Category: Uncategorized

Helpline Adds Online Form, Foundation Announces Grants

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation has launched an online form to expedite the work of the Community Resource Helpline, a partnership initiative largely funded by the Community Emergency Response Fund at the Foundation. Click here for the form.

In this time of crisis, the Helpline for COVID-19–related hardship launched on March 23, 2020, and has received an overwhelming response. United Way of Greater Charlottesville generously donated its phone system; however, the large volume of calls has created a backlog. The response time has been slower than anticipated, and there are still outstanding requests.

We understand that the needs of families are urgent. In coordination with United Way and other partners, the Helpline closed for three business days for all calls and messages in order to catch up on the backlog. Now this new form will allow families facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19 to submit information online rather than calling the Helpline. We hope that this will allow for greater access and faster support. The Helpline will continue to operate, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. (People can submit a form or call the Helpline but do not need to do both.)

Community Emergency Response Fund

Hosted by the Community Foundation, the Community Emergency Response Fund was established to provide flexible resources to households and organizations in Central Virginia that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. Thanks to more than 600 contributors to date, the fund has raised and leveraged more than $3.4 million, money that has gone both to households and to nonprofit organizations providing critical services.

Major Donations

Generous lead donors to Community Emergency Response Fund include the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band, Batten Family Fund, Adiuvans Relief Fund, Quantitative Foundation, Hilltop Foundation, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, three anonymous donors, and Wells Fargo. On April 6, the Fund received an unprecedented gift from the University of Virginia to support households facing hardship in the region.

Support to Households Through Helpline

On March 23, 2020, the Community Foundation joined with Cville Community Cares, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, the City of Charlottesville, and the County of Albemarle to create a partnership. Its purpose was to provide a mechanism to distribute funds to households experiencing hardship due to the pandemic. That mechanism is the Community Resource Helpline. Available at (434) 234-4490 and now through an online form, the Helpline allows community members to request quick, targeted, and discreet financial assistance. Using United Way’s phone system and team members from the United Way, the City, the Foundation, Cville Community Cares, and other organizations, it has fulfilled more than 2,400 requests affecting an estimated 7,200 people. Typical disbursements range from $250 to $750. The coverage area includes Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange. Nearly, $1.6 million from the Foundation’s Community Emergency Response Fund has supported this effort.

Support to Nonprofits

The Community Foundation also makes grants from the Community Emergency Response Fund to nonprofit organizations that are providing critical services. Last week, the Community Foundation approved eight grants of more than $200,000 and will continue to make grants on a rolling basis. Guidelines are at www.cacfonline.org.

Grant Recipients

  • Rx Partnership
    to offset price increase of generic drugs and fees to mail prescriptions
  • Orange County Free Clinic
    to pay for medical and cleaning supplies due and for personal protective equipment stock
  • Sexual Assault Resource Agency
    for technological upgrades to secure remote crisis intervention and mental-health services
  • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
    to fill and distribute food boxes to pantries and sites that operate Child Nutrition Program
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville
    to provide two-month rent abatement for households at Southwood Mobile Home Park
  • Fluvanna Meals on Wheels
    to purchase gloves, face masks, sanitizing products, and delivery bags
  • Greene Care Clinic
    to purchase two laptops to provide services using a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform
  • Louisa County Resource Council
    in support of the council’s food assistance program serving low-income residents

Ethan Tate Named Donor Relations Manager

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce Ethan Tate as its new Donor Relations Manager, Grants and Scholarships, effective April 9. Reporting to Katie Kling, Director of Advancement, Tate will provide stewardship and oversight to donor advised and committee advised grantmaking programs, as well as scholarship funds managed by the Community Foundation.

“We are so excited to have Ethan join our team,” says Kling. “He brings both deep knowledge of our community, as well as experience as a member of the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band Grant Committee.”

Tate has worked as a projects director for the Building Goodness Foundation since 2008. He collaborated with partner organizations, volunteers, and donors, while managing field staff in Virginia, Haiti, and Central America. Prior to that, Tate served as an AmeriCorps crew leader for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville.

“I’ve admired the Community Foundation’s work for more than a decade,” Tate says. “We live in a place with both an abundance of riches and a painful legacy. The Community Foundation, through its work in the last several years, is at the leading edge of the healing, reconciliation, and social justice processes here. I’m excited to be a part of it and to be working with our donors to help them fulfill all of their goals.”

Tate holds an undergraduate degree in religion from Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In his free time he says he enjoys visiting national parks, attending live music, being a dorky dad, building stuff, and attempting to keep his garden alive.

Community Foundation Receives $1M from UVA, Will Support Low-Wage Workers

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce a contribution of $1 million from the University of Virginia to the Community Emergency Response Fund. The Fund was established to provide flexible resources to households and organizations in Central Virginia helping to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university announced earlier today the establishment of a $2 million fund to provide financial support to Aramark employees and other contract workers affected by the suspension of normal activities on Grounds.

The Foundation recognizes the needs of these community members and all low-wage workers experiencing hardship. Anyone in need of assistance is strongly encouraged to call the Community Resource Hotline, (434) 234-4490, between 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. Multiple languages are available. It may take several days for UVA’s fund to become fully operational.

“I am pleased to partner with the university during this crisis,” Brennan Gould, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said. “While this health pandemic does not discriminate based on socioeconomic position, we do know that existing economic inequities position low-wage workers to be the most vulnerable to its financial consequences. Because of this, we encourage contract workers at UVA and low-wage workers across the region to call the helpline to receive quick assistance.”

The Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Cville Community Cares, and the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle are leading a regional effort to stabilize households in the wake of this pandemic.

Community Foundation Receives $1M from UVA, Will Support Low-Wage Workers

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce a contribution of $1 million from the University of Virginia to the Community Emergency Response Fund. The Fund was established to provide flexible resources to households and organizations in Central Virginia helping to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university announced earlier today the establishment of a $2 million fund to provide financial support to Aramark employees and other contract workers affected by the suspension of normal activities on Grounds.

The Foundation recognizes the needs of these community members and all low-wage workers experiencing hardship. Anyone in need of assistance is strongly encouraged to call the Community Resource Hotline, (434) 234-4490, between 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. Multiple languages are available. It may take several days for UVA’s fund to become fully operational.

“I am pleased to partner with the university during this crisis,” Brennan Gould, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said. “While this health pandemic does not discriminate based on socioeconomic position, we do know that existing economic inequities position low-wage workers to be the most vulnerable to its financial consequences. Because of this, we encourage contract workers at UVA and low-wage workers across the region to call the helpline to receive quick assistance.”

The Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Cville Community Cares, and the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle are leading a regional effort to stabilize households in the wake of this pandemic.

New Local Partnership to Begin Disbursing COVID-19 Household Relief Funds

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, Cville Community Cares, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, City of Charlottesville, and County of Albemarle are pleased to announce a partnership to disburse funds to households experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 virus. This partnership will make financial payments to households in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange. 

The partnership will begin receiving requests for support today, March 23, 2020. Anyone experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus and its economic impacts can call (434) 234-4490 between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Multiple languages are available.

“As a region of interconnected people, we have the opportunity and responsibility to care for one another,” Brennan Gould, president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation, said. “I am extremely grateful to the generous donors who have contributed to this effort so far. Philanthropy is well positioned to be nimble, responsive, and creative in times of crisis. The innovative partnership that launches today will focus on stabilizing individual households across the region that are experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 virus and its economic impacts.”

“This situation is unprecedented and growing exponentially, and people need help right now covering necessities and providing for their loved ones,” said Ravi Respeto, President & CEO of the United Way of Greater Charlottesville. “By partnering with the Community Foundation, Cville Community Cares, the City and the County, we endeavor to eliminate confusion and anxiety about where our fellow community members can turn for resources, while providing donors an opportunity to have an immediate and unified impact.”

“Through a grassroots mutual aid effort with Congregate Cville, we mobilized quickly and were able to raise and distribute direct financial assistance to over 130 households in 5 days,” the Cville Community Cares team said in a statement. “After having already received requests from more than 1,000 households in that period, we welcome this new partnership, which will allow us to scale up what worked so well from that effort to reach more people across the region.” 

The Cville Community Cares team is also providing material support through grocery delivery and prescription delivery. The form to request support is bit.ly/cvilledelivery. To join the Cville Community Cares network, fill out the form at bit.ly/cvillecare2020.

In addition to supporting this partnership, the Foundation will make targeted grants to community-based organizations providing basic assistance, including food, housing and medical supplies. Organizations in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange are eligible. Interested organizations should contact ebugg@cacfonline.org to discuss their needs.

These funding initiatives are supported by the Community Emergency Response Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. The Fund was established to provide flexible resources to organizations in Central Virginia helping to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to lead gifts by the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band, Batten Family Fund, Adiuvans Relief Fund, Quantitative Foundation, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, 2 anonymous donors, the City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Wells Fargo, Tremaine Family Foundation and the support of more than 200 contributors to date, over $2 million has already been raised.

 “We recognize that this crisis has left no one untouched,” Gould said. “Our nonprofit grant partners, as well as businesses, schools, government, the medical community, and other initiatives are navigating not only a loss of routine and security, but also are now carrying new, heavy loads as they care for and protect others. We do not know how long this initial phase of support will be needed, and we will explore additional strategies for the Fund as our region acclimates to the fast-changing situation.” 

The Foundation has also announced flexible grant terms for existing partners, including extended grant periods and a reallocation of awarded funds to support operations as needed.

Gould emphasizes her gratitude to community partners United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Cville Community Cares, City of Charlottesville, and County of Albemarle for their swift action to work together on this significant effort for the region.

The Community Emergency Response Fund is accepting donations. To donate click here or (http://bit.ly/2WbL3zO).

Announcement of the Community Emergency Response Fund

We are in the midst of a global pandemic. The COVID-19 virus is spreading quickly and forcing us all to make sweeping changes to how we live our lives, at least for the short term. As we begin to better understand the consequences of these changes, it is our obligation as a community and as your Community Foundation to be prepared to respond.

Today we are pleased to announce the Community Emergency Response Fund. Hosted by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, it will provide flexible resources to organizations in Central Virginia helping to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund will operate in partnership with local governments, schools, and the private sector to address current and emerging needs and strategically fill gaps in support.

The challenges before us as a community are myriad. In addition to health concerns, the pandemic for many will result in loss of income and limited access to food, supplies, and education, among other things. Public emergencies such as this tend to be disproportionate in their impacts. The Fund will seek to support, in particular, residents without health insurance or access to sick days, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and gig economy workers, and communities of color. Lower-income and international students will face particular challenges as schools and universities close.

The Community Foundation understands that in our region we are all interconnected. These connections, in a time of pandemic, create risk but also opportunity. We must invest in one another, now more than ever, to provide support for the most vulnerable and alleviate the communitywide effects of this historic crisis.

HOW TO DONATE

To make a donation to the Community Emergency Response Fund, click here.

WHAT’S NEXT?

This is a fast-moving situation and we’re moving quickly with it. We’re still in the process of establishing the details of the Fund, including its size and how organizations can access its support. We will update the community as details become available.

WORKING REMOTELY

Out of concern for staff and community health, the Community Foundation’s staff will work remotely for the next two weeks. Most Foundation operations will remain available to fundholders. We will continue to be available by phone and email through our regular contact information. We will continue to make grant distributions.

Outpouring of Support for Community Emergency Response Fund

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to celebrate the outpouring of generosity to the Community Emergency Response Fund. The Fund was established to provide flexible resources to organizations in Central Virginia helping to alleviate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to lead gifts by the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band, Batten Family Fund, Adiuvans Relief Fund, Quantitative Foundation, two anonymous donors, the City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Wells Fargo, Tremaine Family Foundation and the support of more than 150 contributors to date, over $2 million has already been raised.

To disburse funds, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, Cville Community Cares, United Way of Greater Charlottesville, City of Charlottesville, and County of Albemarle have developed a partnership. The partnership will disburse funds to households experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 virus. This partnership will make financial payments to households in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, Greene, Orange, and Buckingham. An array of transaction options are available. More details on how to access the funding will be announced on Monday, March 23, 2020.

In addition to supporting this partnership, the Foundation will make targeted grants to community-based organizations providing basic assistance, including food, housing, and medical supplies. Organizations in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Fluvanna, Greene, Orange, and Buckingham are eligible.

The Community Emergency Response Fund is accepting donations. To donate click here.

The Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

Three new members have joined our Governing Board (from left to right): Antwon Brinson, Diane Schmidt, and Kristin L. Henningsen.

Brinson is the owner and CEO of Culinary Concepts AB, which was founded in 2018 and provides high-impact, motivational training in the food service industry. Prior to that he was the executive chef at Common House and cooked at restaurants and resorts around the country. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, New York.

Schmidt is Associate Head of School for Operations and CFO for St. Anne’s-Belfield, Inc. She is responsible for an annual budget of more than $20 million, runs the schools’ operations, maintaining grounds, and overseeing risk management. She received degrees from JMU and Mary Washington and is a graduate of Leadership Charlottesville.

Henningsen is the Managing Director of the operations division of CornerStone Partners, an Outsourced CIO firm in Charlottesville. CornerStone manages about $11 billion in assets for fourteen not-for-profit clients. Prior to joining CornerStone, she worked for a large regional accounting firm and an investment banking firm.

Welcome!

Andrew Zapanta Named Financial Controller

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce Andrew Zapanta as its new Financial Controller, effective February 10, 2020. Zapanta will manage the Foundation’s accounting operations and internal controls and handle expenditures, auditing processes, statements, data analysis, and compliance.

“I’m delighted to have Andrew joining the Foundation staff and especially the finance and administration team,” Jan Dorman, Director of Finance, said. “With Andrew’s experience and expertise, I anticipate improved efficiencies to better support our donors, fundholders, and grantees.”

Zapanta has more than twenty years of experience in public, corporate, and nonprofit accounting, as well as tax and internal auditing. Most recently. he served as a financial analyst for the University of Virginia Medical Center.

“I sincerely believe in giving back to the community through any or all the skills you have,” Zapanta said. “The Foundation has a unique role in enabling organizations to fulfill their calling through its grantmaking. It’s an honor to be part of the Community Foundation family.”

A native of Harrisonburg and a longtime resident of Charlottesville, Zapanta has a bachelor of science in accounting from Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. He served as both a financial analyst and an internal auditor for the University of Virginia Physicians Group for seventeen years. In addition, Zapanta has volunteered his professional skills to nonprofit organizations, serving locally and in Honduras, Haiti, and Kenya.  

Zapanta is an avid runner and has completed marathons nationwide. Often he combines his love for running and travel with photography, and his work has been featured in art shows and media publications. He and his wife, Heidi, live in Charlottesville.

Diamond Walton Joins Foundation as Programs Manager

The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that on January 6 Diamond Walton began work as our new Programs Manager. Reporting to Eboni Bugg, the Director of Programs, she will administer the Foundation’s Enriching Communities grant program and serve as the primary point of contact for grant-seeking community partners, including nonprofits, government organizations, and individuals who are working to improve the quality of life in the Charlottesville area.

“We are extremely fortunate that Diamond will be joining the Foundation as a Programs Manager,” Bugg said. “She brings a fresh perspective on our work and her interests and skills align with our values, priorities, and strategies. With experience studying social correlates of health and supporting our rural communities with MAPP2Health Implementation Grants, Diamond understands the way critical issues intersect and how philanthropy can be a driving force for change.”

Walton has spent her career pursuing community-led solutions to public health issues. Her work has involved coalition building, strategic planning, program development and evaluation, and grant writing. She has worked alongside community members to mobilize financial, social, and human capital to address social determinants of health, such as transportation, the built environment, access to health care, and socioeconomic status.

“I look forward to continuing my service to our community as a Programs Manager,” Walton said. “I am excited to hear from community members and support them as they work toward their visions for the future. It’s an honor to join such an accomplished and innovative team and organization.”

Walton holds a BA from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in public health from Emory University. She has worked internationally as a Peace Corps volunteer, nationally as a government contractor promoting the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services to improve health care quality, and locally in the health system and academia to improve population health outcomes.

Most recently she provided technical assistance to organizations that apply for and receive MAPP2Health Core Group Implementation grants and the University of Virginia Community Health Grant. Walton has been a Charlottesville resident for nine years and in her free time can be found on the playground with her husband Nathan and their two daughters, Esperanza and Vera.