CFDRR’s 25th 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.
CFDRR’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History
In 1996, the Foundation was originally named the DPC Community Foundation. In 2004, the name changed to The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. In 2017, the Foundation released a new logo and branding.
CFDRR’s 25th 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.
CFDRR’s 25th 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.
CFDRR’s 25th 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.
CFDRR’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History
In 1998, assets of the Faith Home Foundation were gifted to create the donor advised fund, Faith Home Fund. This included the land, buildings, and financial reserves of the former Faith Home orphanage totaling $7.7 million. This brought the Community Foundation’s assets to $8,324,655.
CFDRR’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History
In 1996, the Foundation hired its first part-time Executive Director, Bob Wiles (left). He directed the inception and growth of the Foundation with care, enthusiasm, and dedication. Mr. Wiles was instrumental in attaining over $10 million in assets during his service to the Foundation.
CFDRR’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History
In 2008, CFDRR became the fiscal agent for the regional National Fund for Workforce Solutions Collaborative and created the Workforce Solutions Fund. CFDRR accepted local, regional, and national funding on behalf of local workforce development efforts, and returned this funding to the community through grants. This partnership ran through 2015. Danville became a Southern Virginia Certified Work Ready Community, the fifth community to do so in Virginia!
CFDRR’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Key Milestones in Our History
In 2008, assets of the Dan River, Inc. Foundation were transferred to create the Dan River Inc. Endowment Fund of The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. Grants from this fund benefit nonprofit organizations in Danville-Pittsylvania County that provide a variety of services, including education, arts and culture, workforce and economic development, literacy and tutoring, and health care.
