DANVILLE, VA- A surprise grant of $3,000 was awarded to Caswell Friends of the Library by The Community Foundation of the Dan River at a May 17 luncheon for Caswell County supporters, grant recipients, and potential donors at Caswell Pines Golf Course. The grant is in honor of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary and will be used to expand and increase the impact of the children’s and teen summer reading program at Gunn Memorial Library for the community’s young patrons.

Caswell County has received more than $1.2 million in grants and scholarships from The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region since it began in 1996. The complete listing of grants was shared. Information was also shared about the online grant cycle for nonprofit organizations which will open in early June.

Caswell County donors have also established 9 endowment funds within The Community Foundation, including:

– Claudia Vernon Smith Fund (2003)
– Kang-A-Rhue Children’s Cancer Fund (2004)
– Gary A. and Sherry M. Carroll “Good for Youth” Fund (2007)
– Susan L. Edwards Scholarship (2012)
– Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship (2013)
– Collins ‘Great Outdoors’ Fund (2014)
– Robert R. Blackwell and Lick Fork Primitive Baptist Church of Rockingham County Fund (2016)
– Yanceyville Methodist Church Cemetery Fund (2016)
– Elizabeth Whitlow Reith Price/R.N. Whitlow Family Nursing Scholarship (2016)

Eight Caswell County citizens have served on The Community Foundation Board, including currently serving members Becky Barker and Bill Woods. Additional Caswell County residents who have served on the foundation Board include Rev. Wilson Carter, Betty Sartin, Dr. Jack Turner, Verla Wall, Katherine Watlington and Stuart Watlington.

“Caswell County has been a part of our core service area since The Community Foundation began 20 years ago,” said Debra L. Dodson, Executive Director. Donors, organizations or businesses may start their own endowment funds for as little as $10,000 and scholarships for $25,000. Once a fund is established anyone can make designated gifts to that fund.

Online grant applications for community agencies will open in early June at www.cfdrr.org. The next scholarship application cycle will begin January 1, 2018 and will also be available at www.cfdrr.org.

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 is a public charity with total assets exceeding $31 million.

While the Foundation works with donors with local ties to establish funds to benefit any geographic area, their 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, contact the Foundation office at 434-793-0884 or visit www.cfdrr.org