Before the new flurry of stories in 2026, we thought we’d look back at some of the most popular Phil articles of 2025. The following countdown is based on the number of website sessions, with some of the most well-read articles chalking up more than 2,000 visits.
Oh, and speaking of website sessions, The Phil reached a milestone earlier in 2025 when we hit our 100,000th session!
#5 Eden Village: Where Tiny Homes Are Designed to Help Solve a Big Problem
Eden Village is a community of tiny homes designed to help solve a region’s homelessness challenges. First launched in Springfield, Missouri, as a nonprofit dedicated to finding permanent homes for the chronically homeless, the model community features fully furnished, 405-SF homes, complete with a front porch, bedroom, bathroom and a kitchen/living space. Read Cathy Ritter’s vision for bringing Eden Village to Richmond.
#4 Annual Down Syndrome Fundraiser Fueling Nonprofit’s Growth
Any time we shed light on the Virginia Down Syndrome Association, it’s destined to be a hit. Executive Director Michael Baum spoke with us about the 19th annual Step UP for Down Syndrome fundraiser at Dorey Park and unveiled the organization’s plans for its continued growth as it provides workforce initiatives, educational programs and family resources for the Down syndrome community. Read about its Community Care in Action program as well as its other offerings in this interview.
#3 Alice’s Kids Gains National Attention & Growth
Based in Alexandria (though now with national reach), Alice’s Kids was named in honor of co-founder Ron Fitzsimmons’ mother, who, despite the family’s modest income, found ways to provide some middle-class comforts for her children. Today, Alice’s Kids works to fulfill anonymous requests, so kids can buy new shoes or go to summer camp or pay for their graduation cap and gown. Thanks to support from actor Steve Carrell and viral social media, Alice Kids continues to grow, serving 10,000 children a year. You’ll find the organization’s inspiring story here.
#2 Giving Voice to the News for the Visually Impaired
For the thousands of Virginians who have experienced vision loss or are visually impaired, Virginia Voice helps give voice to the printed media and other programs. The nonprofit provides radio reading services, radio distribution and audio descriptions for those who cannot independently read print material. See how you can join with 150 other volunteers to read and record program material for Virginia Voice’s audiences, deliver free radios or serve as a live audio describer.
#1 Eradicating Homelessness: The Magnificent Seven
Virginia’s homeless population continues to rise – up 12% from 2023 to 2024. There are no easy solutions, but a roster of Virginia nonprofits is committed to helping. The Phil profiles seven organizations working to bring those numbers down and find permanent homes for families in need.
Rounding out the Top Ten most-read stories from 2025:
- Keeping Richmond Spooky with the Poe Museum
- Friendly City Florals Spreads Joy, One Bouquet at a Time
- The Secret Garden: Supporting Families & Fostering Literacy
- Four Virginia-Based Nonprofits Serving the Hispanic/Latino Community
- Leading Virginia Recovery Movement With The Chris Atwood Foundation
Which heroic nonprofits will be among the most popular in 2026? Keep reading along, and you get to be the judge.
