Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Partner in Philanthropy & Community Giving in Western Virginia
Founded in 1988, we are a trusted community foundation dedicated to empowering philanthropy in Western Virginia. Our mission is to enable generous individuals to strengthen their communities through endowment funds, strategic grants, and scholarship programs. With expertise in managing charitable assets since our inception, we provide donors with tax-efficient solutions for creating lasting legacies. Our team of professionals offers personalized guidance on establishing funds, navigating estate planning, and maximizing the impact of charitable giving. We serve the Greater Roanoke Valley, Martinsville-Henry County area, and Southwest Virginia, supporting over 300 named endowment funds ranging from $10,000 to millions of dollars.Our commitment to transparency and stewardship ensures that donor intentions are honored through rigorous fund management and community needs assessment. We collaborate with nonprofits to address critical issues while promoting a culture of philanthropy through educational programs and donor networks like the Women in Philanthropy Grant Cycle. Our governance by local leaders ensures deep community knowledge informs every grantmaking decision, while our scholarship initiatives have awarded over $785,000 to students in the region last year alone.
Services
Endowment Funds
Grantmaking
Scholarships
Donor Services
Nonprofit Support
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of experience managing endowment funds and distributing community grants.
- Our team provides expert guidance on tax-efficient charitable giving strategies.
- We offer personalized donor services with deep local community knowledge.
- We administer over 300 named endowment funds with flexible giving options.
- Our scholarship programs have awarded over $785,000 to regional students annually.
What people say
Life-changing grants
Excellent scholarship support
Professional management
Strong donor engagement
Community-focused initiatives
Services
Endowment Funds
We help donors establish permanent endowment funds that support specific causes or community needs. Our professional investment strategies ensure long-term growth while honoring donor intent. With minimums starting at $10,000, these funds provide flexible giving options for individuals, families, and organizations seeking to create lasting charitable legacies through both current and estate gifts.
Grantmaking
Our discretionary grant programs and donor-directed funds support nonprofits addressing critical community needs. We facilitate strategic giving through competitive application processes and expert evaluation. The foundation manages grant recommendations year-round while offering specialized initiatives like the Women in Philanthropy Grant Cycle to address specific regional challenges and opportunities.
Scholarships
We administer over $785,000 in annual scholarships to students across Western Virginia. Our programs serve graduating seniors, current college students, and non-traditional learners through both merit-based and need-based awards. The online application system simplifies access to educational funding while our advisory committees ensure fair evaluation of all candidates.
Donor Services
We provide comprehensive support for donors establishing funds, planning estates, and maximizing tax benefits. Our team offers expert advice on charitable strategies tailored to individual financial situations. Services include fund management, grant recommendation processes, and legacy planning assistance to help donors achieve their philanthropic goals effectively.
Nonprofit Support
We strengthen local nonprofits through grants, training, and organizational development. Our programs enhance operational effectiveness while connecting organizations with funding opportunities. We provide application guidance, compliance support, and community partnership initiatives to help nonprofits better serve their missions across Western Virginia's diverse regions.
People
Carly C. Oliver
President/CEO
Carly C. Oliver leads our foundation with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She oversees strategic direction, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives while maintaining strong relationships with donors and regional partners to advance our mission.
April Haynes
Chief Operating Officer
April Haynes manages daily operations and donor services with extensive experience in nonprofit administration. She leads our grants and gifts team while ensuring efficient organizational management and exceptional support for fundholders and applicants.
Michelle Eberly
Director, Grants & Donor Engagement
Michelle Eberly directs our grantmaking programs and donor relations with deep expertise in community needs assessment. She provides critical support to nonprofits applying for funding while connecting donors with impactful giving opportunities across Western Virginia.
Beth Kelley
Chief Financial Officer
Beth Kelley oversees financial operations and fund management with specialized knowledge in nonprofit accounting. She ensures responsible stewardship of assets while maintaining transparent reporting systems for donors and regulatory compliance.
Alyssa W. Rorrer
Program Officer
Alyssa W. Rorrer manages scholarship programs and community initiatives with a focus on educational access. She coordinates application processes, evaluates candidates, and implements programs that expand opportunities for students throughout our service regions.
Questions
How do I apply for a community grant?
Apply through our online portal after reviewing program guidelines. Contact Michelle Eberly at (540) 985-0204 for application assistance.
What scholarship opportunities are available?
We offer over $785,000 in annual scholarships. Apply online between November 1 and January 14 with required documentation.
How can I establish a donor-advised fund?
Contact our office to discuss fund creation with minimum $10,000 contribution. We'll guide you through tax-efficient setup and investment options.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Roanoke, Martinsville, Salem, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Southwest Virginia communities.
How are grant decisions made?
Applications undergo committee review considering community impact, financial sustainability, and alignment with donor intent.
Can I donate appreciated assets?
Yes, we accept stocks, real estate, and other appreciated assets with potential tax benefits for donors.
