How the Giving Store Turns Generosity into Immediate Impact
The Giving Store offers Community Foundation donor advised fundholders a simple and meaningful way to respond to urgent, tangible needs in our community. More than a traditional grant opportunity, the Giving Store connects donors directly to projects that can make an immediate difference in the lives of local families, children, and organizations.
Each quarter, the Community Foundation considers nonprofit needs and posts approximately eight to ten opportunities through the Giving Store. From educational tools and therapeutic resources to basic necessities and equipment, every request reflects a real and timely community need.
Previous requests have included purchasing a cargo van to expand diaper distribution for dads in underserved communities, providing art and play therapy supplies to help children heal from trauma, and replacing outdated medical equipment at a free clinic to improve patient care.
Since the Giving Store launched in 2021, Community Foundation donors have contributed more than $1.87 million to 198 nonprofit requests. Last year alone, they contributed over $426,000 toward 27 requests.
Here are more recent Giving Store opportunities that demonstrate the power of collective generosity.
Recently, Foundation fundholders Keith and Michelle Middleton supported Start 1 Spark’s efforts to expand sports and music programs at John Rolfe Middle School in Varina, where roughly 89 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. “The Giving Store has opened the door for us to support nonprofits and projects we may not have discovered otherwise,” shared Keith. “It makes giving feel personal and immediate, and it’s inspiring to see how donors can collectively respond to a real community need in such a direct way.” Funding helped provide batting cages, volleyball equipment, storage units, and new music supplies for the school’s gig band.
Another recent opportunity supported Better2Gether RVA, Central Virginia’s only organization dedicated to supporting families of children with rare and chronic illnesses. Through the Giving Store, donors helped fund “Better Bags,” care packages filled with practical and comforting items for families navigating extended hospital stays with medically fragile children.
The bags include hygiene kits, blankets, phone chargers, coloring books, fidget toys, and other essentials designed to ease moments of stress and uncertainty.
“Support like this not only helps fund critical services for children with rare and complex medical conditions and their families, but also shines a spotlight on the unique challenges this community faces,” shared Stephanie Becker, Executive Director of Better2Gether RVA. “As the only organization in the Richmond region dedicated specifically to supporting these families, opportunities like the Giving Store help expand awareness, build meaningful connections, and strengthen the support available to local children with complex medical needs.”
Through the Giving Store, many donors came together to support Bridging RVA in providing 100 children with proper beds, mattresses, bedding kits, and bed frames. For children sleeping on floors or sofas, these resources offer more than comfort; they provide dignity, stability, and a better foundation for health and learning.
Requests don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Northstar Academy, which serves students and alumni with disabilities and learning differences, recently requested funding for a commercial laminating machine; a tool teachers and staff now use daily to create classroom materials and learning resources.
Foundation donor advised fundholders can review current Giving Store projects by logging into our Fund Advisor Portal. If you would like to be notified when new Giving Store opportunities become available, please contact philanthropy@cfrichmond.org.
Students at John Rolfe middle school during a performance
Here are more recent Giving Store opportunities that demonstrate the power of collective generosity.
Recently, Foundation fundholders Keith and Michelle Middleton supported Start 1 Spark’s efforts to expand sports and music programs at John Rolfe Middle School in Varina, where roughly 89 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. “The Giving Store has opened the door for us to support nonprofits and projects we may not have discovered otherwise,” shared Keith. “It makes giving feel personal and immediate, and it’s inspiring to see how donors can collectively respond to a real community need in such a direct way.” Funding helped provide batting cages, volleyball equipment, storage units, and new music supplies for the school’s gig band.
Another recent opportunity supported Better2Gether RVA, Central Virginia’s only organization dedicated to supporting families of children with rare and chronic illnesses. Through the Giving Store, donors helped fund “Better Bags,” care packages filled with practical and comforting items for families navigating extended hospital stays with medically fragile children.
The bags include hygiene kits, blankets, phone chargers, coloring books, fidget toys, and other essentials designed to ease moments of stress and uncertainty.
“Support like this not only helps fund critical services for children with rare and complex medical conditions and their families, but also shines a spotlight on the unique challenges this community faces,” shared Stephanie Becker, Executive Director of Better2Gether RVA. “As the only organization in the Richmond region dedicated specifically to supporting these families, opportunities like the Giving Store help expand awareness, build meaningful connections, and strengthen the support available to local children with complex medical needs.”
Through the Giving Store, many donors came together to support Bridging RVA in providing 100 children with proper beds, mattresses, bedding kits, and bed frames. For children sleeping on floors or sofas, these resources offer more than comfort; they provide dignity, stability, and a better foundation for health and learning.
Requests don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Northstar Academy, which serves students and alumni with disabilities and learning differences, recently requested funding for a commercial laminating machine; a tool teachers and staff now use daily to create classroom materials and learning resources.
Foundation donor advised fundholders can review current Giving Store projects by logging into our Fund Advisor Portal. If you would like to be notified when new Giving Store opportunities become available, please contact philanthropy@cfrichmond.org.