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.” |
