FOTH 2024 – Update
From February 25 – 28, Virginia Funders Network participated in United Philanthropy Forum’s Foundations on the Hill, the largest annual public policy and advocacy conference dedicated solely to the philanthropic sector. Representatives from foundations and peer philanthropy-serving organizations (PSO’s) around the country gathered for three days of workshops, networking, learning, and visits to Capitol Hill […]
2023 Year in Review
As we move into what we anticipate being another busy year, we invite you to reflect on the successes of 2023. Please take a few minutes to read our newly released 2023 Year in Review to learn more about how we: Began to implement the 2023-25 Strategic Framework. Hosted dozens of learning and networking opportunities – including our […]
Policy and Advocacy Updates
Now that the General Assembly session has begun in Richmond, it’s a good time to think about other policy and advocacy activities for the year. Here are a few updates and opportunities for VFN members to engage in the first half of 2024. Foundations of the Hill (FOTH) 2024 Please join me in Washington, DC […]
Member Spotlight: Joseph Maroon, Executive Director, Virginia Environmental Endowment
This month’s “Member Spotlight” features Joseph Maroon, Executive Director at Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE). Here’s a little about Joseph and his work in philanthropy: Describe your philanthropic philosophy and how your philosophy shapes your work. I have been honored to serve in many leadership roles including with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the […]
What are VFN’s priorities for 2024?
As we enter VFN’s fourth year, we are most grateful for early advocates and the generous investments of members who believe in our mission to build a connected, collaborative philanthropic community that advances opportunities for all who call Virginia home. VFN’s Strategic Framework will continue to guide our work. A robust line up of member […]
Reflections from the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference
“The missing middle.” “Make Virginia Home.” “Mission-focused housing development.” Pictured: VFN staff members Patte Koval and Robin Mockenhaupt attend the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference These are a few of the terms VFN team members Patte Koval and Robin Mockenhaupt heard at the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference, held November 15-17 in Hampton. The conference […]
Member Spotlight: Dr. LaTonya Penny, Laughing Gull Foundation
Laughing Gull Foundation Durham, North Carolina https://www.laughinggull.org/ Today’s “Member Spotlight” features Dr. LaTonya Penny, Chief Executive at the Laughing Gull Foundation (LGF). LGF is a progressive family foundation rooted in the South and committed to justice and committed to redistributing their resources to repair, re-humanize, and transform relationships, institutions, and systems. Pictured: Dr. Latonya Penny […]
Member Spotlight: Sherry Norquist, MSN, RN-ACM, Sentara
Sentara Norfolk, Virginia www.sentara.com This month’s “Member Spotlight” features Sherry Norquist, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Impact at Sentara. Here’s a little bit more about Sherry and her work in philanthropy: Pictured: Sherry Norquist, MSN, RN-ACM Describe your philanthropic philosophy and how your philosophy shapes your work. For more than 130 years, Sentara’s presence […]
Virginia Funders Network Announces Elizabeth “Bess” Littlefield as New CEO
Littlefield, CEO of J. Sergeant Reynolds’ educational foundation, will lead Virginia’s membership network of nearly 120 philanthropic organizations. Today, the Virginia Funders Network (VFN) announced the appointment of Elizabeth “Bess” Littlefield as its new chief executive officer at its 2023 Annual Conference, the largest gathering of Virginia’s philanthropic leaders. Littlefield will assume responsibilities on July 3, […]
VFN releases NEW Strategic Framework
Today, after a 10-month, member-driven strategic planning process, VFN is proud to release our first-ever Strategic Framework! More than 80% of VFN’s member organizations provided ideas and input to shape this plan which will drive VFN’s work over the next three years. Specifically, we will work together to: build and strengthen diverse, connected, trust-based networks […]
