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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.
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