by Nicole Acosta | Jun 19, 2020 | Uncategorized
Now Launching: Racial Equity Framework The Community Foundation’s Social Impact Institute launches the Racial Equity Framework, a three-part program providing nonprofit professionals and government partners tools for addressing race and racism, allyship, and organizational equity: Part 1: The Onion Dialogues: an introductory workshop for nonprofit executives and board members to discuss and learn about race and racism (July-August 2020; registration now open, information below) Part 2: Allyship: a workshop for nonprofit and local government professionals, providing participants with tools to become an ally for racial justice (September – October 2020; registration information coming soon). Part 3: 360 Equity Review: two nonprofit organizations will be selected receive feedback and technical assistance related to equitable policies, practices, and decision-making (fall/winter 2020; applications will be released August 2020). It is expected that organizations interested in the 360 Equity Review will have participated in both The Onion Dialogues and Allyship programs. Now Accepting Registration: The Onion Dialogues The Onion Dialogues, presented by Tamara Copeland and Amy Owen, provides nonprofit executives and Board members the opportunity to explore and normalize conversation about race. Just as an onion has many layers, The Onion Dialogues engages participants in a multi-faceted discussion about race. Exploring topics such as language, systemic racism throughout US history, microaggressions, white fragility, and more, Amy Owen and Tamara will lead participants through an interactive dialogue in this two-day introductory workshop The Onion Dialogues will be delivered via Zoom. Eligibility Due to limited availability, The Onion Dialogues is only available to teams of two: nonprofit executive directors/CEO’s and Board members of nonprofits serving Loudoun County. It is strongly encouraged that executive directors and...
by Nicole Acosta | Jun 18, 2020 | Uncategorized
Today the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties announces $100,000 in grants from its Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to 16 nonprofit human service organizations. In March 2020, the Community Foundation established the CERF to strategically disburse funding to address COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts in Loudoun. Since March, the CERF, along with Visit Loudoun Foundation’s Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund, has distributed $165,000 to fund rental assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline, a program run in collaboration by Loudoun Cares and Catholic Charities of the Dioceses of Arlington. In May, the Community Foundation requested proposals from nonprofit organizations. Grants were considered for nonprofit members of Loudoun Human Services Network. The Loudoun Human Services Network is a coalition of human service nonprofits serving Loudoun residents. Grants were prioritized for organizations that saw increased demand for their services as it relates to COVID-19; organizations that needed to adjust service models to accommodate social distancing or other safety measures; or organizations that have lost revenue as a result of COVID-19. The Foundation created an advisory committee of local leaders representing business, philanthropic, faith-based, and government sectors reviewed applications and made funding recommendations. “The Loudoun Human Services Network’s values of collaboration, public-private partnership, and advocacy for our community’s vulnerable and at-risk residents are closely aligned with the Community Foundation’s priorities for grantmaking from the Community Emergency Relief Fund,” said Amy Owen, president of the Community Foundation. The following organizations were selected to receive grants: $10,000 grant to The Arc of Loudoun $6,000 grant to Crossroads Jobs $7,500 grant to ECHO $10,000 grant to Friends of Loudoun Mental...
by Nicole Acosta | Jun 16, 2020 | Uncategorized
The following was written by Connie Moore, who serves on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, as part of our Board Perspective blog series. The COVID-19 pandemic which has shaken our reality to the core, caused so much death, illness, and misery, and brought our economy to a standstill, is often described in superlatives. We’ve heard that this coronavirus is the most deadly pandemic since the Spanish Flu in 1918-1919, which killed 675,000 American souls. Another metric—US deaths caused by COVID-19 have already surpassed the total US military lives lost in the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraqi wars, 9/11, and Afghanistan. By any measure, COVID-19 has left an indelible, terrifying imprint upon the world. Recently I’ve been thinking about the parallels between this pandemic and my own long road to recovery after a crippling infection that left me hospitalized for three weeks. Afterwards, I was unable to stand, walk, or talk, much less smile. It literally took years of therapy to re-learn how to live and work in my new, more challenging world. Similarly, we are all re-learning how to live in this new, virus-infected world. And by “we,” I mean all of us – individuals, families, city dwellers, townspeople, rural populations, healthcare providers, teachers . . . the list goes on. We’ve all had to adjust, adapt, lament, rejigger our finances, carefully hunt down groceries, work from home, or look for new work – you name it, we’ve been compelled to adapt quickly. Think about it for a moment. In 2020 we have been forced, metaphorically, to re-learn how to “walk” and “talk” in this new world. In many...
by Nicole Acosta | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2020 Time: 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Location: Online webinar Registration Link ($15 for Loudoun Chamber members; $25 for nonmembers) Are you wondering what you could and should be doing TODAY to prepare for a stronger major gift program tomorrow? Even during times of uncertainty, the fundraising cycle works – cultivation, solicitation and stewardship – but what does this cycle look like in practice? How do you interact with major donors at each phase?Led by Vice President of The Curtis Group Victoria Dietz, this practical presentation and interactive discussion will show you the proven steps to have meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships with your donors by keeping them engaged and properly setting expectations. This workshop will cover key points such as: How do I get to really know a donor? What do I actually say when making the ask? How do I close a gift? What do I do if the ask doesn’t go according to plan? How do I keep them engaged after they give? How do I ask them again? How do I involve my board and volunteers in this process? Presenter Victoria Dietz of The Curtis Group is responsible for a variety of clients’ planning studies, training’s and campaign management. Victoria specializes in helping her clients strategically grow overall fundraising capacity and has managed campaigns ranging in size from $2 million to $40 million. About the Nonprofit Academy In partnership with the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and its Nonprofit Initiative, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties launched an ongoing workshop and training program for area nonprofits called the Nonprofit Academy. Each year, more than 200 attendees join workshops on fundraising,...
by Nicole Acosta | May 27, 2020 | Uncategorized
Application Deadline June 18 – New Dates and Program Design The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties re-announces a new offering through the Social Impact Institute program in 2020: The Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is a six-session series designed to help nonprofit leaders and managers at all levels of experience to increase supervisory effectiveness and professional accountability. The Leadership Institute will be led by Terrie Glass of Zelos, LLC. Originally announced in February, the Leadership Institute was placed on hold as we navigated COVID-19. We have revamped our program design to a video format and are now accepting applications. Program Design Six, four-hour sessions held via video conferencing using Zoom Participants receive individual communication style assessment Participation will be limited to 20 individuals Participant fee: $100 (or $75 for employees of an organizations that has participated in previous Social Impact Institute programs). Please talk with us if needed regarding program fee. Session Dates and Topics Session One (Tuesday, July 14, 2020) – Leading from the Inside Out: The Importance of Self-Awareness Session Two (Tuesday, August 11, 2020) – Communicating Effectively: Understanding Communication Style Session Three (Tuesday, September 8, 2020) – Developing Others Session Four (Tuesday, September 29, 2020) – Managing Conflict Session Five (Tuesday, October 13, 2020) – Leading Teams Session Six (Tuesday, October 27, 2020) – Leading Change, Ensuring Results All sessions take place from 10:00am-12:00pm and resume at 2:00pm-4:00pm for a total of four hours per session via video conferencing using Zoom (participants must attend both morning and afternoon portions of each session). Eligibility and Commitments: Participants must be a leader or supervisor for a human services nonprofit organization serving...
by Nicole Acosta | May 21, 2020 | Uncategorized
In March 2020, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties provided grant funding from the Community Emergency Relief Fund and the Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund to establish the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline for Loudoun residents. About the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline (703-669-5040) The COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline is staffed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington and Loudoun Cares and responds to requests for financial assistance. Trained staff from Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares will work together to complete an intake process and assess the needs of each caller. Loudoun residents who need help paying rent as a result of lost wages from the COVID-19 crisis can call the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at 703-669-5040. Staff and volunteers can provide assistance in any language, using interpreter services. In addition to providing financial assistance to callers, Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares also will help callers identify additional government, nonprofit, and faith-based resources. Both organizations have extensive experience helping people in need access financial assistance and community services through Catholic Charities’ Emergency Assistance Program, and Loudoun Cares’ Information and Referral Helpline. Eligibility Requirements for Rental Assistance Eligibility requirements to receive financial assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline may be found at https://www.ccda.net/need-help/rent,-utility-assistance,-and-basic-household-needs/. Tourism and Hospitality Workers and Rental Assistance Special funding has been awarded to the Helpline by the Visit Loudoun Foundation’s Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund to provide rental assistance specifically to tourism and hospitality workers in Loudoun, an industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic. Rent Assistance for Non-traditional Leases Loudoun County government recently a proved a...
by Nicole Acosta | May 18, 2020 | Uncategorized
The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties is pleased to announce that it received $15,000 in corporate donations and pledges to the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) and the Visit Loudoun Foundation’s Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund (THRF). These gifts will support the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline, which provides rental assistance to Loudoun families in need. Wells Fargo and Washington Gas recently committed $5,000 to the CERF while AT&T has provided $5,000 to the THRF. In April, Loudoun Chamber Foundation also donated more than $8,000 after launching a matching campaign among its members. Including a $100,000 gift from Google earlier this month, the local COVID-19 emergency efforts have raised $250,000. The Community Foundation issued a challenge to the community to match Google’s contribution. “We appreciate these large corporations answering the call, and express our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of other donors who have contributed to the funds,” said Community Foundation President Amy Owen. “Throughout our 145-year history, we’ve worked to be there when people need us. The hospitality industry has been hit hard during this crisis, which is why we’re supporting the Visit Loudoun Foundation’s Tourism & Hospitality Relief fund,” stated Garrett McGuire, External and Legislative Affairs with AT&T. John O’Brien, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Public Affairs at Washington Gas, stated “We value the work of the Community Foundation and applaud the staff for taking exemplary measures to meeting the needs of the Loudoun community.” Loudoun residents in need of rental assistance can call the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at (703) 669-5040. Trained staff from Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares complete an...
by Nicole Acosta | May 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
The following was written by Janelle Brevard, who serves on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, as part of our Board Perspective blog series. My husband and I are Loudoun County transplants. So, when we moved into our Aldie home a few years ago I was heavily influenced by my childhood growing up in the Deep South where my earliest memory of community was our first evening in our new home when my father and older brother sat watch all night, protecting us from a planned Ku Klux Klan visit to protest our move. For us, Loudoun County represented planting roots firmly in a growing community making serious efforts at acceptance and engagement, whether with those who may not look the same or come from the same socioeconomic status. Loudoun County, for us, represented an area that was in it together, and the current COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder why we all need each other now more than ever. As we mourn the loss of lives from this disease and pray for the recovery of those afflicted, we are reminded of the toll it has taken on countless Loudoun County families. The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has launched a Community Emergency Relief Fund as a way for the entire community to come together and get resources to those who need it most. Some of the funding allocations so far have included: • Direct monetary assistance to Loudoun County residents impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis • Financial assistance to those underemployed or unemployed individuals Further troubling, experts have warned that this pandemic will...
by Nicole Acosta | May 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
The Community Foundation commends A Farm Less Ordinary, Loudoun Commission for Women and Girls, Loudoun Youth, Inc., and Project Horse Empowerment Center for recently completing our 2019-2020 Strategic Planning Consortium program. In a year-long program offered as part of our Social Impact Institute, these organizations underwent an in-depth strategic planning process with the assistance of professional consultants from Capacity Partners, Inc. A well-developed strategic plan is an essential tool for nonprofit organizations to advance their missions. Strategic planning consultants provide professional guidance and facilitation to help nonprofit Boards develop their long-range goals, objectives, and strategies. However, smaller organizations often lack the financial resources to acquire quality strategic planning services. The Strategic Planning Consortium program was designed to give small organizations with annual operating budgets of under $500,000 the opportunity to work with professional consultants to develop a full-scale strategic plan. In summer 2019, applications were accepted from qualifying nonprofits that were ready to invest their time and resources in a comprehensive strategic planning process. This program was made possible with grant funding provided by 100WomenStrong and Loudoun County government. As Strategic Planning Consortium program participants, each organization was assigned a skilled consultant from Capacity Partners who helped guide and facilitate a strategic planning process that engaged the organizations’ staff, Board of Directors, and stakeholders. The participating organizations also completed training in strategic planning, and ultimately developed three-year strategic plans that guide their work and missions long-term. “We appreciate the investment these four organizations made by participating in this program,” said Nicole Acosta, director of grants and nonprofit programs at the Community Foundation. “Strategic planning is a challenging but important...
by Nicole Acosta | May 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties is pleased to announce that we have received a $100,000 grant from Google to support COVID-19 relief efforts in Loudoun County. Funds from Google will be added equally to the Community Foundation’s Community Emergency Relief Fund and Tourism & Hospitality Relief Fund. The Community Foundation challenges our neighbors, places of worship, HOAs, businesses and community members everywhere to match Google’s generosity. “Help us leverage Google’s extraordinarily generous gift to Loudoun County by matching it dollar for dollar,” said Community Foundation President Amy Owen. “A matching gift to the Community Emergency Relief Fund or Tourism & Hospitality Fund doubles the impact. Those of us who are still employed and safe in our homes share that security with our neighbors who have so much less. The needs are right here in front of us, and they are huge.” “Google is pleased to be working with the Community Foundation on such a worthwhile and important program in this time of need,” said Liz Schwab, Head of External Affairs for Google in Virginia. “With families and safety net providers struggling with the effects of COVID-19, this is a vital time for us to look out for those in need.” The Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) was to established accept and strategically disburse funding to address COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts to households in need as well as to shore up human-service nonprofit organizations experiencing financial loss. Subsequently, Visit Loudoun Foundation established a Tourism &Hospitality Relief Fund to provide financial relief to tourism and hospitality workers experiencing income losses. “The impact to Loudoun’s tourism...
