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TCFHR’s 2025 grant awards to support the work of 17 area nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham announces that a total of $182,411 will be awarded to 17 area nonprofit organizations for the 2025-26 Community Grants cycle.

The organizations are focused on a range of areas, including arts and culture, food insecurity, animal welfare, education, and healthcare.

For more information, view 2025 project summaries.

Thirty-seven organizations submitted applications, said Ann Siciliano, senior director of grants and scholarships.

Grant awards are made by committees involving a total of 12 community members.

Grantee organizations will receive their funding by the end of the year and are required to file impact reports by late summer 2026. The next Community Grant cycle begins in the summer.

Click here to view the 2025 Little Swiss Fund awards for organizations located in and serving Highland County.

Fund Grantee Project and Award Amount
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts Arts Council of the Valley Court Square Theater renovations

$25,730
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts Red Wing Academy Foundation Scholarship Program

$6,500
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts OASIS Fine Arts & Craft Scholarship Program

$7,380
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival  Event support for the 2026 season

$7,500

 
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts Rocktown School of Music Signage, soundproofing, instruments, PA system

$19,084
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts Silk Moth Stage Salaries and general operating expenses for 2026 season

$3,000
Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts

Valley Arts and Culture Fund

 Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative Upgrades to studio management software

$1,260 : $263 from Miller; $997 from Valley Arts and Culture
Valley Arts and Culture Fund Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance, Inc. Support for Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival 2026

$2,500
Mary Spitzer Etter Endowed Fund Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley Barefoot Puppet Theater performances for 1,500+ second graders

$ 4,981

 
Alvin V. Baird, Jr. Endowed Fund Harrisonburg Community Health Center New dental equipment

$ 27,095.50
Alvin V. Baird, Jr. Endowed Fund Blue Ridge Free Clinic Expansion of onsite dental services

$ 27,095.50
Donna F. Simmons Family Endowment Second Home Learning Center Scholarship Program

$7,844
Harrisonburg Rockingham Food Pantry Endowment Corner Cupboard Food Pantry Babies to Boomers Program, Phase III

$ 2,011.50
Harrisonburg Rockingham Food Pantry Endowment Patchwork Pantry Extension of fresh vegetable provision program

$ 2,011.50
Hildred Neff Memorial Fund Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA Owned Pet Voucher Program

$12,402.50
Hildred Neff Memorial Fund Wildlife Center of Virginia Wildlife care (earmarked for local animals)

$12,402.50
Janet Sohn Endowed Fund Central Valley Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program

$ 13,613

 

Little Swiss Fund announces grant awards to Highland County nonprofits

The 2025 Little Swiss Fund grant awards will distribute a total of $589,197 to 18 nonprofit organizations serving Highland County.

The fund began in 2018 with a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor. Monies from the permanently endowed fund are annually invested and distributed to eligible 501 (c)(3) organizations through a competitive grant process managed by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.

Organizations must be physically located in Highland County, Va., and the project or program to be funded must serve the Highland County area. Religious organizations are welcome to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have annual revenues in excess of $25,000 to be eligible.

All grants will be awarded in November/December 2025.

The next Little Swiss Grant cycle begins in the summer of 2026.

For more information, view 2025 project summaries.

Click here to view the 2025 Community Grant awards for organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Organization Project Award Amount
Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance James River Headwaters Protection:  Cowpasture River monitoring and expansion of programming to the Jackson River watershed  $15,000
Allegheny Mountain Institute Education and community engagement around ecology and healthy foods  $15,000
Blue Grass Resource Center Highland Inn Renovation Project $70,000
Bolar Volunteer Fire Department General operating expenses $20,000
Bolar Volunteer Rescue Squad Operating costs  

$16,000

 
Dare To Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center Facility and horse care expenses $15,000
Elegius Mini Equine Sanctuary Operating costs (veterinary care, farrier, feed, etc.) $10,000
Highland Children’s House Payroll expenses $80,000

 
Highland County Arts Council Operations expenses; salaries for two new part-time positions in programming/events and marketing/operations $15,000
Highland County Fair Association Operating costs (programming, entertainment, and marketing related to 75th anniversary event) $50,000
Highland County Humane Society, Inc. General operating costs $45,000
Highland County Volunteer Fire Department New building at Blue Grass firehouse $15,000
Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad Support for Quick Response Vehicle unit and training expenses $50,000
Highland Historical Society Mansion House structural repairs $20,000
Highland Medical Center Purchase of flu and COVID-19 vaccines and related supplies $40,000
McDowell Volunteer Fire Department New tanker truck and new equipment $50,000
The Highland Center Operating costs $50,000
Little Swiss Educational Fund new scholarship for Highland High School students and alumni $13,157

Organizations must be tax-exempt public charities under IRS Section 501(c)3 or other nonprofit status. Organizations must be physically located in Highland County, Va., and the project or program to be funded must serve the Highland County area. Religious organizations are welcome to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have annual revenues in excess of $25,000 to be eligible. Local clubs (civic and otherwise), and recreational facilities are NOT eligible to apply.

 

New Little Swiss Educational Scholarship to benefit Highland High students and alumni

Since 2018, the Little Swiss Fund has poured more than $2.3 million into support for Highland County nonprofits. Now that same fund is supporting a new scholarship for Highland High School seniors and alumni. The Little Swiss Educational Scholarship is a $1,000 award, renewable for up to four years, to support studies at a public or private college or university. 

The application process is administered by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, which also runs the grant cycle for the nonprofit awards. 

“The initial $10 million gift to establish the Little Swiss Fund focused on supporting area nonprofits, but there was also a special provision to start this scholarship to celebrate and support students and alumni of Highland High School,” said Ann Siciliano, senior director of scholarships and grants at The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. “This annual award will honor the hard work of individual students, but also the investment of the broader Highland community in molding and inspiring the next generation.” 

The application closes April 5. 

Scholarship criteria

Students must have been residents of Highland County since the ninth grade, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have a 90% attendance record. 

Only students who have been accepted to attend an accredited public or private college or university may apply.  

A final criteria is that applicants must be able to show that their family has planned in advance and made a financial commitment to support the student’s college education. 

Other available scholarships

Highland students and alumni may qualify for two other scholarships offered by the foundation.

  • Virginia Ready Initiative scholarships provide financial assistance to adult students pursuing certifications in IT/tech, healthcare, and the skilled trades at Massanutten Technical Center, Laurel Ridge Community College, or Blue Ridge Community College. 
  • Any community college graduate transferring from Mountain Gateway, Blue Ridge, or Laurel Ridge community colleges to a four-year Virginia Public institution can apply for the Community College Transfer Scholarship. 

How you can help local food pantries bracing for increased need

What’s Happening?

More than 800,000 Virginians, including 10,006 residents  of Rockingham County and Harrisonburg rely on federal SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families each month.

As of Nov. 1, those benefits are no longer available.

Courtesy of Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry.

State Action

A new temporary program, Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance, will pull funds from Virginia’s revenue surplus to provide relief. The payments will be weekly rather than monthly.

Local Action

Area food pantries are already experiencing record demand because of a confluence of factors, including rising grocery costs and other costs of living. Recently, other food assistance programs have been cut, paused, or cancelled, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.

We are deeply grateful to the nonprofit organizations stepping up to make sure families impacted by the SNAP benefit pause have access to food and other essential resources.

To Locate a Food Pantry

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank hosts a directory of local food pantries.

211Virginia also has a directory. Use these resources to find food or explore ways to help pantries in your area.

The local directory Rockburg Feeds is an initiative of the Food Coalition of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, in partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Sentara RMH Medical Center.

TCFHR’s HR Food Pantry Endowment

We encourage donors to consider giving to our Harrisonburg-Rockingham Food Pantry Endowed Fund, which provides an annual distribution to a local food pantry. Food pantries benefit from USDA food and from donated food, but cash contributions help to purchase additional food to meet client demand.  In 2025, funds went to The Corner Cupboard at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Read WMRA coverage of how The Corner Cupboard used this grant here.

CLICK to give to the HR Food Pantry Endowment.

Give to Local Pantries

Here is more information from the food pantries who responded by our deadline with information about donations and volunteer opportunities. There are many more local food pantries: find a listing at 211Virginia or use the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s Food Finder.

All of these food pantries receive USDA food and purchase other food from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, receive donations, and cultivate other sources, such as unsold food from grocery stores or local businesses.

  • Patchwork Pantry is currently feeding between 65-70 families each week, with more anticipated. They also purchase and provide food for the backpack program at Waterman Elementary School, supporting an additional 60 families.

Monetary donations are the most helpful as this provides more flexibility in purchasing the most needed items. If organizations want to do a donation drive, contact the pantry first. We ask that at least 70 of a needed item, so we can offer it to all of our guests that evening. Hygiene items are particularly costly to purchase, so we often encourage an organization to donate 70 of an item like toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, etc.  Smaller donations (about one shopping cart or less) can typically be dropped off on Wednesdays between 9-11 a.m.

Delivery of larger donations (more than one shopping cart) must be arranged with the donation coordinator and can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. 

  • Blessed Sacrament has seen a 20 percent increase in clients.

Monetary donations are always appreciated, as we can make a dollar go further than an average consumer. We will accept items like peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, pasta products, pasta sauce, canned soup. Hygiene products are also very desirable. Diapers are also a high demand item. All donated items may be taken to our pantry at 2 East Wolfe Street Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m..

  •  The Corner Cupboard at Emmanuel Episcopal Church has seen numbers of clients increase each month of 2025. and are far ahead of their usual numbers of total pounds distributed.

Monetary donations are helpful, as the pantry has to purchase most of its food and protein is especially costly. Other donations are welcome: especially canned meat or fish, healthy breakfast cereals, cans of fruit, bags of rice, and peanut butter. We do not accept expired canned goods. Bring donations to the pantry Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m.-noon or to the church office Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Checks can be made out to Emmanuel Church and designated in the memo line for the food pantry.

Strong volunteers are also needed for about 30 minutes to help unload supplies on the first Thursday of the month at noon and third Wednesday, also at noon.

  • Salvation Army – Harrisonburg Corps serves approximately 170 families a month and 627 individuals with food from Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, donations from the general public and from local restaurants and businesses.

We accept donations of shelf-stable food that is in date Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It can be brought to our office at 185 Ashby Ave in Harrisonburg.

TCFHR joins 211 Virginia as ambassador

Did you know that Virginia has a comprehensive, accessible resource to connect citizens with area community services, no matter where you live?

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham has joined 211 Virginia as an ambassador, promoting the program among its networks and on digital platforms.

211 Virginia is a free, confidential, and multilingual service that connects people with health and human services throughout the state.  This state-mandated and nationally accredited information resource is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained employees provide pre-screenings and referrals to programs the individual is eligible for.

211 Virginia recently launched a new user-friendly database and search function and is actively expanding its listings of nonprofit service organizations with the goal of building a strong, coordinated system of care and community services.

“Following the lead of our local United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley, we are joining in efforts to connect our residents and local nonprofit partners,” said Lauren Jefferson, the foundation’s director of programs and marketing. “Our phone often rings with questions about how to locate and access resources. 211 Virginia can connect citizens to services they need, many of which are offered by nonprofits we work with and support.”

Growing Efficiencies and Resource Development

Funneling inquiries for resources to one place helps to “reduce the burden on service providers and cuts costs associated with managing information and referrals,” said Mary Monaco, the directory’s northwest region representative.

The gathered data also circulates back into the local community through partners like the local United Way, one of 150 organizations invited to 211 Virginia’s Anchor Agency Collaborative.

“The AAC brings together key partners to examine data on inquiries received, identify gaps in service, find opportunities for advocacy, and increase overall community awareness and utilization of local, regional, and statewide resources,” said Jim Sacco, United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley’s director of development.

Across the state, local United Way organizations provide similar support and collaboration; funding for the service is provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Check The Listing

Service providers are encouraged to search the 211 Virginia website first to see if an organization is already listed and then review inclusion criteria before applying. Among the criteria, the agency must serve Virginia residents and have been in existence for more than six months, with priority given to those offering scarce, free, or low-cost resources.

Visit the 211 Virginia website to learn about standards for for-profit agencies that provide a health and human service free of charge or on a sliding base, as well as childcare/preschool providers.

The 2-11 directory includes more than 5,000 government, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations and agencies that help with the following and more:

  • Basic human needs: Food banks, shelters, rent or utility assistance
  • Physical and mental health resources
  • Work initiatives: Job training, English classes, GED preparation, financial and transportation assistance
  • Support for seniors and those with disabilities: Adult day care, meals at home, respite care, home healthcare
  • Support for children, youth and families: After-school programs, tutoring, mentorship programs, counseling, child care.

To access resources, call 2-1-1 or search at 221virginia.org. For the hearing impaired, dial 7-1-1 and then 1-800-230-6977. You can also text CONNECT to 247211. If you have a question but live outside of Virginia, call 1-800-230-6977.

Nonprofit agencies looking for more information can also contact Mary Monaco, Community Engagement Team Lead, at [email protected] or 540-597-8903.

Nonprofit grant recipients report 2024 community impact

Grants to 14 area organizations in 2024-5 from The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham supported work in the areas of mental health, food pantries, animal care, and arts and culture. Approximately $159,500 was awarded from seven endowed funds managed by TCFHR.

Grant applications for the 2025 cycle are in the review process, with awardees to be announced in November.

Expanding Access for Mental Health Care

The following organizations were supported by the Alvin V. Baird Jr. Endowed Fund, benefiting nonprofit healthcare organizations that address unmet healthcare needs in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County community:

A $5,000 grant to Adagio House’s Compassion Fund contributed approximately 50 of 162 free and reduced fee psychotherapy sessions to those in need. The organization helps to address the critical need for support services for individuals with disabilities and their families. Some of the people served by this grant are single mothers parenting autistic children, young adults trying to navigate the world with co-occurring diagnoses, and young women who are newly diagnosed autistic, according to founder and executive director April Hepler. “This support has made a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted, lowering their report of symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and helping to prevent their need for higher level (and more costly) services,” she shared.

Family Life Resource Center used their $2,935 grant to provide sliding-scale scholarships for 21 clients to access mental health sessions. Those clients included children, couples, those awaiting Medicaid/Medicare, and families, all of whom had lost a loved one to suicide.

Musicians perform at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in summer 2025.

A $25,000 grant supported the work of The Foundation for Rehabilitation & Endowment, known as FREE of Harrisonburg. This organization focuses on helping low-income residents with mobility needs by employing a national medical reuse model program that utilizes collaborations and local partnerships to generate community-sourced donations.

Healthy Community Health Centers purchased infant bilirubin monitoring equipment and reusable blankets with a $16,100 grant. Monitoring can now be done without taking a blood sample. Blankets are available to loan to patients in need of jaundice treatment.

Supporting the Arts

The following organizations were supported by the Earlynn J Miller Fund for the Arts, to encourage arts nonprofit organizations to dream about the possibilities to significantly grow the arts:

The Arts Council of the Valley hosts the year-long Arts for All program, including exhibitions, concerts, a chalk art festival, international mural collaboration, and the Super Gr8 Film Festival. More than $45,000 from the Earlynn J Miller Fund for the Arts supported the 2025 programs, most of which were free to attend.

Grant funding helped OASIS Fine Art & Craft promote the arts through scholarships. Here a student shows off his 3D printed nameplate with JuiceWorks 3D Executive Director Andrei Dacko (left). 

Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative utilized grant funding to purchase sound panels and offset costs of performances in their downtown studio. The organization offered a pay-what-you-can show and tiered ticket prices, making performances more accessible to community members. Additionally, the support helped to maintain our current studio rental prices, with resulting increased use and increased collaboration with community groups.

OASIS Fine Art & Craft used Miller funding to provide scholarships for students to attend classes at Friendly City Clay & Art Center and Juice Works 3D. Classes for children at the Second Home shelter were also offered.

The Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival’s 2025 season was funded in part by a Miller grant, which helped the organization provide programming and transition with fiscal health.  In the last year, due to the diligence and leadership of the board, the organization successfully navigated independence from its previous host, Eastern Mennonite University, and now has separate 501(c)3 status. said Les Helmuth, interim executive director.

Support for Food Pantries

The following organization was supported by a grant from the Harrisonburg- Rockingham Food Pantry Endowment:

The Corner Cupboard Food Pantry at Emmanuel Episcopal Church expanded their offerings, in response to client requests, to include feminine hygiene items, adult diapers, and culturally appropriate food. The program was supported by a grant from the pantry endowment, a fund set up by TCFHR’s board to address area hunger needs. The pantry has seen a 20 percent increase in clients served this year. Receiving the grant “also had the effect of setting an example for individual donors to donate,” wrote David Seiter. “The donors saw the grant and knew it was a worthwhile project. We expect, once the final figures are calculated, we will surpass [fundraising] expectations.”

Caring for Animals

The following organizations were supported by the Hildred Neff Memorial Fund benefiting nonprofit organizations that provide for the needs of domestic animals or wildlife.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia – the oldest and largest wildlife veterinary hospital in the Commonwealth –treats more than 4,000 patients each year, with about 13 percent of those coming

Nosey the cat, a feral resident of the area, benefited from funding to the HRSPCA’s Community Cat Program.

from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.   The grant supported treatment for 479 local sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals, with an average cost of $195 (this cost includes specialized food, medications, medical and laboratory supplies, equipment, and salaries and benefits for the wildlife veterinary and rehabilitation care team).

Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA’s Community Cat Program received $11,685 to provide spays and neuters, microchips, and vaccines for outdoor cats in Rockingham County. In collaboration with Anicira Veterinary Center, the SPCA offers guidance on trapping and voucher access, with the goals of reducing shelter intake and focusing resources on animals already in their care.

Growing the Arts for All

The following organizations were supported by the Valley Arts and Culture Fund, benefiting small and medium sized arts organizations, and the Mary Spitzer Etter Endowed Fund, promoting arts in the area.

More than 1,500 area second-graders in the city and county attended Barefoot Puppet Theater’s performance of “New Squid on the Block” over four-day span in October 2024.  This was one of several learning opportunities hosted by Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley.

Another grant paid for stipends for professional actors appearing in two musicals at Bridgewater-based Silk Moth Stage. The professional theater has been able to increased their ticket sales and expanded educational offerings in schools and libraries.

Expanding Youth Mentorship Opportunities

Children from city and county elementary schools enter Court Square Theater to enjoy a puppetry performance. A grant awarded to Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley enabled every second-grader to enjoy a live arts experience.

Funding in support of mentor recruitment has helped Big Brothers Big Sisters of HR expand and strengthen their volunteer program. The $13,220 grant from the Janet Sohn Endowed Fund provided staff time to recruit more mentors, created a designated fund to cover the cost of background checks, and sponsored regular match events. The positive results have encouraged the organization to seek more funding, in hopes of speeding matches, increasing compatible matches, and helping relationships between matches grow.

“We are thrilled to share that we met the goals associated with the grant request and continue to see increased volunteer interest and engagement,” said Director of Development Lindsey Douglas. “Youth need mentors and our work continues to provide mentors to every local youth who needs and wants one. Thank you for your partnership that helped match and support 109 youth so far in 2025, with nearly 25 more volunteer mentors started in the process of being matched.”

Providing Play Therapy

The Sean Warner Memorial Fund helped the Family Life Resource Center purchase play therapy tools and resources. Purchases included sensory toys, role-play sets, and other therapeutic tools requested by counselors. Approximately 73 children ages 15 and younger have been served by the program this year.

 

Kelsey Gerber among chamber’s 2025-26 Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham class

Kelsey Gerber, program manager at The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, was selected among 23 area professionals for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce’s annual leadership program.

As a member of the 2025-26 Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham cohort, Gerber will participate in monthly sessions to build awareness of and engagement with the local community, enhance team leadership skills, create networks, and work on a service project.

“Though I’m a county native, there’s always more to learn about this community as it grows and changes,” Gerber said. “I love meeting new people and hearing their perspectives, so I am excited to grow as a professional within this cohort. I’m also looking forward deepening my knowledge of the needs of this community and gaining useful problem-solving skills relevant to my work.”

Revlan Hill, the foundation’s executive director, recommended Gerber for the program. She noted that the foundation’s staff work diligently to steward more than $88 million dollars on behalf of donors for the philanthropic benefit of the community and that each team member plays an important role in this work.

Gerber’s first position with the foundation was in donor services and social media. She was recently promoted to program manager.

“Kelsey’s new role will require a nuanced understanding of city and county government, area demographics and needs, nonprofit organizations, and overall deficits and challenges,” Hill said. “I’m certain that her participation in the Leadership Harrisonburg-Rockingham program will grow her knowledge and capabilities in ways that will serve our work and the larger community. We’re thankful for this program and the way it brings together professionals to benefit the larger region.”

Gerber joins individuals representing a range of area businesses, including Interchange Group, Inc., LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Rockingham Cooperative, Dupont Community Credit Union, and Massanutten Resort.

The day-long sessions explore topics such as agriculture and sustainability, nonprofits, local government and public safety, economic development, education, arts and entertainment, and professional development.

Since 1979, more than 1,000 individuals have graduated from the program. A steering committee of program alumni representing prominent area businesses and educational institutions develop the curricula.

Gerber earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at University of Lynchburg, where she was a Westover Honors Fellow, a four-year participant in the Bonner Leaders program, and the 2023-24 Richard Clarke Sommerville Scholar, the university’s highest academic honor.

A similar program at Lynchburg made a discernable impact on the community, Gerber said. “It was encouraging to see a group of professionals who were not only eager to learn more about their city, but who wanted to put their learnings into action by meeting a need in their community. I look forward to seeing what my team and others contribute when we conclude our time together.”

Two board members end six-year terms

Attorney Matthew Sunderlin and retired bank professional Charles Martorana have ended their service on the board of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. The board consists of 16 community representatives bringing experience and expertise in many different areas. They guide the foundation’s work and hold an important role as fiduciaries for the organization’s operations and financial health.

“Working alongside Matt Sunderlin and Charlie Martorana has been my distinct privilege for the past six years,” said Executive Director Revlan Hill.

Sunderlin brought instrumental expertise in work with clients and nonprofits and even while running a law practice, was generous with his attention when called upon, she said. “There was never a time that Matt wasn’t eager to answer a question, help in a situation or educate me on a particular item.”

Hill praised Martorana’s calm demeanor and open mind in all situations, even challenging ones.

“The work of our foundation can be complex and having talented board members like Matt and Charlie who care deeply about our community is key to our success,” she said.

Matt Sunderlin: ‘We need more people willing to invest time…’

A member of TCF’s board since 2019, Sunderlin is an attorney with Clark & Bradshaw in Harrisonburg. In 2021, he was appointed the assistant commissioner of accounts with the Circuit Court of Rockingham County.  He holds certifications as an elder law attorney and a certified guardian at litem for incapacitated adults.

“Service on the board has been pure joy,” Sunderlin said. “The mission of the foundation is extremely important in today’s world. We need more people who are willing to invest their time and treasure to improve the lives of others.”

Sunderlin praised the ease and simplicity of using the foundation to accomplish charitable goals.

A member of the community engagement committee, he has contributed his time and expertise to Truist Financial, the RMH Foundation, the regional chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Blue Ridge Community College, Rotary Club, The Arc, and The ElderAlliance.

Charlie Martorana: Praise for TCFHR’s reach and wide expertise of fellow board members

Martorana served on the Community Engagement Committee for both terms and the Governance Committee for his second term.

His reflections on his time on the board:

We have the most giving and generous members that have interacted with and set up funds with the foundation for the benefit of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community that reaches so many facets of the needs of the community. While I knew this from serving on the boards of other non-profit organizations, it was strikingly illuminated for me by serving on our board.

I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such a terrific board with professional individuals from many ‘walks of life’ and an amazing director and staff that accomplishes so very much to help our community.

As each year passes, more and more people are aware of what the foundation does to enhance our community and I must say that it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of it!

Martorana noted that since 2019, TCFHR has grown the Great Community Give into the area’s most successful fundraiser for nonprofits. He’s enjoyed being a part of the addition of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, and taking a key role in helping to start the Little Free Library featuring children’s books that stands outside the South Main Street office. The scholarship program has also grown in size and impact, he added.

Martorana is the retired Valley Region Market President of Blue Ridge Bank, a role he held from 2018 to August 2021. From 1997 to 2018, he served as Senior Vice President, Harrisonburg Market Executive, with Union Bank & Trust and its predecessors from 1987-97. Previously he was Vice President, Valley Area Commercial Loans, at NationsBank from 1987-97.

He is a former member of the Executive Advisory Council for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and current member on the board of the Center for Global and Community Justice (formerly the Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence) at James Madison University. He also serves on the advisory board for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance.

Since 1997, he has been a vice chair or consultant on the fundraising committee for the National MS Society and Dinner of Champions in Harrisonburg as a vice chair or consultant. For these contributions and his work on the board of the Virginia/West Virginia chapter and his professional, civic, and community leadership, he was the featured honoree at the 2022 Virginia/West Virginia chapter’s Dinner of Champions.

Past board service includes a range of organizations: Shenandoah Valley Economic Education, Citizens for Downtown Arts Council of the Valley, Harrisonburg Rotary Club, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and Mercy House Homeless Shelter. He is also a former finance chair for Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and has served on the finance committee of JMU’s Catholic Campus Ministry. He is also a former member of the JMU Parents Council and an appointee to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board.

More than $390,000 launches TCFHR scholarship winners into fall studies

Forty-five students were awarded scholarships this year from The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. Awards total $393,000, with thousands more dollars going out to more than 30 recipients of renewable scholarships based on academic performance.

Seventeen Valley high schools were represented among the recipients. Turner Ashby was well-represented, with seven recent graduates earning top awards and an additional four juniors being named to the Brighter Futures mentoring program.

TCFHR offered 28 scholarships this year, with nine of those scholarships offering awards to multiple students. The awards range from tuition for one class at Massanutten Technical Center to $10,000 a year for four years to a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about TCFHR scholarships.

Recipients are selected by committee members comprised of 100 Valley community members. Students from 22 Valley high schools can apply. A few scholarships are open to local students attending area community colleges and universities.

Below are the 2025 recipients:

Arthur John Leavenworth – Eureka Lodge #195 Scholarship ($500)

  • Clay Shantz, Turner Ashby
  • Kaylee Dolan, Fort Defiance

Brighter Future Mentoring Award ($750)

  • Abigail Floyd, Broadway
  • Kayla Mata, Turner Ashby
  • Natasha Nikitchuk, Turner Ashby
  • Daniela Santos Lopez, Turner Ashby
  • Leylani Espinoza, Turner Ashby

Claude and Frances Warren Scholarship ($5,000)

  • Mason Smith, Harrisonburg
Community College Transfer Scholarship ($8,000 for 2 years/$16,000 total)
  • Love Joshi

Debi Emrich Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

  • Claire Mathias, Broadway

Dennis R. and Patricia R. Early Scholarship ($4,000/4 years/$16,000 total)

  • Benjamin Tomei, Spotswood

Early Ace Scholarship ($7,000/4 years/$28,000)

  • Evan Day, Waynesboro
  • Jackson Amaya, Harrisonburg
  • Ashley Chavez Gomez, Harrisonburg
  • Kevin Ruiz, Rocktown

Emory & Henry College Scholarship ($2,000/4 years/$8,000 total)

  • Beau Baylor, Turner Ashby

Fund for Education Scholarship ($5,000)

  • Jade McCarley, Madison County
  • Abigail Brown, Eastern View

Harold & Faye Teer Scholarship

  • Monica Espinoza-Martine, Rocktown ($10,000/4 years/$40,000 total)
  • Bryan Sagastume, Harrisonburg ($6,000/4 years/$24,000)

Laymon H. and Ruth S. Lantz Scholarship ($1,000)

  • Grace Tuttle, EMU MA in Counseling program

Leo Slusher Award ($2,500)

  • James Vincell, Pendleton

Mark & Kimberly Vocational Scholarship ($1,200)

  • Getsemany Pineda, Turner Ashby
  • Cai Johnstone-Yellin, Turner Ashby

Luis A. Mendez, Jr. Scholarship ($2,000)

  • Brett Eye, Turner Ashby

Marion James & Anna Ressler Hess Memorial Scholarship (for Oxford, PA students)

  • Rebecca Powell ($2,000)
  • Riley Fitzgerald ($1,000)

Andy King Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)

  • Brieanna Moreland, James Wood

HEF – Gregory S. Kuykendall Memorial Scholarship ($1,000/4 years/$4,000)

  • Andrew Lankford, Turner Ashby

Just One Scholarship ($1,000)

  • Legacy Wright

Bev Good Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

  • David Gipson, Spotswood

Randy Michie Memorial Scholarship ($3,000)

  • Ryleigh Fix, William Monroe

Matthew Mahnesmith Memorial Scholarship ($4,000)

  • Matthew Bailey, Waynesboro

Ronnie Brunk Memorial Scholarship ($640)

  • Taha Abdulrahman, MTC

Samuel R. Bowman II Endowed Scholarship for BRCC ($2,ooo/2 years/$4,000 total)

  • Anahi Reyes Hernandez, Turner Asbhy
  • Bryan Sagastume, Harrisonburg
  • Camila Suarez Nunez, East Rockingham

Samuel R. Bowman II Endowed Scholarship for JMU

  • Fernando Sagastume, BRCC and Harrisonburg ($4,000/2 years/$8,000)
  • Brisel Valdez, Turner Ashby ($3,700/4 years/$14,800)

Society of Seniors Foundation Scholarship ($2,500/4 years/$10,000 total)

  • Thomas Kittler, Broughton HS

Steve May Runner of the Year Award ($1,000)

  • Kaedon Howley, Harrisonburg

W.P. & T.M. Phillips Memorial Scholarship ($5,000/4 years/$20,000 total)

  • Ayla Janney, Broadway
  • Clay Shantz, Turner Ashby
  • Taylor Leland, Central
  • Sarah Craun, Turner Ashby

TCFHR streamlines process for ‘Giving Back Guide’ publicity, restricted grants

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham announces the opening of its annual grant cycle. The process for nonprofits to share funding needs with grantors has been significantly simplified. TCFHR now uses one process to manage opportunities for nonprofits to share funding needs with grantors.

Organizations with 501(c)(3) status located in and serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are invited to participate in this process. Schools and churches are not eligible to apply.

The application window is open July 1 – September 1.

This year, funding requests may be for

  • a particular project
  • programming,
  • capital expenditure, or
  • a request for unrestricted funding (General Operating Budget).

Completion qualifies the organization for inclusion in the Giving Back Guide and if certain criteria are met, for relevant restricted grants. To qualify for a restricted grant, organizations must have as their primary mission focus the following areas: the arts, food pantries, health care, mental health care, or animals.

It’s helpful for nonprofit participants to understand terminology in this process, according to Senior Director of Grants and Scholarships Ann Siciliano.

Restricted grants are set up by TCFHR fundholders to help organizations working in specific areas or fields of interest. Committees review the applications for these grants and make the award based upon which need is greatest. The process is competitive among all the applying organizations.

Siciliano notes that there are many 501(C)(3) organizations in the Valley who don’t qualify for the restricted grants.

“We care about all the nonprofits working here, and so do our donors. That’s where the Giving Back Guide comes in. This is a way for any nonprofit to share their funding needs with our fundholders and prospective donors out there in the community who want to help,” Siciliano said.

The Giving Back Guide is an annual print and digital resource is promoted and circulated to the public and area media, in print and digital form, in mid-November.

TCFHR utilizes the guide as a tool in donor conversations throughout the year. Many donor-advised grants as well as gifts from community members are made to local organizations as a result of this resource.

For more information, visit tcfhr.org and look for nonprofit funding opportunities.

Read about the 2024 Harrisonburg-Rockingham awardees announced 11/20/24.