It’s finally October, and while the leaves begin to change, Virginia nonprofits are busy kicking off a season of festive celebrations and seasonal giving. This edition recaps important news, including one nonprofit’s international impact, and offers a full calendar of worthy events stretching from Northern Virginia to Richmond.
Shining a light on food insecurity
The inaugural Virginia Hunger Study, fueled by No Kid Hungry Virginia and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, engaged 5,600 Virginia households to uncover the realities of food insecurity across the commonwealth. It found that 42% of all households were food insecure, while 51% of families with children experienced food insecurity (and 70% in the Southwest Virginia region). Black and Hispanic Virginians reported food insecurity at roughly twice the rate of their white counterparts.
The Fredericksburg Free Press reported on the state of hunger in its region here.
“The survey highlights just how many more people still need assistance or may not be aware of the charitable network available to them or may not be comfortable asking for help,” said Dan Maher, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank.
A show to honor stories of determination
Join a community celebration of survival, strength and beauty at the Determined to be Victorious Fashion Show on Oct. 10 in Richmond. Each model walking the runway brings their own story of overcoming domestic violence. It promises to be an empowering night of fashion and solidarity as survivors reclaim their spotlight with D2V. Find details on tickets and registration here.
How Virginia nonprofits are navigating rising fuel costs
With diesel prices on the rise, averaging around $6.52 per gallon nationally, nonprofits that rely on trucks to move resources are facing significant financial hurdles. Despite the challenges, many Virginia organizations are making nimble adjustments to ensure rising transport costs don’t prevent them from showing up for their communities. Read the report from WSET to learn how nonprofits are adapting.
‘Fall into the Arts’ with artoberVA
Fall just got a lot more vibrant! October marks National Arts and Humanities Month, and two Virginia nonprofits are bringing free, discounted and pay-what-you-will arts and culture events to their regions all month long.
- Last year, we helped commemorate 10 years of CultureWorks’ artoberVA in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area, and the celebration continues with a full slate of 2026 events here.
- From free admission to festivals and exhibitions to discounted art purchases and class registrations, Fairfax County is all in on artoberVA. Organized by ArtsFairfax, you can find 60+ deals and experiences to tap into your artistry here.
Rebuilding community one home at a time
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, great progress is underway in Jamaica, thanks to Charlottesville-based Building Goodness Foundation. By expanding its reach internationally through its BGF Jamaica initiative, the organization is building storm-resistant homes, while hiring Jamaican citizens and local contractors to help boost the local economy. Learn more about the project here.
Richmond gets in the spirit
Maymont Garden Glow (Oct. 14 – Nov. 8)
Maymont’s annual Garden Glow event returns with its stunning after-dark light display! Cozy up by the fire pits in Glow Village, wander through a rainbow of light in the Japanese Garden and enjoy local food trucks, glow bars and seasonal treats. Proceeds directly support maintenance of the park, including the historic mansion, gardens and animal habitats. Get tickets at Maymont.org
Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K (Oct. 18)
Who says Halloween must be unhealthy? Before digging into your candy this holiday, put on your best costume and hit the trail with Better2gether. The event features a costume contest, family games, activities and a trunk-or-treat for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. The fundraiser helps Better2gether continue its work in supporting families with children facing rare, chronic, and medically complex conditions. Sign-up to run or walk today!
Trick or Treat at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Oct. 23)
Bring your kiddos out for a unique, indoor trick-or-treating experience at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Over 25 local nonprofits will set up spooky stations with giveaways, arts and crafts, games, live music, a bounce house, a trackless train and chocolate-making demos. Admission also includes free admission to museum exhibits! Learn more and grab your tickets here.
