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A Surprise for First Step!

SURPRISE! 

 

In honor of their 25th anniversary, TCFHR announced to nonprofit organizations in the summer that they would award a special $25,000 grant to a selected nonprofit who submitted a Giving Back application by September 1. A committee reviewed 66 worthy applications and selected nine for the full TCFHR Board to consider. The Board then selected the three finalists that would be presented at TCFHR’s anniversary event. It would be at the event where event attendees’ would decide the end result.

On October 5, TCFHR hosted a celebration at Explore More Discovery Museum for their 25 years of service to the Valley. Attendees were integral to the October 5 festivities, as they would determine the nonprofit awardee of a $25,000 grant by an anonymous ballot vote. With a drum roll, TCFHR announced to the group that First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence, Inc. would receive $25,000 towards their project, Emergency Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence… Cut to the following week when, SURPRISE! An anonymous donor made that award DOUBLE! We are so grateful to the donor for their generosity! We were delighted to present First Step with a $50,000 award in the end. Congratulations!

About The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County
The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County makes it easy to give back to the community we love.
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The Community Foundation Awards $25,000 to….

The Community Foundation Awards $25,000 to….

Since 1998, twenty-five years ago, The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (TCFHR) has been a champion for this community, always thinking of donors’ interests and highlighting area needs. On October 5, TCFHR hosted a celebration for their 25 years of service to the Valley. The evening, set at Explore More Discovery Museum, was filled with joyous conversation and heartening speeches by past and current TCFHR leaders. Donors, professional advisors, partners, board members, past leadership, and staff joined to share our love for the place we call home.

In honor of their 25th anniversary, TCFHR announced to nonprofit organizations in the summer that they would award a special $25,000 grant to a selected nonprofit. Nonprofits who applied to TCFHR’s Giving Back application would be considered. The event committee reviewed 66 worthy applications and selected nine for the full TCFHR Board to consider. The Board then selected the three finalists. It was then the event attendees’ turn to decide. Attendees were integral to the festivities, as they would determine the nonprofit awardee of a $25,000 grant by an anonymous ballot vote.

As the event ended, TCFHR staff announced the nonprofit that received the most votes and would accept the $25,000 award. With a drum roll, TCFHR announced to the group that First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence, Inc. would receive $25,000 towards their project, Emergency Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence. At 6:59 PM, Candy Phillips, First Step Executive Director, answered the call. On speakerphone with the audience, Candy heard as the attendees applauded. “We appreciate this. This really means a lot to First Step and everybody here and everyone that we serve. Thank you so much!” – Candy Phillips, on speakerphone.

The Community Foundation would like to thank all their partners for an incredible 25 years. It is an honor and absolute privilege to serve this community, and we appreciate your continued support. Additionally, thank you to Explore More Discovery Museum for providing a beautiful space for our event. THANK YOU!

About The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County
The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County makes it easy to give back to the community we love.
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Charitable Giving on a Budget

Although it’s still late summer, some people are ready to start planning for the season of giving. Gifts will be carefully chosen for family and friends, scrumptious desserts will be baked and ready to eat, and holiday decorations hung up around the house. What about giving back to the community though? Unfortunately most of us aren’t made of money so when it comes to charitable giving, planning a budget is a necessity. Here are a few tips to start planning for the upcoming holiday season!

 

Donate your clutter

Go through your house and clear out any unwanted items or things you don’t need that others could use more. Here are a few organizations to start with that accept donations:

http://www.valleyopendoors.com/

http://ourcommunityplace.org/

http://virginiasalvationarmy.org/harrisonburgva/

http://www.goodwillvalleys.com/

http://www.themercyhouse.org/

http://giftandthrift.org/

 

Pool your money

Create a small giving circle within your friends and family to pool all your money together and make one large donation to the organization of your choosing.

 

Set aside part of your income

Try to set aside at least 3% of your income on a regular basis to ensure you’ll have a little something to give and still have a separate pool of money for family gifts.

 

Employer match donations

Most corporate employers have matching funds or grants that match its employees’ charitable contributions. Some matching gifts are dollar-for-dollar but others can be double or triple the donation.

 

Blood/plasma donations

When donating money isn’t an option, don’t forget you can donate blood or plasma and some places even compensate you for your donation with cash (which can then be donated if you wish).

 

Donate your time

Finally, don’t forget you can always donate your time. A lot of organizations are always looking for extra hands to help out in the busy season of giving. Even if it’s only an hour of your time, anything helps!

Aren’t sure where help is needed? Check out these organizations below!

https://www.brafb.org/

http://www.themercyhouse.org/

http://ourcommunityplace.org/

www.bbshr.org/

http://virginiasalvationarmy.org/harrisonburgva/

http://www.uwhr.org/

https://www.sites.google.com/site/wrtcpublicrhetoric/home

 

Click on link below for a full list of local non-profit organizations.

http://www.tcfuwhr.org/index.php/site/a-z