Community Foundation showcases continued growth

DANVILLE, VA –The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region highlighted its continued growth at its Appreciation Luncheon held Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

Debra Dodson, Executive Director, stated, “In this season of thanksgiving, we are so thankful for our more than 4,000 donors that have built a thriving community foundation for our region.”

Since 1996—The Community Foundation has received $11.8 million in bequests and awarded $19.5 million in grants and $2.2 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students!

2017 Highlights

  1. Receiving gifts of $1,703,760 from hundreds of donors.
  2. Awarding 82 student scholarships of more than $154,000.
  3. Awarding grants of $1,313,857 to 186 organizations.
  4. Continuing to build the Fund for Halifax County.
  5. Convening a quarterly Funders Forum
  6. Continuing to sell more than 6,400 engraved bricks for the local Veterans Memorial.
  7. Receiving donations on behalf of the new Pittsylvania Animal Shelter – now called the Pittsylvania Pet Center
  8. Hosting regional 20th Anniversary Luncheons, with surprise grants to area libraries for their summer reading programs.
  9. Adding six New Funds in 2017
  • Agency Emergency Fund
  • North Main Baptist Church Scholarship Fund
  • Community Impact Fund
  • Wayne and Nancy Oakes Fund
  • Lawrence R. Dabbs Scholarship Fund
  • Laurie S. Moran Rotary Fund

The Foundation awarded four summer reading grants of $3,000 to area libraries as part of their 20th anniversary celebration. Rhonda Griffin with the Gunn Memorial Library in Caswell County shared how the small grant made a large impact.

A special video also recognized the 10th anniversary of the opening of our local Veterans Memorial. This effort was a very successful three-legged partnership – With the City of Danville donating the use of property in Dan Daniel Park and overseeing construction, then the local veterans carefully guiding the design and integrity of the Memorial and finally The Community Foundation serving as a fiscal agent that would sell engraved bricks and accept donations that would ultimately build a debt-free memorial. Donations are now being accepted for the endowment which helps to maintain and improve the Memorial.

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of people in our community by encouraging the generosity of donors. Donors may establish their own endowment fund to support particular areas of interest or may make unrestricted gifts to any existing fund.

For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541, (434) 793-0884 or visit their web site www.cfdrr.org.

Board Members and donors enjoyed The Community Foundation Appreciation Luncheon

Area Rotary Clubs Establish Laurie S. Moran Rotary Service Fund

DANVILLE, VA- Four area Rotary clubs have joined together to establish the Laurie S. Moran Rotary Service Fund with The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. The fund will provide grants to area 501c3 organizations that address one of Rotary’s six focus areas of service:

• Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Water and sanitation
• Maternal and child health
• Basic education and literacy
• Economic and community development

Laurie Moran died in June 2017 after a long battle with cancer. She served the community in many roles, most prominently as the President of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce since January 2002. Her leadership continued on local, regional and national workforce Boards. She was an active member and past president of the Danville-Riverview Rotary Club and served as past Assistant Governor for Area 7 of Rotary International District 7570 and as the District Membership Chair.

“Laurie’s impact on our region is immeasurable – through her professional life and her many civic and personal contributions, she touched so many lives,” said Alexis Ehrhardt, president of the Danville-Riverview Rotary Club. “All four area clubs eagerly came together to create this fund in Laurie’s memory to continue her good work.”

Anyone can also support the Laurie S. Moran Rotary Service Fund. Designated checks should be made to The Community Foundation, 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA 24541. The Fund’s first community grants will be awarded after one year.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area. The Community Foundation has assets of nearly $30 million and has awarded more than $21 million in grants and scholarships.

While the Foundation works with donors to establish funds to benefit any geographic area, our primary service area is Danville/Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. Donations are also being sought to build up resources for South Boston/Halifax County, with consideration being given to other neighboring counties.

For more information on the Laurie S. Moran Rotary Service Fund or The Community Foundation, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit its web site www.cfdrr.org

 

November 2017 E-Newsletter