The River Counties Community Foundation (RCCF) invested nearly $767,000 in 49 local nonprofits in Lancaster, Northumberland and Middlesex counties in 2019. This represents an increased investment of more than $200,000 over last year.
The grantees were recognized at a July reception at the Bayne Center at Historic Christ Church in Weems.
The investments are the result of more than 100 individual funds with assets over $17 million, including donor advised funds, and “Together.Stronger,” the annual fundraising campaign conducted by RCCF.
“The role of River Counties Community Foundation allows us to bring people, organizations, and resources together to address local issues and opportunities,” said RCCF Board Chair Mary Kay Rotert. “But it all starts with people—generous people who care about the places in which they live, and about those people who live around them. They trust us to identify current and emerging issues, to channel resources to address our community’s needs, and to help our region prepare for the future.”
RCCF Vice Chair Carolyn Schmalenberger said the foundation reviews and awards grants in four focus areas: economic prosperity, educational success, health and wellness, and cultural vibrancy.
“We would like to thank all of the organizations for serving Middlesex, Lancaster, and Northumberland counties because ‘Together, we do more good,’ ” Schmalenberger said.
The grantees include:
Economic prosperity—RCCF supports programs designed to increase economic prosperity in our area, including safe and affordable housing, effective workforce development and financial literacy programs. Recipients include the County of Lancaster Department of Emergency Services, Hands Across Middlesex Interfaith Outreach Inc., Lancaster/Northumberland Interfaith Service Council, VersAbility Resources, Deltaville Community Association, Lancaster/Northumberland Habitat for Humanity, Bay Aging, and Linking Hope and Help Inc.
Educational success—Educational attainment is a key predictor for future success. RCCF invests in strategies proven to have the most influence on students’ long-term educational advancement and career preparation including school readiness, supportive school environments, out-of-school enrichment and positive behavioral developments. Recipients include Middlesex County Public Library Inc., Colonial Seaport Foundation, Jacob’s Ladder Inc., Lancaster Community Library, Boy Scouts of America, Heart of Virginia Council, Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA, Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MACorp), Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Northumberland Public Library, Lancaster County Virginia Education Foundation, Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation Inc.
Health and wellness—RCCF maintains an ongoing interest in the health and wellness of our region with a simple goal in mind—to ensure that local residents are safe and healthy. RCCF’s holistic view of health includes access to quality and affordable health care, and healthy lifestyles that begin in childhood and continue through all phases of life. Investments are made in programs that promote safe home, school and neighborhood environments. Recipients include Kiwanis Club of Middlesex, Three Rivers Health District, Northern Neck-Middlesex Free Health Clinic, Middlesex Department of Social Services, American Red Cross of Capital Virginia, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Gloucester County 4-H Youth Development, Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic, Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, Healthy Harvest Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter, Upper Lancaster Volunteer Rescue Squad, The Haven Shelter & Services, Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA, Avalon Center, Northern Neck Court Appointed Special Advocate Inc. (CASA), Smith Point Sea Rescue Inc., and Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury Foundation.
Cultural vibrancy—A thriving community promotes and celebrates its creative spirit. Robust community-based programming and abundant cultural experiences create educational and economic impact for our region. Recipients include Rappahannock Art League, VilDon Edutainment Inc., Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, Northern Neck Orchestra Inc., The Court House Players, Foundation for Historic Christ Church Inc., Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern Foundation Inc., Rappahannock Concert Association, and Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts.
