News Archive

The Board of Directors of The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is pleased to welcome four new members. The members are Becky Yeatts, Helm Dobbins, Elizabeth Hurt, and Jerry Williams, Jr. Steve Bass, who has served on the board for the past five years, will serve as president. “In the past 28 years of serving the Dan River Region the Community Foundation has helped connect generosity with community needs.  The grants created and supported by these donors most certainly change lives.  The Foundation has grown significantly in the last 5 years, and I am honored to be able to work with our experienced and dedicated board of directors during the next year.”

The Foundation recently recognized the service of three outgoing board members: Lee Farmer, Ginny Foster, and Teresa Petty. “On behalf of the community, I wish to thank these board members for their commitment and devotion to The Foundation. We welcome the enthusiasm, talent, and expertise of our new members for the continued development of our mission, vision, and values,” said Dan Hayes, Executive Director.

The 2024 – 2025 board members are Steve Bass, president; Vince Kania Jr., vice president; Scott Barnes, past president; Richard Dixon, secretary; Sheila Williamson-Branch, treasurer; Kerri Burchett, at large; Angeles Atkinson, Daniel Angell, Helm Dobbins, Howard Graves, Tiffany Hairston, Jennifer Hiltwine, Elizabeth Hurt, Lisa Johnson-Knight, Danielle Montague, Kunal Patel, Cathy Pulliam, Bill Riddle, Sandy Saunders, Nina Beth Thornton, Felicia Veal-Edmunds, Jerry Williams, Jr., and Becky Yeatts.

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region announces today a total of 160 scholarship awards to 147 local students.  The scholarships, totaling $341,240.80, are the result of The Community Foundation’s 2024 scholarship cycle.

With 252 qualified students applying, the awards were made to 147 students from 67 separate scholarship funds.  The Foundation awarded scholarships to  high school seniors and  undergraduate or graduate students.

The Foundation’s annual scholarship reception was held Sunday, June 4th at the Pittsylvania County Community Center to celebrate scholarship recipients who attend, or attended, the following schools:  Bartlett Yancey High School, Chatham High School, Dan River High School, Galileo Magnet High School, George Washington High School, Gretna High School, Tunstall High School, Halifax County and Westover Christian Academy.  There were also awards made to homeschool students.

Scholarships awarded, by fund:

Adkerson-Dodson Special Education Scholarship

Courtney Haraway—Averett University

William E. Barr Scholarship

Bricen Pool—Tunstall High School

Walter and Barbara Bass Scholarship

Brooke Mosher—Halifax County High School

Taylor Comer—Halifax County High School

Bennett-Bushnell-Jones-Kaufman Scholarship

Addison Ford—Averett University

Deputy Frankie Lynn Betterton Scholarship

Grayson Haskins—Virginia Tech

Robert R. Blackwell and Virginia M. Blackwell Scholarship

William Boaz—North Carolina State University

Sadie Banks Brown Memorial Scholarship

Makenzie Lovelace—Tunstall High School

Bernard C. Calvert Scholarship

Christopher Flores-Bravo—University of Virginia

James W. Bryant, Sr. and James T. Collie Scholarship

Brittany Terry—Averett University

Kayley Craig—Averett University

Hannah Walton—Averett University

Camden Calloway—Longwood University

Tristan Hernandez—Chatham High School

Bobbie French—Tunstall High School

Nicolette Ford—Averett University

Courtney Powell—Dan River High School

Caswell County Schools Scholarship

Maya Rone—University of North Carolina Greensboro

Frank, Mary and Ray Compton Scholarship

Abigail Lent—Tunstall High School

Emily Davis—Tunstall High School

Chloe Hedrick—Chatham High School

Lawrence R. Dabbs Scholarship

Caroline Upchurch—University of North Carolina at Greensboro

John Watson Daniel Scholarship

Jacob Moore—Hampden-Sydney College

Steven Bruce Daniels, Jr. Scholarship

Austin Elliott—Virginia Tech

Kylee Brower—Virginia Tech

Carlie Marshall—Tunstall High School

Ariana Osborne—Virginia Tech

Carter Lipford–Tunstall High School

Cole Abercrombie—Tunstall High School

Ashlyn Chappell—Dan River High School

Danville Academic Boosters Scholarship

Neil Shroff—Galileo Magnet High School

Aryan Kulkarni—Galileo Magnet High School

Caroline Hylton—Galileo Magnet High School

Carol-Anne Garrett—Galileo Magnet High School

Danville Lions Foundation Scholarship

Abigail Briscoe—Averett University

Gracie Taylor—Tunstall High School

Hannah Zickafoose—Tunstall High School

Isabella White—Tunstall High School

Danville-Pittsylvania Academy of Medicine Alliance Scholarship

Jordan Greene—Longwood University

Danville Regional Medical Center Auxillary/Volunteers Scholarship

Braeden Barber—Averett University

Taylor Jones—Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Roy L. and Mary G. Doss Scholarship

Aranza Ramirez-Leon—Galileo High School

Brittan Hicks—Tunstall High School

Brittany Salas—Averett University

Collin Johnson—Virginia Commonwealth University

Rachel Royster—Appalachian State University

JaMiya Guy—Spelman College

Alyssa Terry—Longwood University

Jaden Ratliff—Virginia Tech

Unique Savage—Averett University

Alyssa Robertson—Chatham High School

Emma Foley—University of Virginia

Jaden Shackelford—Virginia Tech

Esperanza Bolanos—Moore College of Art and Design

Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship

Kelsey Hyler—Tunstall High School

John R. and Betty B. Eggleston Scholarship

Aaron Cottrill—Westover Christian Academy

Fairview Church Scholarship

Austin Scearce—Liberty University

Samuel Manning Farmer Scholarship

William Boaz—North Carolina State University

First Responder-Hero Education Scholarship

Caleb McCormick—College of William and Mary

Gabrielle Griffin—Averett University

Margaret Spruce Floyd Scholarship

Brooklyn Morris—Tunstall High School

Emily Yeatts—Averett University

H. Lee Fowlkes Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

Maya Rone—University of North Carolina at Greensboro

George Washington High School Class of 1957 Scholarship

Mikalay Jernigan—George Washington High School

Zoe Alderson—George Washington High School

Gantsoudes Scholarship

Charisma Watson—George Washington High School

Deanna Macklin—George Washington High School

Roy G. and Joan F. Gignac Scholarship

Isaac Von Eime—Averett University

Alma Rodriguez Flores—Dan River High School

Arianna Moorefield-Carson—Dan River High School

Troy Edmunds—Tunstall High School

Justin Pool—North Carolina State University

Kaylee Scarce—University of Virginia at Wise

Andrew Clark—Liberty University

Aubrey Lyle—Danville Community College

Meredith Wilson Gravely Memorial Scholarship

Madelyn Doss—Chatham High School

George A. Grekos Scholarship

Jacoby Davis, Jr.—Dan River High School

Diane Marie Gross Scholarship

Colten Adkins—Dan River High School

John B. Grubb Scholarship

Griffin Sands—Tunstall High School

Gail and Walter Gunn Scholarship

Adrian Glass—Boston University

Ray M. Harris Scholarship

Christopher Bowman—Westover Christian Academy

Luke Barber—Liberty University

Berlince Dong—Tunstall High School

Stuart Harris Drama Scholarship

Anna Tucker—Galileo High School

Douglas Sager Hayes and Mildred “Mickey” Hayes Scholarship

Andrew Cruz-Herrera—Dan River High School

Joshua Von Eime—Averett University

Chase Farthing—Danville Community College

Ella Brooks—University of South Carolina

Kaelyn Roach—James Madison University

Edward Liam McDonald—Westover Christian Academy

Lauren White—Liberty University

Reagan Payne—Homeschooled

Laura Harville—Dan River High School

Eliza Patterson Hines Memorial Scholarship

Sydney Adkins—Averett University

Hokie Bird Scholarship

Caleb Pearson—Tunstall High School

Joel Oakes—Virginia Tech

Kyle Kirby, IV—Tunstall High School

Hospitality Management and Tourism Scholarship

Daniel Hicks—Averett University

Ruby Sartin Hovatter Educator Scholarship

Ashley Johnson—Glenville State University

John L. Hurt, Jr. Scholarship

Jacob Wageman—College of William and Mary

Bryana Gray—Gretna High School

M. Etta Jennings Nursing Scholarship

Leara Slattery—Radford University Carilion

Robert and Bernice Milam Scholarship

Canaan Sloan—Chatham High School

Caroline Vicks—Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Kaylee Davis—SOVAH School of Health Professions

Thomas Boles—Tunstall High School

Onnie H. and Bertie W. Milloway Scholarship

Alana Blair—Averett University

Kiley Sheets—Averett University

Skyla Goddard—Westover Christian Academy

Patrick H. Musick Scholarship

Abigail Briscoe—Averett University

North Main Baptist Church Scholarship

Emily Saunders—Radford University Carilion

Iliana Veasey—Homeschooled

The Plumbee Scholarship

Caroline Upchurch—University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Arnold B. Porter and Elizabeth J. Porter Scholarship

Ameia Harris—Hampton University

Caitlin Lewis—Tunstall High School

Elizabeth Whitlow Reith Price R.N. Whitlow Family Nursing Scholarship

Maya Rone— University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Irene L. Pritchett Scholarship

Teiojae Brandon—Chatham High School

Timmie Bradley—Radford University

Alger Pugh Memorial Scholarship

Serious Pinchback—University of Virginia

Jacob Trainor—Hampden-Sydney College

Richard Ramsey Scholarship

Jacob Shelton—Gretna High School

Hannah Simpson—Gretna High School

Ryder Brooks—Gretna High School

Melvin Wooden—Gretna High School

Stella Lovelace—Gretna High School

Riddle-Francis Scholarship

Alayna Vickers—Averett University

Collin Stevens—Averett University

Rotary Club of Chatham Scholarship

Megan Bowles—University of Lynchburg

Alexis Colson—Chatham High School

Rotary Club of Yanceyville Scholarship

William Boaz—North Carolina State University

Percy and Velna Scearce Scholarship

Madison Hodges—Liberty University

Spiros Skenderis Memorial Scholarship

Raegan Servais—Tunstall High School

Ja-Meriona Valentine-James—Danville Community College

Kensley Yeatts—Liberty University

Eileen and Joseph Stendig Scholarship

Jordan Wilson—Danville Community College

Carol-Anne Garrett—Galileo Magnet High School

Kelley Carter—University of Virginia School of Medicine

Lily Davis—George Washington High School

Sherri Dickens—Bellevue University

Louise P. Surles Scholarship

Kayla Wise—University of Virginia

Caroline Hylton—Galileo Magnet High School

Tricia’s Nursing Memorial Scholarship

HaiLan Zhao—University of Lynchburg

Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarship

Richard Jones—Tunstall High School

Tunstall Academic Boosters Scholarship

Carly Calloway—Tunstall High School

Colin Waller—Tunstall High School

Crystal Corona—Tunstall High School

Hallie Holt—Tunstall High School

Makenzie Lovelace—Tunstall High School

Mohammad Khan—Tunstall High School

Parris Atkinson—Tunstall High School

Berlince Dong—Tunstall High School

Emily Davis—Tunstall High School

Isabella White—Tunstall High School

Andy Warren Memorial Scholarship

Jalen Williamson—Virginia Union University

Paulo Sanches—George Washington High School

Joshua Pritchett—George Washington High School

Laurie Anne Wilmoth Nursing Scholarship

Mikalay Jernigan—George Washington High School

Woodlawn Academy Scholarship

Lacey Newton—Roanoke College

MacKenzie Harris—Longwood University

Lathan Doss—Chatham High School

The Community Foundation’s next scholarship cycle begins January 1, 2025 for academic year 2025–26.  The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of civic leaders to improve and enrich area lives through the generosity of donors.

For more information about a scholarship fund or scholarships awarded, please visit The Community Foundation office at 541 Loyal Street, Danville, VA, 24541, call (434) 793-0884, or visit their web site at https://www.cfdrr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-Scholarship-Recipient-Program-8.5-%C3%97-11-in-1.pdf

Katherine (Kathy) Milam recently announced her decision to retire from her position as Executive Director of The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, effective June 30, 2024. Kathy stated that serving in this role for the past five years has been a profound privilege, which offered her a unique perspective on philanthropy and complemented her previous extensive experience in grant writing.

In reviewing her years as Executive Director, Kathy takes pride in the achievements of The Foundation. During that time, the organization’s assets experienced substantial growth, increasing from $37.8 to $57.4 million. Annual grants and scholarships awarded rose from $1.3 to $1.7 million, and the number of funds managed by The Foundation increased from 151 to 183.

Kathy has accomplished much important work with The Foundation, most notably collaborating with donors to establish scholarships and endowed funds. Kathy stated, “Every new fund created represents a donor’s passion or values. Memorial funds, established for loved ones, pull at your heartstrings.” Noteworthy examples of new endowed funds include The Free Clinic of Danville Fund, dedicated to preserving The Free Clinic’s legacy and perpetuating its mission, and the Danville Historical Society Endowment Fund, supporting the preservation of the National Tobacco Textile Museum’s collections.

Kathy also played a key role in the establishment of the Unrestricted Community Fund, which was initially funded by a gift of $882,000 from an estate.  This fund provides vital support for the Foundation’s annual Competitive Grant Cycle. The creation of a Coronavirus Relief Fund demonstrated the organization’s adaptability in responding to unforeseen challenges, rallying generous donors to provide urgent assistance to nonprofits affected by the pandemic. The board of directors subsequently established an Emergency Preparedness Fund with a long-range plan to have substantial funding immediately available for future crises. 

The sale of the Faith Home property provided a significant boost to the Faith Home Fund, another unrestricted fund that supports grants throughout the community. Recently, the settlement of the Estate of Robert T. Marshall stands out as a blessing, marking the largest gift to The Foundation to date, thanks to Mr. Marshall’s generosity.

Kathy also applied for and received approval for two major three-year grants from the Danville Regional Foundation.  The funds awarded are for regranting purposes during The Community Foundation’s annual Competitive Grant Cycle.

During Kathy’s tenure, The Foundation twice applied for and received reaccreditation approval from the National Standards for Community Foundations.  This accreditation indicates that The Foundation meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence.

Thanks to Kathy’s leadership, the staff’s active participation in the Virginia Funder’s Network and attendance at conferences such as the Annual National Conference for Growing Community Foundations has highlighted The Foundation’s dedication to continuous learning and collaboration.

Kathy stated that working for The Community Foundation requires not only a passion for the great work of nonprofit organizations and students in our region, but also the desire and drive to grow the funding available to help organizations and students thrive. She added that the work requires compassion as well as a high level of accountability, problem solving, and attention to detail.  The Foundation’s continued development is guided by the vision and strategy outlined in the five-year Strategic Plan adopted by the board of directors in 2022. 

Kathy ended by saying, “It is with much gratitude and respect for the team of staff and board members with whom I have worked closely during the past five years, that I joyfully turn the page to the next chapter of my life.  Every day was a genuine pleasure, working and learning alongside such an intelligent and caring group of people.”

We are happy to announce that Debrielle Williams is our new Foundation Administrator. We welcome Debrielle to our team!

$337,608.95 AWARDED IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region announces today a total of 151 scholarship awards to 140 local students.  The scholarships, totaling $337,608.95, are the result of The Community Foundation’s 2023-24 scholarship cycle.

With 269 qualified students applying, the awards were made to 140 students from 64 separate scholarship funds.  The Foundation awarded scholarships to 87 high school seniors and 53 undergraduate or graduate students.

The Foundation’s annual scholarship reception was held Sunday, June 4th at the Pittsylvania County Community Center to celebrate scholarship recipients who attend, or attended, the following schools:  Bartlett Yancey High School, Chatham High School, Dan River High School, Galileo Magnet High School, George Washington High School, Gretna High School, Tunstall High School, Halifax County and Westover Christian Academy.  There were also awards made to homeschool students. To view the Scholarship Reception Program please visit https://www.cfdrr.org/scholarships/2023-scholarship-reception-program/

CFDRR’s 25^th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History

In 2019, Katherine W. Milam became the Executive Director of the Foundation upon Debra Dodson’s retirement.  In her time with CFDRR, the Foundation has seen a growth in total charitable assets from over $37 million in 2019 to over $51 million in 2021.  Kathy is dedicated to the Foundation’s mission to improve and enrich the lives of people in the community by encouraging the generosity of donors; by receiving, managing and distributing important resources; and by meeting a variety of charitable purposes in the community.

#cfdrrcelebratingtwentyfiveyears

The Community Foundation is excited to announce the publication of “Celebrating 25 Years: Community Foundation of the Dan River Region,” a feature article written by Katherine Milam, Executive Director. The article was published in River City Area and Hyco Lake Magazines in their November 2021 issues.

Read the full article here:

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CFDRR’s 25^th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History

In 2004, CFDRR served as fiscal agent for a new Veterans Memorial. Lawrence McFall steered the project. In the same year, the Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Park in Danville was completed.  Over 6,500 bricks have been sold. A permanent endowment for the Memorial was created in 2010.

#cfdrrcelebratingtwentyfiveyears

CFDRR’s 25^th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History

In 2007, the Foundation purchased its new office at 541 Loyal Street in Danville.  Formerly the Law Office of Brian Turpin, the location offers more than 3,000 square feet of space with multiple offices, two conference rooms, and on-site parking.

#cfdrrcelebratingtwentyfiveyears

CFDRR’s 25^th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History

In 1999, the Foundation hired its first full-time Executive Director, Debra Dodson.  During her 20 years with CFDRR, Debra devoted her time to building a permanent endowment for the region through the generosity of over 4,000 donors.  Debra helped the Foundation grow from $10 million in assets in 1999 to over $37 million in assets in 2019.

#cfdrrcelebratingtwentyfiveyears