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In the news: Billionaire givers, QCDs, and celebrity inspiration

In the news: Billionaire givers, QCDs, and celebrity inspiration

This month, we’re offering three suggestions for deeper reading on current topics in charitable giving.

Bring out your inner academic with this blog post published by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, especially if you’re interested in the latest chatter and variety of opinions on so-called “billionaire philanthropy.”

If you’re contemplating charitable giving in your retirement years, read this Kiplinger article to brush up on the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), recently enhanced by late-2022 legislation. We totally understand that the first (and second, and third) time you read about QCDs, your eyes may glaze over, but the concept really is worth understanding. Contact the team at The Community Foundation. We are happy to break it down for you!

Finally, it can be reassuring to see high-profile individuals (Idris and Sabrina Dhowre Elba, for example) speaking up about their philanthropic values. In a world where so much needs to be done to improve lives and respect humanity, role models offer hope that philanthropy and community involvement can be important factors in progress.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. 

2015 IMPACT Harrisonburg grant to ‘On the Road Collaborative’

2015 IMPACT picnic food

IMPACT Harrisonburg Executive Committee members Mike Frazier and Billy Robinson serve BBQ to On the Road Collaborative’s Executive Director, Brent Holsinger.

IMPACT Harrisonburg, the first giving circle of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, recently presented their first grant check to On the Road Collaborative at a picnic held at Purcell Park. On the Road Collaborative is a 501(c)3 for-purpose organization whose mission is “to empower young people on the margins with the opportunity, skills and confidence they need to excel in school and fulfill their promise.” The organization currently works with middle school children at Skyline Middle School in Harrisonburg. The celebratory family-style picnic held on September 13 was hosted by IMPACT Harrisonburg members and attended by Brent Holsinger, On the Road Collaborative’s Executive Director, as well as members of the organization’s board of directors and staff members of The Community Foundation.

2015 IMPACT picnic Melissa2

Melissa Mayhew, IMPACT Harrisonburg member and staff member of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, talks with a board member of On the Road Collaborative.

IMPACT Harrisonburg is a giving circle for young leaders in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community. IMPACT was established in 2014 for individuals in their twenties, thirties and forties to engage in meaningful philanthropy and learn about local nonprofits, while affordably leveraging their charitable dollars. The organization offers an opportunity to meet new people socially and professionally, as well as a chance to make a bigger impact collectively than individuals can alone.

2015 IMPACT picnic Luke2

Luke Hartman, board member of On the Road Collaborative

Events are held by IMPACT Harrisonburg throughout the year and offer social and educational opportunities for members, as well as for other individuals in the community. Collective dues are granted out annually to an organization chosen by a membership vote. Each member has one vote in the grantmaking process. IMPACT Harrisonburg utilizes the Community Needs list of funding requests when considering its annual grant recipient. The 2015 grant of almost $15,000 to On the Road Collaborative marks the first grant in IMPACT’s history.

The enrollment period for IMPACT Harrisonburg 2016 membership is now open. Contact Melissa at The Community Foundation with questions regarding membership and how you can become involved.