The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
2026 Semi-Annual Newsletter Publication Date: October 2026
FEATURES 2 Message from Our Board Chair, Stephen G. Norair, Esq. 3 Honoring those who Served 4 New Board Members 5 Welcome New Funds 7 Nonprofits in Action: Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund 11 Women & Girls Fund Grantee Update 12 Micah Ministries Come & See Bus Tour
FY27 BOARD OF GOVENORS: Stephen G. Norair, Esq., President Kristin Shields, Esq., Secretary Daniel I. Hansen, Treasurer Kimberly Young, Ed.D., Past President Stu Ashton Sean Barden G. William “Billy” Beale William Boldon
Susan Coleman June Drake Todd Gillingham Andrew Grossnickle, CPA Dr. Janet Gullickson Stephanie Hanchey Margaret Hardy, Esq. Randall O. Harris Tyrone A. Logan Jennifer McGovern, Esq. Brooke Miller Addison Pock
STAFF: Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., CEO Angela Tran, CFO Casey Hu, Director of Donor Services Jessica Dirks, Director of Programs Iyana Umstead, Executive Admin & Donor Relations
Message from Our Board President, Stephen G. Norair, Esq. Dear Friends and Supporters, At The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, we recognize that our greatest responsibility is to honor the trust placed in us by the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who believe in the power of philanthropy to transform lives. As we reflect on the progress of 2026, I am inspired by the generosity of our community, the continued growth of the Foundation, and the extraordinary opportunities ahead. This year, we have welcomed several new charitable funds and scholarships, bringing the Foundation to 234 funds and approximately $70 million in charitable assets. These milestones represent far more than financial growth. Behind every fund is a story, a purpose, and a commitment to making a difference. Each reflects the generosity of people who believe in strengthening our communities, expanding opportunities, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are equally focused on building a stronger Foundation for the future. Under the leadership of our CEO, Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., the Foundation is nearing completion of a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to guide our next chapter. Informed by research, thoughtful discussions, and the collective insights of our Board of Governors, staff, fund holders, and community partners, this plan will strengthen our organizational capacity, enhance donor engagement, and position the Foundation to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of our region. Our commitment is simple: to be exceptional stewards of the resources entrusted to us while continually finding better ways to serve our community. Strong organizations must be willing to evolve. As a Board, we recognize that meaningful progress requires thoughtful leadership, sound governance, responsible financial stewardship, and the courage to embrace new opportunities.
We are committed to ensuring that the Foundation remains strong, relevant, and prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. As we look toward 2027, we are especially excited about moving from planning to action. Our focus will be on strengthening relationships with donors and fund holders, expanding our regional reach, supporting the nonprofit organizations doing critical work, and creating new opportunities for individuals and businesses to invest in the communities they care about. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary generosity and commitment of our donors, fund holders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and community supporters. You are the heart of the Community Foundation. Your confidence in our mission inspires our work, and your partnership makes our impact possible. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and remain committed to earning that trust every day. As Board President, I am incredibly proud of the leadership, dedication, and collective wisdom of our Board and staff. I am equally excited about the direction we are heading and confident that the work underway today will position the Foundation for an even more impactful future. The Community Foundation has always been about more than charitable giving. It is about bringing people together, connecting generosity with opportunity, and creating lasting change. Together, we are not simply preparing for the future. We are helping shape it. Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
— STEPHEN G. NORAIR, ESQ. BOARD PRESIDENT, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER REGION
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Honoring those who Served Celebrating Board Service: Harry Dickinson We extend our deepest gratitude to Harry Dickinson, one of our founding board members, for his extraordinary and enduring service. Over multiple decades, Harry has provided exceptional leadership, including serving in key roles as Treasurer, President-Elect, and President. His guidance and expertise —particularly in Finance & Audit and Investment—have been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s financial integrity and long-term sustainability. Harry’s legacy is one of commitment, stewardship, and unwavering dedication.
Celebrating Board Service: Paul Giambra We proudly recognize Paul Giambra for his dedicated service and impactful leadership on the board. Progressing through the roles of President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President, Paul helped guide the organization through important strategic initiatives. His leadership, particularly in Strategic Directions and Finance & Audit, has contributed significantly to shaping a thoughtful and forward-looking vision for the future.
Celebrating Board Service: Gayle Hock We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gayle Hock for three years of dedicated service. Through her thoughtful leadership, Gayle helped shape our strategic direction and championed the P.E.A.C.E. initiative, supporting efforts to improve third-grade literacy across the region. Her advocacy for innovative solutions that expand educational opportunity and student success reflects her deep commitment to creating brighter futures for local children and families. We are grateful for the passion, perspective, and dedication Gayle brought to the Board and the lasting impact of her service.
Celebrating Board Service: Ben Maxwell We are grateful to Ben Maxwell for his years of service and leadership across multiple terms on the board. As President and a key leader on the Investment Committee, Ben played a vital role in advancing the organization’s financial strength and sustainability. His broad committee involvement and commitment to mission-driven work have left a meaningful and lasting impact.
Celebrating Board Service: Reggie Samuel
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We proudly recognize Reggie Samuel for his three years of dedicated service to the board. Through his work on the Communications & Events and Investment committees, Reggie brought valuable perspective that strengthened community engagement and supported the Foundation’s investment stewardship. His thoughtful insight, collaborative leadership, enthusiasm, and generosity helped advance our mission and deepen our impact across the region.
New Board Members
Stu Ashton
Sean Barden
Susan Coleman
Retired Navy Captain, Co-Owner of Waterloo Farm
Retired Exective VP & CFO of Mary Washington Healthcare
Leadership Coach and Owner of Coleman Coaching & Consulting
Todd Gillingham
Dr. Janet Gullickson
Stephanie Hanchey
VP Marketing & Operations, VA's Innovation Crossroads Alliance
Retired President of Germanna Community College
Community Volunteer
Margaret Hardy, Esq. Attorney & RN
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Welcome New Funds The Amy McCullough Memorial Fund The Amy McCullough Memorial Fund honors the life and legacy of Amy Estes McCullough, a dedicated community leader, respected elder law attorney, and compassionate advocate. Throughout her career and community service, Amy was committed to helping others with dignity and care. She served on the boards of Washington Heritage Museums and The Community Foundation, and supported numerous organizations throughout the Fredericksburg region. Amy brought a thoughtful spirit of service and a deep commitment to strengthening her community. This fund was established to carry that legacy forward by supporting organizations whose work reflects the values she held throughout her life, including Washington Heritage Museums, where she served. Through this fund, Amy’s legacy of service, compassion, and community commitment will continue to make a difference for years to come.
The Ars Moriendi Services Fund Death is a journey every person will face, yet many individuals and families navigate it without the resources, support, or care they need. The Ars Moriendi Services Fund of The Community Foundation supports the organization's mission to provide knowledge, comfort, care, and respite during life's final journey. Ars Moriendi, Latin for "The Art of Dying," provides education and resources to patients, providers, and caregivers on physical and psychosocial needs, care options, and end-of-life planning. Through community outreach, support groups, and programs such as “Death Cafes,” Ars Moriendi Services (AMS) helps normalize conversations around death and make critical information more accessible. Recognizing the Fredericksburg area's lack of a residential hospice home, AMS is working to establish a facility offering compassionate end-of-life care to individuals who can no longer receive hospice care at home, regardless of financial circumstances. Through The Ars Moriendi Services Fund, our community will help ensure that compassionate end-of-life care, education, and support are more widely available to all who need them.
The Leumas Cares – Stephanie Myers Fund Stephanie Myers was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter and sister, and someone whose life touched many people throughout the Fredericksburg region. To honor her life and legacy, The Community Foundation established the Leumas Cares – Stephanie Myers Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund. Created in Stephanie’s memory, the fund provides hope and opportunity by connecting young people with resources and experiences that promote healing, growth, and long-term well-being. 5
Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund Rappahannock United Way (RUW) established the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund with The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region to ensure its mission continues to benefit the community in perpetuity. For more than 80 years, Rappahannock United Way mobilized the region’s generosity to strengthen nonprofit organizations and improve the quality of life for local residents. The Legacy Fund will provide ongoing grant support to local nonprofits serving the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, reflecting the historic priorities of Rappahannock United Way. Grants will focus on areas that were central to RUW’s mission, including education, financial stability, and health.
The Russell D. Jones Scholarship Fund The Russell D. Jones Scholarship Fund was established to support graduates of Stafford High School who are pursuing education, training, or certification in a skilled trade. The scholarship recognizes the importance of skilled professionals in our community and seeks to help students gain the training and experience necessary to begin successful careers in trade-related industries. Eligible fields may include construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive technology, manufacturing, carpentry, cosmetology, and other recognized skilled trades or technical professions. Russ Jones was a 1984 graduate of Stafford High School. After graduation he immediately went to work in the construction industry and eventually began his own business, R. Jones Construction, building homes in several neighborhoods in Stafford and the surrounding area. He would later take that knowledge and begin working at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, DC, in facilities management. All the while continuing to expand his knowledge base in the industry trades realizing how important skilled tradesman are to keeping the economy functioning and growing. His family hopes that this scholarship will continue his legacy and help students interested in making a career in the trades.
The Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund The Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund awards a $5,000 scholarship to an individual who has demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles, academic excellence and a commitment to financing their own education. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students and graduate students who plan to continue their education at an accredited institution. Judge Patricia “Trish” Kelly exemplified perseverance, dedication, and fairness throughout her life. Overcoming significant personal obstacles, she worked her way through college and law school before building a distinguished career in public service. Beginning as a public defender, she later entered private practice before being appointed as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge and ultimately serving ten years as a Circuit Court Judge. Known for her integrity, compassion, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to justice, Judge Kelly lived by the principle “to judge without passing judgment.” Following her passing from cancer in 2025, friends, colleagues, and admirers established the Patricia Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor her remarkable legacy. The scholarship supports students who embody Judge Kelly’s resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence, recognizing those who have overcome meaningful obstacles, achieved academic success through hard work, and taken personal responsibility for financing their education. Through this fund, her legacy of perseverance, service, and opportunity will continue to inspire future generations. 6
Nonprofits in Action: Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund Awards $52,871 to Four Local Nonprofits The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund has awarded $52,871 in grants to four regional nonprofit organizations through its Large Grant Cycle. This year’s grants will support the preservation of local history, expand recreational and educational opportunities, enhance youth programming, and create greater access to community spaces and experiences throughout Planning District 16. Established in 2010 through the trust of local philanthropist Duff McDuff Green, Jr., the Fund reflects Mr. Green’s longstanding commitment to preserving open spaces, encouraging healthy outdoor activities for children, and supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life throughout the community. Each year, grants from the Fund carry forward that vision by investing in projects that create meaningful opportunities for residents and protect resources for future generations. This year’s grant recipients represent the broad impact of that legacy, from safeguarding irreplaceable historical materials and creating accessible recreational spaces to expanding social-emotional learning opportunities and providing meaningful summer experiences for local youth.
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The Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund continues to reflect Mr. Green’s deep commitment to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for future generations. This year’s recipients demonstrate the breadth of that vision, from preserving the historical resources that connect us to our past to creating meaningful recreational, educational, and youth experiences for residents today. We are grateful to the Fund Advisors and our grant recipients for their commitment to making a lasting difference throughout our region,” — CASEY HU DIRECTOR OF DONOR SERVICES, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER REGION
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS FUND
The following organizations have received funding in support of their programs:
PRESERVATION GRANT Central Rappahannock Regional Library — $14,271 Critical Conservation Project – The Library’s Virginiana Room’s Primary Source Collection Grant funding will support the preservation and repair of damaged primary-source materials housed in the Library’s Virginiana Room, a specialized local history and genealogy collection containing approximately 8,000 titles dating from the Colonial period through the modern day. The Library is partnering with the Washington-Lewis chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to repair materials dating from the Colonial era through the American Revolution. Earlier this year, the Library received a $4,469 grant from the Community Foundation’s Virginia Heritage Fund toward the project; this award will provide the remaining funding needed to complete the conservation effort. Professional conservation treatment will focus on high-use and historically significant books at risk because of age, wear, and structural damage. By stabilizing fragile volumes and extending their usable lives, the project will restore public access to materials currently unavailable because of their deteriorating condition while protecting irreplaceable resources for future generations.
Central Rappahannock Regional Library is honored to receive funding from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation. This grant will give community members, researchers, and historians access to the local history that shaped the region by funding essential repairs for fragile, irreplaceable historic books and records in the Library’s Virginiana Room. The library appreciates the Foundation’s investment in this work and the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund’s dedication to historic preservation, which ensures these resources remain preserved and accessible for generations to come.” — REBECCA PURDY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTRAL RAPPAHANNOCK REGIONAL LIBRARY
RECREATION GRANT Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity — $13,600 2026 Mayfield Meadows and Canterbury Trails Grant funding will support the creation of ADA-compliant storybook signs and historical markers along a new 1,500-foot mulch trail within a 20-acre Resource Protection Area in Canterbury Estates. The project will also incorporate community garden beds, protective fencing, native plantings, educational plant identifiers, and accessibility features. Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Downtown Greens and Friends of the Rappahannock to provide environmental guidance and ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The organization is also working with the AARP Community Challenge to incorporate gardens, benches, and accessibility features for seniors and people with disabilities. The storybook signs and history markers will highlight the local history of Mayfield while creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the area’s natural environment and heritage. 8
We are incredibly grateful to receive funding from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation for our Mayfield Meadows and Canterbury Trails project. This generous support will help us connect the Canterbury Estates community to a trail where residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors, learn about the rich history of Mayfield, experience native plants, and take part in growing vegetables and fruits. We are so thankful for this support and for the opportunity it gives us to bring people together, share the history of Mayfield, care for the land, and create a special place where our community can learn, grow, and enjoy nature together for years to come.” — MIMI MITCHELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER FREDERICKSBURG HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
RECREATION GRANT The Knowledge Exchange — $12,000 Portable Interactive Education Stations™ (PIES™): Expanding Youth SEL & Recreation The Knowledge Exchange will use grant funding to expand its Portable Interactive Education Stations™ (PIES™), a community-based initiative designed to bring accessible youth social-emotional learning, recreation, and immersive educational experiences directly into communities throughout Planning District 16. As an initial pilot, The Knowledge Exchange will partner with Stafford County Public Schools and Spotsylvania County Public Schools to introduce immersive programming in at least one elementary school and two secondary school settings. Approximately 50–60 youth will participate in two rotating eight-week program sessions during the grant year. Funding will support portable equipment and supplies, educational and recreational materials, facilitator stipends, transportation and outreach, sensory-supportive tools, and technology and portable station infrastructure. Through collaborative storytelling, gameplay, and immersive enrichment experiences, the program will help young people develop skills such as self-management, goal-setting, calming techniques, and conflict resolution.
We are incredibly grateful to receive support from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation for our Portable Interactive Education Stations™ (PIES™) initiative. This funding will help The Knowledge Exchange bring immersive, inclusive educational and enrichment experiences directly into schools and communities, creating more opportunities for young people to build confidence, communication, teamwork, creativity, and meaningful connections with their peers. The PIES™ Initiative was created to reduce barriers to engaging learning experiences by bringing the resources directly to the young people who can benefit from them. We deeply appreciate The Community Foundation’s investment in this vision and are honored to carry forward the legacy of Duff McDuff Green, Jr. by creating innovative opportunities that strengthen and empower youth throughout our community.”
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— CHRIS POON DIRECTOR OF ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING, THE KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE, INC. (TKE)
YOUTH GRANT GAD Youth Center, Inc. — $13,000 2027 GAD Youth Center Summer Recreation Camp Grant funding will support the 2027 GAD Youth Center Summer Recreation Camp, a multi-week program serving youth ages 12–16 from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Caroline County. The camp will provide young people with meaningful opportunities for physical activity, nature-based learning, recreation, and personal development. Programming will include outdoor sports and fitness activities, nature exploration, team-building exercises, healthy cooking and nutrition workshops, and community service projects. Funds will help cover transportation for youth who otherwise may not be able to participate, program supplies, nature-based and physical wellness activities and facilitators, and the operational costs associated with providing a safe and well-resourced camp experience. Through partnerships with local parks, green spaces, and community facilities, the program will encourage youth to stay active, explore their surroundings, and build confidence throughout the summer.
We are deeply grateful to receive this $13,000 grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation to support GAD Youth Center’s 2027 Summer Workshop Program. GAD’s mission is rooted in the belief that when we invest in our youth, we strengthen the entire community. This funding will allow us to continue providing meaningful opportunities that expose youth to new experiences, build essential life skills, and help them discover their potential. We are honored to carry forward Mr. Green’s legacy by investing in the quality of life of our region’s youth and the communities in which they live. Thank you to the Community Foundation and the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund for joining the village we are rebuilding, and for helping GAD invest in the next generation of leaders and workforce.” — ARLINE GAUSE FOUNDER & CEO, GAD YOUTH CENTER
The Community Foundation is grateful for the dedication of the Donor Services Committee and the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund Advisors in the grant selection process. Each recipient was selected through a thorough review designed to identify projects that align with the Fund’s priorities and have the potential to create meaningful, lasting impact in the community.
The legacy of Duff McDuff Green, Jr. lives on through investments that make our community stronger, more connected, and more vibrant. These four organizations are doing important work to preserve our shared history, expand access to recreation and learning, and give young people opportunities to grow and thrive. We are honored to steward Mr. Green’s legacy and support the organizations working every day to build a stronger future for our region.” — JAMEE RODGERS, Ph.D. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER REGION
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Women & Girls Fund Grantee Update Healthy Families Rappahannock Area (HFRA) supports mothers across Planning District 16 through long-term, relationship-based home visiting services that can begin as early as the first trimester and last until the child enters kindergarten. This long-term, relationship-based approach allows Healthy Families to build trust and assist families with their own individual needs and challenges. Healthy Families Live Ballot project, Breaking Barriers to Employment for Mothers, is a workforce readiness initiative designed to equip mothers with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to successfully enter or re-enter the workforce. The program is designed to help mothers overcome common barriers to employment and build a pathway toward long-term financial stability for their families. Women involved in the program will increase employment readiness through hands-on workshops, one-on-one coaching, and resources such as professional attire, resume writing, and interview skill building. By funding this initiative, Healthy Families Rappahannock Area will be able to empower more mothers to secure meaningful employment, strengthen their families’ financial stability, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Creating Pathways to Opportunity Since being awarded the $50,000 grant at the 2026 Live Ballot Event, Healthy Families Rappahannock Area (HFRA) has been working to launch this initiative, which aims to break down barriers to employment for women and mothers by providing practical tools, coaching, and support to help them build brighter, more stable futures for themselves and their families. Through this support, HFRA hosted its first workshop in partnership with the University of Mary Washington and Goodwill, providing: 10 women registered and 5 participated in the inaugural workshop Career coaching, resume writing, and interview skills training Bilingual support to welcome both English- and Spanish-speaking participants On-site child care provided by Sparks Academy, removing a key barrier to participation Branded padfolios and resources for all attendees Positive feedback from participants, who expressed gratitude for the guidance, support, and confidence the workshop provided With valuable lessons learned from the workshop, HFRA is building on this momentum. The next workshop is scheduled for November 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the River Club (RSCB), with increased marketing efforts to reach more women in our community.
"This grant has allowed us to provide meaningful support to women and mothers as they take important steps toward employment. By removing barriers like child care and offering practical tools and personalized coaching, we can help families build a stronger, more stable future.” — MELODIE JENNINGS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEALTHY FAMILIES RAPPAHANNOCK AREA (HFRA)
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Micah Ministries Come & See Bus Tour On Friday, September 25, six members of The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region’s Women & Girls Fund stepped out into the community for a firsthand look at the work being done to support neighbors experiencing homelessness. Hosted by Micah Ecumenical Ministries, the approximately two-and-a-half-hour guided bus tour offered members a deeper understanding of homelessness in the Fredericksburg region, the challenges facing vulnerable individuals, and the programs helping neighbors find stability, dignity, and hope. Founded in 2005 through a partnership of nine downtown churches, Micah Ministries has spent more than 20 years building relationships and providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. During the tour, members visited several Micah locations, including the Neighbor Care Center, Respite House, Cold Weather Shelter, and Hesed House, learning how each program addresses critical needs ranging from food and shelter to healthcare, recovery, and long-term support. The experience included a visit to the future site of Jeremiah Community, an innovative Housing First neighborhood designed to provide permanent housing and a foundation for lasting stability for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. When people have the opportunity to see our work firsthand, they begin to understand that homelessness is about more than the absence of housing. It's about people, relationships, and creating pathways toward stability. We are grateful to the Women & Girls Fund members for taking the time to learn, ask questions, and better understand the needs of our neighbors."
Women Supporting Women, Strengthening Communities Established in 2008 by The Community Foundation, the Women & Girls Fund has grown into a philanthropic movement of more than 500 members committed to improving the lives of women and girls throughout the Rappahannock River region. As both a charitable fund and a network of engaged women, the Women & Girls Fund brings members together to learn about community needs, support meaningful initiatives, and invest in opportunities that create lasting change. Its mission is rooted in the understanding that investing in women and girls strengthens families, reduces poverty, and builds healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come. Opportunities like the Micah Ministries tour help members see these community needs firsthand, deepen their understanding of local challenges, and connect with the organizations working to create solutions. Through education, engagement, and collective philanthropy, the Women & Girls Fund continues to demonstrate the power of women coming together to make a difference.
LEARN MORE & JOIN THE WOMEN & GIRLS FUND
— MEGHANN COTTER DIRECTOR OF MICAH MINISTRIES. 12
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