by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Checklist for End of Year Giving
As 2025 comes to an end, you may be searching for ways to help organizations in need in our community. Gifts made to The Foundation can be tailored to address both your financial concerns and charitable interests. We offer a range of options for year-end giving. Please consider the following as you consider charitable giving:
You may contribute to The Foundation in honor or memory of a loved one. You may also recognize a special pet of a friend or family member!
We will acknowledge gifts for 2025 that are postmarked by December 31 or credit card gifts made through our website before midnight on December 31.
Gifts of stock that have appreciated in value may generate additional tax savings.
Speak with a tax advisor about an IRA rollover gift or required minimum distribution (RMD).
Review the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts and insurance policies. Should you choose, The Foundation can be named as a recipient.
A gift over $10,000 can be used to create a new fund and a gift of $25,000 can be used to create a new scholarship.
We will be available until 5:00 pm December 31 to answer any questions or receive any gifts.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on Reminder: Application Cycles to Open in January
Two weeks from tomorrow – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 – four of our application cycles will open. It’s never too early to start planning a scholarship or grant application.
Current high school and college students, adults returning to school or adults attending a trade or technical school program are encouraged to apply for a scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.
In addition to the scholarship application process starting January 1, three of our grant cycles will open at the same time.
The Keokee Fund provides opportunities for academically gifted students in the Dan River Region. Grant funds will be used to support organizations, schools, and classrooms serving academically gifted students in the surrounding area.
The Autism Education Fund supports autism education related programs or organizations for individuals, families, educators, and our community. Grants will be used to provide support for educators to supplement the costs of educational services and promote autism awareness in the region.
The Arts and Cultural Fund enhances the quality of life in the region by supporting arts and culture within our local communities.
If you are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with academically gifted students, autism education or arts and culture start considering a project you want to undertake next year.
These three grant cycles (and the scholarship cycle) end March 1. Please be sure to begin the application process early. No late applications will be accepted.
by Emily Tomlinson
with Comments Off on New Funds Honor Loved Ones
Last month, we shared a story about the creation of two new scholarships started by Albert and Sandra Payne (You can read about those scholarships here.). The Payne’s also started two new funds — the Edward R. Lloyd and Mildred P. Lloyd Fund and the Frank S. Dillon Fund.
Edward Lloyd was Sandra’s stepfather and Mildred was her mother. Edward attended the University of Miami, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He was a vice president of risk management with Dan River Inc. from 1968-85, working in New York; Greenville, SC; and Danville. He served in the Navy during World War II as a motor machinist’s mate first class and chief engineman on submarines. He was on active duty from 1941-47 and in the Naval Reserves from 1947-54. During his time in the Navy he received an American Defense Service Medal, an American Campaign Medal, an Asian-Pacific Campaign Medal and a Navy Good Conduct Medal. Edward was very active in the Danville community, volunteering with the Danville Humane Society, DOVES and God’s Storehouse. In addition, he participated in numerous mission trips with local churches and organizations while a member of Fairview United Methodist Church.
Mildred attended Greenville Technical College and obtained an associate of applied science degree in business. She worked at Dan River for more than 40 years, serving as the executive secretary at the corporate office and as the travel coordinator for the company plane. She also was the secretary for the sports department at what is now Averett University. Mildred was a member of the American Business Women’s Association. She volunteered with God’s Storehouse and was a member of a Walk to Emmaus Team. She held several leadership positions for various committees at Fairview United Methodist Church and Faith Memorial Baptist Church.
The Edward R. Lloyd and Mildred P. Lloyd Fund is a designated fund that will annually award grants to God’s Storehouse in Danville.
The Frank S. Dillon Fund was established in memory of Sandra’s father. Dillon attended Danville High School but quit at the age of 16 to support his mother — his father had died when he was two years old. He worked for the US Postal Service from 1946-1978. In addition to delivering mail, he painted and made repairs for members of the community from 1950-1990.
Dillon served as a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Start Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. In addition, he received medals for Army of Occupation in Germany; American Campaign; European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign; and efficiency, honor and fidelity in multiple weapons awards.
The Frank S. Dillon Fund is a field of interest fund that will award grants to area charitable organizations that provide eligible residents assistance in home repairs and construction.
Albert and Sandra were both born in Danville and graduated from George Washington High School. Albert is a dentist with Danville Dental Associates, PC. The couple has long volunteered in the community and are active in their church, Trinity United Methodist Church.
