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On Thursday, January 1 the Community Foundation opened four of its application cycles – scholarship, the Arts & Cultural Fund, the Keokee Fund and the Autism Education Fund.

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.

If you are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works with academically gifted students, autism education or arts and culture consider a project you want to undertake during the 2026 calendar year.

• 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. 

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.

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. 

Dr. Albert and Sandra Payne, who created the Tunstall Academic Boosters Scholarship Fund in 2017, have started two new scholarships at The Foundation. The scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The Frank S. Dillon Scholarship Fund and the Frank S. Dillon Fund were established in memory of Sandra’s father. Dillon attended high school in Danville but withdrew 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.

While Dillon was unable to complete his education, he believed it was very important. He financially supported education throughout his life, especially the College of William and Mary. He was a lifelong member of Moseley Memorial United Methodist Church and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The scholarship will be awarded to students residing in the Dan River Region who are pursuing training recognized as career, technical or vocational education.

The couple also created the William H. Payne, Jr. and Agnes T. Payne Scholarship in memory of Albert’s parents. William was the filter plant manager at Dan River, Inc. until 1972. He also worked at the New River Valley Water Authority as a superintendent from 1972-1998. Agnes was an elementary school teacher for 30 years – working for Danville Public Schools and Christiansburg Public Schools.

The couple were members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir. William was a member of the American Water Works Association and United Methodist Men. Agnes was a member of United Methodist Women. Both were members of the Hokie Club, loved attending Virginia Tech football games and they loved to travel. The couple visited all 50 states and traveled abroad.

The second scholarship will be awarded to students who live within our service region and are pursuing a degree in education. Preference will be given to students who have completed the credits for two years of post-secondary education or those students who attend a local four-year university or those who intend to teach in the Dan River Region.

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.