendors, live music and fun activities for the kids. Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road, North Chesterfield. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
