Community Wellness Grant Cycle Opens Today!
2024-02-01 | VA
The Community Foundation’s Community Wellness Grant Cycle opens today!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY.
Addressing the basic human needs of our vulnerable populations is crucial to helping our community thrive. But that can’t happen when people are experiencing barriers to accessing food, safe and affordable housing, and other basic necessities. The Community Wellness Grants will focus on support to the following:

Programs that provide food assistance for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Programs that aim to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing options for low-wealth individuals and families.
Programs that work towards preventing homelessness, providing temporary shelters, offering supportive services, and assisting individuals in transitioning to stable housing.
Programs that provide clothing and other essential supplies to needy individuals and families.

We look for programs/projects that provide a well-planned approach to the issues and needs in the community, with a demonstrated track record of support and committed leadership with an emphasis given to those requests that promote collaboration between organizations with similar missions.
Please pay close attention to the geographical restrictions and funding priorities of each Fund before applying! Deadline to apply is February 15, 2024 no later than 4:00 pm.
Please note that if your organization was a recipient of one of these funds in the previous year, the funds from that grant must be spent and final report submitted before being eligible for this year’s grant cycle.

For questions or if you are in need of support, please reach out to Michelle Eberly, Director of Grants and Donor Engagement, at 540-985-0204 or via email at michelle@cfwesternva.org.

Community Wellness Grant Cycle Closes Today!
2024-02-15 16:00 (America/New_York) | VA
The Community Foundation’s Community Wellness Grant Cycle closes today at 4:00 p.m.!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY.
Addressing the basic human needs of our vulnerable populations is crucial to helping our community thrive. But that can’t happen when people are experiencing barriers to accessing food, safe and affordable housing, and other basic necessities. The Community Wellness Grants will focus on support to the following:

Programs that provide food assistance for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Programs that aim to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing options for low-wealth individuals and families.
Programs that work towards preventing homelessness, providing temporary shelters, offering supportive services, and assisting individuals in transitioning to stable housing.
Programs that provide clothing and other essential supplies to needy individuals and families.

We look for programs/projects that provide a well-planned approach to the issues and needs in the community, with a demonstrated track record of support and committed leadership with an emphasis given to those requests that promote collaboration between organizations with similar missions.
Please pay close attention to the geographical restrictions and funding priorities of each Fund before applying! Please note that if your organization was a recipient of one of these funds in the previous year, the funds from that grant must be spent and final report submitted before being eligible for this year’s grant cycle.

For questions or if you are in need of support, please reach out to Michelle Eberly, Director of Grants and Donor Engagement, at 540-985-0204 or via email at michelle@cfwesternva.org.

NPO CONNECT: Coalition Building: Defining Our Purpose
2024-02-29 09:30 - 11:30 | Roanoke Higher Education Center – Room TBD, 108 N Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
REGISTER HERE!
LET’S TALK ABOUT : Coalition Building: Defining Our Purpose
Nonprofits are finding now more than ever that partnering with other organizations can be beneficial to long-term productivity and impact. Partnering ranges from simple informal networks and information sharing to more complex arrangements. Learn how targeted assessments and establishing goals informs partnering decisions, identify areas of potential roadblocks to coalition-building, and understand negotiation stages and strategies in building successful coalitions.
REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity! Space is limited, so register today!

Chris is a senior consultant and facilitator with The Spark Mill and is passionate about big ideas that create a lasting positive impact. Chris has worked with dozens of nonprofits to help them craft strategic plans that drive towards growth and community thriving. In 2016, Chris founded and runs Mission Forward – a TSM Nonprofit Acceleration program that has had success all over Virginia, most recently running four cohorts in Richmond, through Thrive: Acceleration for Social Good. Since its development, over 40 organizations have moved their mission and impact forward through this accelerator model.
Before The Spark Mill, Chris spent 13 years leading small, medium, and large congregations of the United Methodist Church. Prior to his work in the local church, Chris worked in marketing and communications at GE Financial Assurance (now Genworth).
Chris is a graduate of Virginia Tech, from which he holds a BA in Communication Studies, and Union Presbyterian Seminary (Richmond), from which he holds a Masters of Divinity. He and his wife, Jill, live in Richmond with their two boys, Henry and Nicholas.

NPO CONNECT: Marketing Strategies to Stand Out Above the Noise
2024-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Roanoke Higher Education Center – Room TBD, 108 N Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
RESITER NOW
LET’S TALK ABOUT : Marketing Strategies to Stand Out Among the Noise
We live in a highly complex digital world where we are constantly being inundated with information. In our current environment of overstimulation and overload, it’s crucial for businesses and organizations to cut through the noise and capture the attention of their target audience effectively. This workshop, “Marketing Strategies to Stand Out Among the Noise,” is designed to equip you with the skills and insights needed to create standout marketing campaigns.
During this two-hour workshop, we will discuss the following marketing strategies to help your business or organization stand out:

Your story: How to develop a strong brand story.
Your brand: How to effectively communicate your brand story using guidelines that define your brand, as well as graphics, copywriting, content creation, and the right marketing tools for your business or organization.
Your audience: How to reach target audiences that are right for your business or organization.
Your engagement: Tips for measuring engagement, how and when to refresh marketing materials, frequency of posting, and more.

There will be time for Q&A throughout the workshop and at the end of the presentation.
REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity! Space is limited, so register today!

Rachael Kesler Palm has more than 20 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and fundraising communications. She has previously worked in the for-profit sector and has more than 13 years of nonprofit marketing experience. Rachael currently works as an independent marketing communications consultant, providing marketing communications services to nonprofits and small businesses. She specializes in content creation, data-driven marketing strategies, and strategic communications planning.
When she’s not working, Rachael teaches yoga and loves to take group fitness classes. She always finds time to bury her nose in a good book and spend time outdoors. Rachael was born in Roanoke, Va., and she spent her childhood in Floyd and Blacksburg, Va. Rachael now lives in Charlottesville, Va., with her partner Carolyn and their young daughter Penelope.

NPO Connect: Intermediate/Advanced Grantsmanship Workshop
2024-03-12 09:00 - 15:00 | New College – Baldwin Building B-207, 191 Fayetville St., Baldwin Building $B-207, Martinsville, VA, 24112, United States
REGISTER NOW
LET’S TALK ABOUT: Intermediate/Advanced Grantsmanship Workshop
This one-day workshop will delve into the deeper nuances of grant proposal writing and stewardship. For this workshop, we assume that participants are already familiar with the basic components of a grant proposal and are now looking for tips and information on how to bring their grantsmanship to the next level. Topics covered will include:

Delving deeper into grant proposal writing
Building relationships with funders, partners, and the wider community
Making a strong case for need and your program’s relevance
Handling feedback
What to do when funded
What to do when rejected
Grant management
Record keeping
Reporting
Q&A

LOCATION: New College Institute, Martinsville, VA

Alex Siple has worked in resource development in the Roanoke Valley and beyond for over a decade. Alex began her career at Total Action for Progress (TAP) as a grant writer in 2010 and later founded her own business, Atlas Grant Solutions LLC, in 2014. She has since worked as a consultant in resource development in the Roanoke Valley and across Virginia. She has raised $103 million in funding for local governments, nonprofits, schools, and universities. She has helped design and fund programs in employment training, youth education and college access, early childhood education, athletics, juvenile justice and criminal justice, arts and culture, substance use treatment and prevention, international development, and much more.
In 2021, she decided to make her passion for the outdoors her life’s purpose. Her dream is to help young women—specifically those who may not have access to the outdoors—opportunities to explore the natural world and learn new skills. She founded The Wild Way, a nonprofit that increases girls’ access to outdoor experiences, encourages them to push their boundaries, and helps them build confidence as they grow from girls into young women.
Alex holds an undergraduate degree from the College of William & Mary and a post-graduate degree in development from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking, riding her road bike, paddling down a river, and spending time with her two corgis, Winston and Mosby.

NPO Connect: Intermediate/Advanced Grantsmanship Workshop
2024-03-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Fitzpatrick Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
REGISTER OPEN
LET’S TALK ABOUT: Intermediate/Advanced Grantsmanship Workshop
This one-day workshop will delve into the deeper nuances of grant proposal writing and stewardship. For this workshop, we assume that participants are already familiar with the basic components of a grant proposal and are now looking for tips and information on how to bring their grantsmanship to the next level. Topics covered will include:

Delving deeper into grant proposal writing
Building relationships with funders, partners, and the wider community
Making a strong case for need and your program’s relevance
Handling feedback
What to do when funded
What to do when rejected
Grant management
Record keeping
Reporting
Q&A

Location: Jefferson Center, Fitzpatrick Hall, Roanoke, VA

Alex Siple has worked in resource development in the Roanoke Valley and beyond for over a decade. Alex began her career at Total Action for Progress (TAP) as a grant writer in 2010 and later founded her own business, Atlas Grant Solutions LLC, in 2014. She has since worked as a consultant in resource development in the Roanoke Valley and across Virginia. She has raised $103 million in funding for local governments, nonprofits, schools, and universities. She has helped design and fund programs in employment training, youth education and college access, early childhood education, athletics, juvenile justice and criminal justice, arts and culture, substance use treatment and prevention, international development, and much more.
In 2021, she decided to make her passion for the outdoors her life’s purpose. Her dream is to help young women—specifically those who may not have access to the outdoors—opportunities to explore the natural world and learn new skills. She founded The Wild Way, a nonprofit that increases girls’ access to outdoor experiences, encourages them to push their boundaries, and helps them build confidence as they grow from girls into young women.
Alex holds an undergraduate degree from the College of William & Mary and a post-graduate degree in development from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking, riding her road bike, paddling down a river, and spending time with her two corgis, Winston and Mosby.

NPO CONNECT: Donor Retention and Stewardship: The Importance of Engaging Your Donors
2024-04-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Roanoke Higher Education Center Room 410, 108 N Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
REGISTER HERE!
LET’S TALK ABOUT : Donor Retention and Stewardship: The Importance of Engaging Your Donors
Acquiring a new donor costs five times as much as retaining a current donor. High donor retention means the organization has a strong base of donors and the longer donors give, the more likely they are to continue to give. Participants will learn leading practices in stewardship and strategies for engaging donors to result in higher retention.

REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity! Space is limited, so register today!

Summer Grants Cycle Closes Today!
2024-08-01 08:00 - 2024-08-15 16:00 | VA
The Community Foundation’s Summer Grant Cycle will be closing today at 4:00 p.m.!

The Summer Grant Cycle consists of six Funds:

Larry Woodrow Vest Fund
Thomas P. and Lewise S. Parsley Fund
Earl D. and Carrie Leigh Doran Fund
The Cancer Center Fund
The Hospice Fund
Special Interest Funds

Please pay close attention to the geographical restrictions and funding priorities of each Fund before applying! Also, if your organization received a grant the previous grant cycle you must submit your final grant report in order to be considered.

For questions or if you are in need of support, please reach out to Michelle Eberly, Director of Grants and Donor Engagement, at 540-985-0204 or via email at michelle@cfwesternva.org.

NPO CONNECT: How to Get More Done with Less Stress
2024-09-23 09:30 - 11:30 | VA
REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
Imagine increasing efficiency, creativity, and resilience – without burning out! In this session, participants will:

Understand methods for workload management and reduction, such as effective delegation, time management, project management, and available technology supports/solutions.
Explore methods of self-care, including boundary setting, compartmentalization, leadership authenticity, and rest/recovery.
Discuss the risks — to ourselves, our employees, and our organizations — of overwork and martyrdom culture.
Complete a personal plan of action for the year before departing the workshop

REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Ryan Ripperton has more than 23 years’ experience leading nonprofit organizations, 19+ as an Executive Director. From 2010 to 2022, Ryan was Executive Director of SPARC, a youth arts education organization in Richmond, Virginia. During his tenure, SPARC raised over $17 million, expanded the budget by 300%, and increased the organization’s reputation dramatically, earning regional and national awards for program quality and innovation.
In 2021, Ryan opened Ryan Ripperton Consulting, a consulting practice focused exclusively on the nonprofit community. Ryan Ripperton Consulting helps nonprofit leaders quiet the chaos, define clear strategy, and achieve sustained results. Ryan has led projects in strategic planning and implementation, board governance and engagement, succession planning and executive sabbatical, and executive director coaching.
Ryan holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Carolina. He serves on the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and on an alumni board at his college alma mater. He is an instructor for both public and private workshops in nonprofit leadership, board-staff partnership, board governance, and strategic management. Ryan’s wife Danielle Ripperton is the Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Richmond, and they have two spunky kids.
https://www.ryanripperton.com

NPO CONNECT: Having the Right Data
2025-01-15 09:30 - 11:30 | VA
REGISTRER HERE
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
Data and program evaluation allows you to set clear goals, track performance towards them, communicate your results, and justify funding for your programs. Learn how to integrate evaluations into all aspects of your organization.
REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

Trina Willard, founder Knowledge Advisory Group, provides organizations with program evaluation and measurement services which inform business planning and future organizational development. Trina’s methods typically focus on the implementation and effectiveness of programs, policies, and procedures that help clients guide decisions with the power of information. Her approach emphasizes identification and measurement of program outcomes, as well as input from all organizational stakeholders as keys to continued growth and improvement.
Trina has successfully applied these concepts and techniques in government, nonprofit, and business settings. Her measurement expertise has benefited clients in a variety of content areas, such as human services, public education, software enhancement, court administration, employee development, and marketing.

CANCELED: NPO CONNECT: Building Blocks of a Modern Development Plan
2025-02-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
Fundraising is a dynamic, ever evolving enterprise to provide financial support to an organization. This session will share current trends emerging in the field, adaptable tools for engaging current or prospective donors, and an overview in getting your organization fundraising-ready in our current times.

REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

River District Consulting Group (RDCG) was established in 2014, by Rachel del Campo Gatewood and Hollie Adams, to strengthen purpose-driven organizations through creative solutions that bring their vision to life. Our passion lies in helping our clients build stronger communities through thoughtful strategy that deepens relationships and delivers results.
Rachel leads River District Consulting from a foundation firmly rooted in resource development, marketing campaigns, and business ownership. She approaches problems analytically, first looking at the infrastructure of an organization for strategic opportunities. She excels at drilling down and visioning up with clients, all while continuing to focus on being a good + kind human.
Hollie brings extensive training and experience in research and analysis. Her experience translates into her ability to assist her clients by testing, proving, and adapting in a competitive industry. With strength in creativity and marketing mechanics, she assists clients in creating the best foundation to launch their dreams.

NPO CONNECT: Creating and Executing Communications Strategies
2025-03-25 09:30 - 11:30 | VA
REGISTRATION CLOSED. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
We’re all communicators. No matter your role in your organization, you need to communicate with others. This is true for organizations as well. Big or small, to effectively carry out your mission, you need to be able to tell your story in the right way, at the right time, to the right audiences. It’s what we call strategic communications.
REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

Dr. Kristin Kirk is a dedicated nonprofit consultant with extensive experience in helping organizations maximize their impact and efficiency. Specializing in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, Dr. Kirk leverages a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector to guide clients in achieving their mission-driven goals, as she is committed to fostering growth and sustainability within the nonprofit community.

TO BE RESCHEDULED: NPO CONNECT: Appreciating Those Who Make an Organization's Impact Possible
2025-04-29 | VA
REGISTRATION CLOSED. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
DATE: TBD
LET’S TALK ABOUT: Staff and volunteers are essential to the success of organizations. Recognizing and valuing their contributions and impact to the organization leads to longer term engagement. In this session we’ll share ideas for expressing our gratitude, however small, and making our team members (paid and volunteer) feel valued.

REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

NPO CONNECT: Making Informed Decisions Based on Where Your Organization is in its Life Cycle
2025-05-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
REGISTER HERE.
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
Like humans, organizations go through different lifecycles, and specific competencies and performance measures distinguish each stage. During this interactive workshop, you will learn about Nonprofit Lifecycles, the advantages of using this framework, and why the alignment of programs, management, governance, resources, and systems is so important. You will have the opportunity to assess your organization using the Lifecycles “selfie” and begin to develop strategies for alignment that will strengthen your organization.

Lisa Specter-Dunaway, MPA, has spent more than 30 years in service to children, families, and communities working in the nonprofit and public sectors. For 15 years, Lisa served as CEO of CHIP of Virginia and led its merger with Prevent Child Abuse Virginia, resulting in the formation of Families Forward Virginia. She established multiple new programs throughout her career including Smart Smiles for Boys and Girls Clubs, the Richmond Healthy Start, and the Goochland Office on Youth. Lisa was appointed by three governors to serve on boards and commissions and has chaired local and state-level boards. Lisa remains committed to supporting nonprofit organizations and professionals as a consultant and trainer and is a certified Nonprofit Lifecycles Consultant.
REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity!

NPO CONNECT: Building Blocks of a Modern Development Plan
2025-06-03 09:30 - 11:30 | Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 North Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ATTENDANCE.
LET’S TALK ABOUT : Building Blocks of a Modern Development Plan
Fundraising is a dynamic, ever evolving enterprise to provide financial support to an organization. This session will share current trends emerging in the field, adaptable tools for engaging current or prospective donors, and an overview in getting your organization fundraising-ready in our current times.
“Full participation in Building Blocks of a Modern Development Plan is applicable for 2.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.”

REGISTRATION FEE: FREE
You do not want to miss this opportunity! Space is limited, so register today!

River District Consulting Group (RDCG) was established in 2014, by Rachel del Campo Gatewood and Hollie Adams, to strengthen purpose-driven organizations through creative solutions that bring their vision to life. Our passion lies in helping our clients build stronger communities through thoughtful strategy that deepens relationships and delivers results.
Rachel leads River District Consulting from a foundation firmly rooted in resource development, marketing campaigns, and business ownership. She approaches problems analytically, first looking at the infrastructure of an organization for strategic opportunities. She excels at drilling down and visioning up with clients, all while continuing to focus on being a good + kind human.
Hollie brings extensive training and experience in research and analysis. Her experience translates into her ability to assist her clients by testing, proving, and adapting in a competitive industry. With strength in creativity and marketing mechanics, she assists clients in creating the best foundation to launch their dreams.
