WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Community Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary on Feb. 1.
The Williamsburg Community Foundation (WCF) was established in 1999 by community leaders with the intent of raising charitable endowment funds and providing a vehicle for donors who wish to leave a legacy to Williamsburg, with the original grantmaking Community Endowment for Williamsburg seeded with funds raised during the 300th Anniversary celebration of Williamsburg, according to the foundation.
For its 25th Anniversary, the Board of Trustees has established a challenge to the community. The 25th Anniversary Campaign is designed to grow the Community Endowment so that WCF can enlarge its grant-making capacity. With a goal of $750,000, this campaign will increase grant-making by $35,000 a year in perpetuity.
WCF said that several donors have provided a 1:2 matching challenge to amplify the impact of individual donations. More than $325,000 has already been raised.
“We are so grateful to the challenge donors who have made this Campaign possible and for the ongoing support of the greater Williamsburg community,” noted Chair Kathleen Slevin. “These gifts will underwrite our mission of enhancing the quality of life in greater Williamsburg by connecting people with causes that matter, managing charitable funds, and providing grants and scholarships for our community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities.”
The Foundation’s assets, most of which are invested for the long term, have grown from $60,000 in 1999 to more than $26 million. More than $11.7 million have been distributed over 25 years.
Grants and Scholarships are provided annually to support our community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities. Since grantmaking began in 2002, 325 local nonprofits have received grants. Over 1,000 local high school seniors have received scholarships to support their education dreams.
Donations can be made at online or by mailing a check to Williamsburg Community Foundation, 1323 Jamestown Road, Suite 103, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
For more information, visit the official WCF page.
