 For nearly 20 years, Network Peninsula was a steady hand for the Virginia Peninsula's nonprofit community, bringing leaders together, offering training and advocacy, and helping organizations thrive through connection. So, when Network made the difficult decision to sunset operations in the fall of 2025, many of us felt two things at once: deep gratitude for what had been built, and real concern about what the moment required next. Because the truth is, this change didn’t happen during a calm season. The nonprofit landscape is shifting quickly, with funding pressures, rising community needs, staffing constraints, and growing compliance demands. In the months leading up to Network’s closing, there were many conversations, some formal, some informal, about what would be lost and what could be carried forward. Leaders across the Peninsula asked the same question in different ways: How do we make sure nonprofits are still connected, informed, and supported? Those conversations made one thing clear: while no single organization could replace Network Peninsula, together we could build something practical, responsive, and grounded in the strengths already present across our community. In recognition of Network’s legacy and the ongoing need for nonprofit support, four Peninsula-wide organizations came together to form the Peninsula Nonprofit Partnership, a shared commitment to make sure our nonprofit community continues to have connection, resources, and capacity-building support. The Partnership includes:
Bob McKenna—who served on Network Peninsula’s board when the decision was made—said it plainly as we began these conversations: “It was the right decision, but it happened right at the time when So our four organizations rolled up our sleeves. We walked through Network’s service list and asked, How do we make sure these supports don’t disappear? What we found was encouraging. Across the four of us, versions of many services were already in play. With good coordination and communication, we realized we could “divide and conquer,” continuing what worked, hopefully strengthening it, and hopefully offer some new possibilities too.  Here’s how we are moving forward:
Give Local 757: The 24-Hour Wave of Good
TowneBank: A Culture of Caring A legacy of giving isn't just about a single day; it’s about a consistent commitment to the place you call home. TowneBank has long been a pillar of the Hampton Roads community, operating with a "culture of caring” that prioritizes social and economic growth. By supporting initiatives like Give Local 757, TowneBank acts as a catalyst, encouraging members and employees to participate in the "ripple effect" of kindness that defines our region. “TowneBank is excited to partner with the Peninsula Community Foundation on Give  “Going to Towne”
TowneBank’s partnership for Give Local 757 opens new doors. This year, the partnership moves beyond the digital space and into our neighborhoods with more energy than ever before! Through increased visibility at local offices and integrated marketing and communications, TowneBank is providing the platform and credibility needed to reach new donors. This collaboration strengthens:
Join Us! Whether you are a neighbor making your first gift or a business leader wanting to inspire your team, there is a place for you in this partnership. Click here to learn more! Mark your calendars for May 5, 2026. Together with TowneBank and the Peninsula Community Foundation, let’s make this the biggest giving day in Hampton Roads history. 2/13/2026 DONOR spotlight: from being Neighbors to being Neighborly - A Century of Hopkins GenerosityRead Now  Charles & Jessie Hopkins For Charles and Jessie Hopkins, "community" wasn't a concept, it was a literal map of their lives. Jessie lived her entire life in the very same Hampton neighborhood where she was born, in a home built by her father. Charles grew up just a little over a mile from Jessie, and in the same neighborhood of the original site of Hop’s Place, the family business started by Charles’s father and Uncle in 1922, where Charles worked for over 60 years. Both Charles and Jessie could walk to their neighborhood schools. They both attended Hampton High School. After graduating from Mary Washington College, Jessie returned to Hampton High School to teach business and typing. Charles joined the Navy after graduating from high school and married Jessie after he returned from his service in the Navy during World War II. They lived in the same house where Jessie was born for their entire married life!
From their pews at Central United Methodist Church to Charles’s work with the Hampton Host Lions Club and Jessie’s involvement in volunteering in the schools and in the community, they never missed an opportunity to show up for others. When Charles passed in 2006, followed shortly by Jessie, their children encouraged friends and family to continue to "share with someone the love of the Lord,” the same love Charles and Jessie lived out every day. Three Generations, One Mission To preserve this spirit, their children, Charles and Esther, established the Charles and Jessie Hopkins Charitable Fund with the Peninsula Community Foundation. Reflecting on the decision to formalize their parents' generosity, Charles, Jr. notes: "When they both died in 2006, their estate stipulated that a portion of their estate be given to charity. Larry Cumming recommended the Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia. It has been a joy to continue their legacy of giving and to have helped so many people over the course of the last 20 years." The "ripple effect" they hoped for has spread to many shores. The Hopkins children and grandchildren have had involvement in deciding which philanthropic organizations receive donations from the Charles and Jessie Hopkins Charitable Fund. In addition, one of the Hopkins grandsons and his family, representing the third generation, have now established a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). The Hopkins family’s tradition of giving is not just a tribute to the past, but a promise to the future. The Hopkins Generations: Legacy in Action
"Blessed, Blessed, Blessed!" Charles was well known for saying, “We’ve been Blessed, Blessed, Blessed!” Charles and Jessie expressed often, through their words and deeds, how grateful they were for all the blessings in their lives. The Hopkins family story teaches us that philanthropy isn't reserved for the distant or wealthy, it is for anyone who feels "blessed." By using a Donor Advised Fund, the family has created a structure where children and grandchildren can sit at the same table, decide which local causes need help, and act as a unified force for good. As the Hopkins family enters their second century of service to the community, they invite you to think about how you have been “Blessed, Blessed, Blessed” and the values that define your family—and how you might turn those blessings and values into a legacy that lasts forever. What’s Your Family Legacy? Creating a family fund is simpler than you think. It’s a way to honor those who came before us while teaching those who come after us what it means to be a neighbor.
 Family is on my mind a lot these days.
I live a long, long way from my immediate family, which makes me sad. We are a close-knit, small, proud clan. My Mom, our matriarch (absolutely), is 90-plus years young, and every day with her is a day not to be taken for granted. I am lucky that my brother and I really like each other. My nieces still act like they think I am a little bit cool, and while that may be misplaced on their part—for me, it makes being 62 a tad more palatable. I miss them. Missing them makes me all the more thankful for this community—family. To quote two wise friends: “There are friends who are family, and family who are friends,” and “Friends are the family we choose.” Yep. As part of the team—family—at the Peninsula Community Foundation for a year now, I am learning that within our community there are all kinds of organizations that operate like families in all the best ways—sometimes as families for our neighbors who perhaps have never had a real family before. In this edition of “The Peninsula Perspective,” we are pleased to tell stories about families of all kinds and invite you to think about the families that are part of your life, too.
Families are a trip—they are complex, messy, tricky, surprising, frustrating, redemptive, and beautiful. But when allowed to be defined with flexible edges, they invite all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. If you are viewing this message, you are already part of our family. Please help us seek others who should be, too. And hold tight. Family matters. Adelia
Impact by the Numbers Our portfolio of education-focused funds is growing, offering a robust set of resources for student and teacher success. We currently manage 23 such funds - 20 scholarships for students, and 3 educator grants. These funds are a combination of both endowed and non-endowed accounts. PCF processed 561 applications in 2025 and awarded 273 educators and students scholarships totaling $223,000 in grants and tuition assistance spread over 100 community colleges, trade schools and universities.
A Trusted Partner for Local Legacies PCF serves as the professional oversight partner for major regional corporations and institutions. We manage programs for Ferguson Enterprises, the York Foundation for Public Education, and Langley Federal Credit Union. PCF scholarships typically provide awards ranging from $500 up to $8,000 to support students in their educational journey. We ensure these legacies are honored through a rigorous, multi-round judging process. Applying for a scholarship is a student's first "job interview" on paper, and we maintain a standard of excellence to match that importance. Voices of Success The true value of these funds is best expressed by the students themselves: Kaelin V.: “Being chosen for the Peninsula Scholarship was an honor and a huge help. It gave me the freedom to focus on my studies and take advantage of opportunities I may not have otherwise had.” Why Establish a Fund with PCF?
We handle the "heavy lifting"—from designing application criteria and marketing to schools to vetting hundreds of applicants and managing complex financial disbursements to institutions nationwide. Whether you are a family honoring a loved one or a business investing in your future workforce, we provide the expertise to ensure your gift makes the greatest possible impact. Take the Next Step To Create or Contribute: For assistance creating a new educational fund or contributing to an existing one, please contact Lori Ward at 757-327-0862. To Apply: Click below to learn more about our available funds or to start your application. 2/12/2026 GRANTEE HIGHLIGHT: A Home That Hugs You Back -Celebrating Housing Partnerships, Inc.Read Now
100% of those families to stay right where they belong—tucked safely in their own beds, surrounded by the memories they’ve built. When they strengthen the walls of a neighbor's home, they strengthen the soul of the entire community. A New Milestone: Give Local 757 Housing Partnerships is opening their doors even wider by joining the Give Local 757 giving day for the very first time! On May 5, 2026, HPI, along with PCF and hundreds of nonprofits across the 757, will join in this annual regional celebration of generosity. It’s a day for all of us to rally together around our nonprofit community, elevating public awareness of the organizations and their work, and generating important unrestricted gift support. The Foundation of Our Future The vital work HPI performs isn't just a local success story - it is work that responds every day to some of the challenging findings included in the research report PCF released last year "Serving an Older Peninsula." The report forecasts the surge in population for residents age 60+ across the Peninsula over the next 25 years, where the desire to age in place is often met with the harsh reality of aging infrastructure.  HPI's board members, volunteers and staff gathered for HPI's annual Christmas party. As our report illustrates, a home that isn’t "safe, warm, and dry" is a leading cause of concern and insecurity for our older neighbors - they want to stay in their homes, but limited finances often don't allow them to make changes that make their homes safe, which leads to falls and hospitalizations. So through their work, HPI isn't just fixing roofs and installing railings—they are lowering the barriers to health and independence so crucial for, and precious to, our senior population.
When Mike and Clare Stevens lost their son James to cancer in 2018, they knew they wanted to do something to keep his name and legacy alive. James, who was autistic, loved learning - especially history - and he worked hard at everything he did. James graduated from Bethel High School and went on to attend Virginia Peninsula Community College.  To honor his determination, the Stevens created the James M. Stevens Memorial Scholarship, designed specially for students with special needs who have persevered through challenges and have inspired their teachers with their commitment. The scholarship empowers students who are often overlooked in traditional awards programs. Many recipients have gone on to community colleges, trade schools, and four-year universities—in fields ranging from art and culinary studies to engineering. “It’s been incredible to see how many of them are succeeding,” said Clare. “It’s proof that all they need is an opportunity.” We have seen that opportunity already change lives. One recipient shared that the scholarship gave them “the confidence to keep pursuing [their] dreams and the relief to focus on school without worrying so much about tuition.” It’s exactly the kind of impact the Stevens hoped for—one that allows students to look ahead with confidence. “These are kids who are often the last ones chosen for the team,” Mike shared. “This scholarship gives them a chance to get up to bat - and an amazing number of them get hits.” Building on this scholarship, the Stevens further partnered with the Peninsula Community Foundation to ensure that James’s story—and the opportunities created in his name—will continue for generations. From 2020 to the fall of 2025 this scholarship has provided over $70,000 to 40 students and in 2026 the scholarship amount will increase from $2,000 to $3,000, giving more students opportunities to pursue their dreams. Through their estate plans, the couple has arranged for the scholarship to be sustained in perpetuity. “You don’t have to be rich to do this,” Mike, an Air Force retiree, reflected. “You can start small and grow. We started with two schools—now we’re at ten. Maybe one day, it’ll reach every high school on the Peninsula.” The Stevens remind us that generosity doesn’t begin with wealth—it begins with love.
11/7/2025 SERVICE CHECK: Impact 100 Greater Peninsula — Amplifying Impact Through Collective GivingRead Now
In 2015, a group of women were seeking to bring together more women in this community to make an impactful difference for nonprofits on the Virginia Peninsula. Knowing they could not do it alone, they recruited women from all walks of life to join them, and Impact 100 Greater Peninsula was born. Today, Impact 100 Greater Peninsula still operates on its founding principles:
A Powerful Return on Investment
existing ones. Demonstrate specific, measurable goals for creating community impact.
These grants aren't just stop-gap measures; they are designed to fundamentally change the way an organization or a community operates, proving that collective giving can lead to truly transformational change. Empowering Women and the Community The Impact 100 model is built on the principle of empowering women to see themselves as philanthropists. The membership gift of $1,100 is intentional—it ensures each member is deeply invested and connected to the transformational grants that result. And that gift level can be achieved individually, or as a group of up to four people. Impact 100’s members represent all ages and include mother-daughter teams, busy professionals and retirees! This united mission empowers not only the recipients of the grants but also the women who give, fosters social connection and friendship among its members, and creates a collective voice that reaches across the entire Greater Peninsula, including: Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, James City County, Williamsburg, York County, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, and Smithfield. Impact 100 will make its 2025 awards later this month, voting for and granting over $100,000 to area nonprofits on November 18. 11/7/2025 The Gift of Dreaming Again: Inspiring Holiday Hope Through the Children's Holiday FundRead Now The Magic of the Season Every December, the Peninsula shines a little brighter. Through PCF’s Children’s Holiday Fund, donors and local businesses come together to make sure children in our community feel the joy of the season. When neighbors care for neighbors, we see the magic unfold through this beloved PCF tradition. The fund supports our trusted nonprofit partners who work directly with families in need — ensuring hundreds of local children have warm meals, thoughtful gifts, and the simple joy of being remembered.  A Gift That Inspires Dreams & Support Where It is Needed Most The true value of this support is perhaps best summarized by one of our dedicated donors: "When I give to the families through the Holiday Fund, I feel like I'm giving Peninsula children an opportunity to dream again. Could there be a more precious gift this holiday season?" This fund delivers the full spectrum of holiday relief, going beyond single gifts to provide winter clothing, holiday meals, toys, and school supplies. Your gifts provide flexibility to our nonprofit partners, many of whom live the challenges of life every day with children and their families— to address the greatest needs during their darkest moments. These marvelous blessings unfolded during the 2024 holiday season thanks to grants provided by the Children's Holiday Fund:
New Partnership Spotlight: Ferguson Center for the Arts — Arts for All! We are thrilled to announce an exciting, multi-year partnership with Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts and their Arts for All program! This collaboration will support and elevate the Children's Holiday Fund (CHF) while expanding access to the arts for children and families across the Virginia Peninsula. How it works:
Bruce Bronstein, Executive Director for the Ferguson Center for the Arts shared, “We are honored and humbled to partner with the Peninsula Community Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Fund. Our Arts for All program is a perfect complement, and together we hope to build greater awareness of both the need and the opportunities the Children’s Holiday Fund provides, while welcoming families to the Ferguson Center to share in the joy and magic of the performing arts.” Click here for more information about Arts for All, and here for ticket information for the Family Series at the Ferguson Center! Join Us: Through the Children’s Holiday Fund, PCF has awarded $500,000 in grants to date, to area nonprofit organizations. Our promise always is to be thoughtful, compassionate stewards of your gifts, ensuring that your light shines brightly into the young lives that need it most. Together we will ensure that more of our young Peninsula neighbors are seen, valued, and loved this season.  In January of this year, the Peninsula Community Foundation partnered with Mercer Investments LLC to manage our investment portfolio. When we announced this new partnership, we promised to share how it would help us better steward your support, leading to increased resources that touch and change more lives in our community. As our first year with Mercer draws to a close, we are happy to report on the excellent progress made on their watch. Strong Performance Drives Greater Impact The best news for our donors is the strong performance of the investment portfolio. Since inception with Mercer in March 2025, the portfolio has achieved an impressive 10.3% return. This performance directly translates into greater available resources, enabling the Foundation to maximize the good we can do locally. As of September 30, 2025, our investment portfolio balance stood at $18.2 million (with an additional $439.6k in money market accounts). This growth confirms that our strategic target allocation of 65% equities and 35% fixed income is generating the necessary returns to build a sustainable future for our community’s needs. Why We Chose Mercer We selected Mercer for their outstanding record and reputation. They are a recognized industry leader, ranking among the top two Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) firms serving US endowments and foundations. Currently, 1,047 endowment and foundation clients partner with Mercer, representing $53 billion in assets under management. A key factor in our decision was Mercer's acquisition of Vanguard’s nonprofit investment division. This acquisition brought over 200 seasoned investment professionals who are now part of Mercer's proprietary team. Our Foundation benefits from their deep experience, coupled with access to exclusive Mercer funds. Meet Our Dedicated OCIO Team The team overseeing our account serves as our official OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officers). These professionals monitor the portfolio daily, assess market developments, and act as fiduciaries for the Foundation’s assets:
This team deeply understands that investing to build resources to do more good requires a different "mindset and heart set" than simply investing to make more money.
Stewardship—doing the very best we can with all entrusted to us—is at the heart of the Peninsula Community Foundation’s calling. We are grateful to have our partners at Mercer rising to meet that call with us, ensuring our resources grow to help more people across this community.
serving thousands of families each year across Hampton Roads. That early investment helped launch PCF’s Center for Community Research which continues to deliver data-driven insights on issues like housing, early childhood education and aging—empowering the community to act with greater wisdom and compassion.
Most recently, PCF conducted a study on how changing legislation could change the Peninsula’s nonprofit landscape. Ferguson was proud to support this effort to keep the community informed and prepared. Through every chapter of the Foundation’s story, Ferguson has been there—investing in programs, people and the Foundation itself. The company understands that when PCF is strong, the entire community benefits. Ferguson’s commitment has never been about recognition - it’s about doing what’s right, quietly and consistently. They are a company that understands generosity multiplies when it’s shared, and they continue to advance the economic wellbeing and quality of life of the community we all call home - one thoughtful step at a time.
through growth, healing and long-term stability by:
This commitment to change transforms the lives of local families. Consider the mother of three—two with autism, and the mother herself disabled—who faced eviction. She called the housing crisis hotline—a program in which PCF was involved, with 40 nonprofit agency partners that now serves all 14 of Hampton Roads’ jurisdictions—and was placed at Menchville House. For the first time in months, the children had a secure roof over their heads, their own beds, regular healthy meals, enrollment in school, and access to Menchville’s children-focused activities. Today, that family is thriving in permanent, income-based housing. Partners in Sustainability: PCF and Menchville House
This gift will continue to grow to provide a sustainable source of funding for years to come.
That investment recently proved invaluable when the organization faced a severe financial crisis, due in part to extensive and costly plumbing repairs caused by deteriorating pipes throughout the facility. Executive Director Ann Ruffin shared, "Our fund had grown considerably over nine years, allowing us to quickly access the resources we needed to keep Menchville House operational. “ Adding, “without the ability to draw on our Peninsula Community Foundation fund, we likely would’ve had to suspend services or relocate families but instead we were able to sustain operations, maintain staff and continue providing uninterrupted shelter for families depending on us.” They are currently facing another major plumbing crisis, with 7 of their rooms temporarily offline as they work toward full restoration. Ann states, “PCF has truly been a lifeline with their partnership giving us the ability to respond to emergencies, ensuring Menchville House remains a place of safety and hope for families when they need it most.”
am proud to share some of our family stories with you here.
This report is the third major research project PCF has completed in the last 15 years. Our first project focused on early childhood development, an issue that remains one of our core priorities. Our second study, conducted nearly a decade ago, addressed homelessness and helped build the community partnerships that led to the creation of the Housing Crisis Hotline. "Serving an Older Peninsula" is the first report released under our new formal program banner, The Center for Community Research. This initiative will continue to produce data-driven research projects, large and small, that offer a unique "view from the balcony" of our community. We were created to maintain that broad perspective. Leaders in government, business, nonprofits, and education must focus on their respective agendas, so part of our service is providing information that will help them, in turn, make well-informed decisions that benefit the entire Peninsula region. So, did our plan work?
“From PAA's perspective, we've used this report as a foundation for conversations with policymakers, city leaders, and community partners, ensuring that decisions are informed by the real needs of our older neighbors,” says Randi Keesee, with PAA. “This report has been incredibly impactful, providing real evidence that the call to support older adults in aging in place is both genuine and pressing.”
This report isn't the kind of undertaking where we declare “victory” and move on. We will continue to work with our partners to encourage conversations and inspire more change, now and for the future - and to connect partners who can help each other achieve more, together for our older Peninsula residents. And the Center for Community Research will press on overall - an ongoing Foundation effort to build trust in the unique research and information we can provide. We’re already beginning conversations about our next research topic, driven by the same mission: to serve those who serve our neighbors. The full report, a brief summary, the press release, and a slide deck are all available online, just click the "Aging Report" button to access them.
WHY: Sustainability. “When H.E.L.P. received an unexpected grant of $100,000, we wanted to find a way to make that money work for us for longer than just the current moment - a step toward long-term sustainability. We chose to invest the funds with PCF - already a trusted partner for us, recognizing that the agency fund would provide a stronger, more lasting return than a traditional savings account. And for those community members who prefer to give to endowed funds - this agency fund affords that opportunity,” says Matthew Stern, H.E.L.P., Inc Executive Director. IMPACT: Financial Security and Mission Focus. The agency fund has been a crucial tool for H.E.L.P., helping them manage the large uneven shifts in cash flow that can come from grants and donations. From Matt: “We now have the sense of security that we can withstand fluctuations in the market and economy without having to worry about keeping the lights on.” This financial stability positions their team to focus on core mission and programs. The partnership with PCF has also introduced them to new partners, volunteers, and funders, strengthening their network and enhancing their overall impact in the community. "Sustainability has always been top of mind for H.E.L.P. and our board. The agency fund at PCF provides a sense of security and a foundation for future growth with an organization we trust and is always readily available to us."
promise of what we are here to do: serve those who serve our neighbors.
We are here to help our many partners – nonprofits, businesses, individuals, families, educational institutions, churches, governments – stay informed about the deep needs across our community among all people, and all God’s creatures great and small…support the heroic work already under way every day to meet those needs, and explore new paths forward in that work by connecting those in need with resources that can change lives. And most of all, we hope this new “newsletter” will elicit MORE questions! Whether you are a well-established nonprofit on the Peninsula, or a family who just moved to Hampton Roads seeking to connect with a community of service, we hope this newsletter will inspire you to reach out to us - an email, website visit, text or a good old-fashioned phone call all work just fine! It is our great privilege to serve you, and serve our neighbors et the stage by telling the reader what the main topic is. Your main story should be at the top of the email with a CTA button that links to a corresponding web page or blog post. Don’t include the entire story in your email.
itemizers can claim up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples) in charitable deductions. However, individuals of higher net worth who are generous with their resources will continue to itemize their deductions but their rates will have caps. The hope is that these provisions will encourage younger families and first-time donors to begin their philanthropic journey and for individuals to include philanthropic giving in their estate pans. The OBBBA makes permanent the estate tax exemptions increase put in place in 2017, and in fact elevates that exemption further.
For Nonprofits Alongside these tax provisions, the OBBBA puts forward federal spending reductions of $1.2 trillion over the next decade, with the most significant changes affecting housing, healthcare, food assistance, and education. Locally, this likely means more of our neighbors across the Peninsula will turn to nonprofits for help and many of those organizations themselves will be affected by the federal budget changes and are already stretching to serve vulnerable residents. In turn, the nonprofits will lean on local and state governments as well as the private sector to help them do more for more people. The Path Forward As federal support pulls back, local philanthropy will be asked to step up. This is a pivotal moment for regional donors, foundations, and business leaders to fill urgent gaps, amplify effective nonprofits, and champion our community’s values. With strategic giving and collective leadership, we can uphold our vision of a Peninsula community "where no one is left behind"*. *This language has been recently used by the Peninsula Chamber and the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula in publications and we join them in this commitment.
Paula feel like family, and she credits the clinic with saving her life. The clinic's mission is rooted in faith. On April 20, 1995, co-founders Jim and Cooka Shaw answered the call from Matthew 25:40: "In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." They started a mission to provide compassionate healthcare to the medically disadvantaged. As the Shaws reflect, “It has truly been God’s Miracle that the Clinic has evolved from three volunteers in a church Sunday school room years ago to a full-service medical and dental facility today.” For 30 years, Lackey Clinic has provided free healthcare to uninsured adults in Virginia. What began in a small church has grown into a statewide network using telehealth and virtual care to serve patients across 79 counties. The numbers speak for themselves. In the last year, 327 volunteers donated 14,245 hours, valued at over $467,724. The clinic also provided $9.5 million in free medications and secured $5 million in charity care from local hospitals. This transformative work is being celebrated at their 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 20th, an evening dedicated to their mission.
The Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) is honored to partner in this work. PCF donors have long recognized the clinic's critical role, providing consistent support. The partnership, including Lackey Clinic's 12 year participation in PCF’s Give Local 757 giving day, has helped raise thousands of dollars and forge invaluable relationships according to Kim Spencer, Lackey’s Director of Resource Development stating, “This collaboration is a powerful example of how a community foundation can amplify the work of a dedicated nonprofit, helping Lackey Clinic build a healthier community for everyone.”
vision is to inspire a spirit of giving in their children and grandchildren, ensuring that community support becomes a family commitment.
Scott, a 40-year veteran of Ferguson, first connected with the Peninsula Community Foundation through Ferguson’s partnership and grant matching program. Scott jumped at the opportunity, and explains: “My motto is to make a difference in the lives of other people. Giving is a way to live out the principles I have carried throughout my career - mentorship, stewardship and building something that lasts.” Ferguson’s matching program encourages its leaders to support nonprofits in our hometown region, the Ferguson Family Fund and the company’s national partners like the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Explore The Trades and Homes for Our Troops. By matching contributions, the program expands the reach of individual giving and reinforces Ferguson’s commitment to strengthening the community. Beyond the joy of giving, donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer an easy, streamlined and thoughtful approach to philanthropy. Instead of juggling multiple donations and receipts, donors make a single tax-deductible contribution and plan their giving over time. For Scott and Tricia, this means sitting down together to decide where their support will go and responding to special requests from friends and family. DAFs also provide long-term flexibility – building a fund that can adapt to changing needs and remain a reliable source of support for the community in the future. Working with the Peninsula Community Foundation helps the Russells stay connected to local challenges and solutions. “PCF doesn’t just fund projects,” shared Scott. “It builds relationships, listens to people and brings together nonprofits, businesses and individuals to solve real challenges in our community. You feel part of something bigger than yourself.” Their advice to others considering a donor-advised fund: “Don’t wait! Do it immediately! It’s a game changer.” |
