VALUE & BENEFITS

WHY JOIN VFN?

The Virginia Funders Network was born from a belief in the power of collaboration. Our strength and effectiveness come directly from the diverse and valued insights, wisdom, perspectives, and dedication of the nearly 120 funders – our Network Partners – all across the Commonwealth who are dedicated to working together to build a connected, collaborative philanthropic community and ensure that all who call Virginia home have the resources they need to thrive. Collectively, our members invest more than $350 million each year to support Virginia’s most pressing community needs.

In short, VFN enhances the effectiveness of our members’ work through networking, collaboration, learning, and leverage while embracing the uniqueness of each VFN member through the following seven components:

Connect...

…with the largest community of philanthropic funders investing in Virginia. As a network partner, you are part of a diverse and creative group of philanthropy professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Commonwealth. Our experienced staff members intentionally weave the network, connecting members with each other as well as with local and national thought leaders and resources.

Learn...

…from your philanthropy peers, issue experts, and community and state leaders. VFN hosts dozens of learning and networking opportunities each year and curates and shares stories and information that elevate our members’ understanding of the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs, timely opportunities, and exciting philanthropic practices. Hear what’s working and what’s not in communities across the state, and discover innovative philanthropic solutions to bring back to your own work.

Lead...

…and help drive VFN’s vision, mission, and programming as an Advisory Board member, Community of Practice co-chair, Annual Conference Committee member, speaker, panelist, event moderator, and more. VFN offers dozens of leadership and professional development opportunities. Get engaged and shape the future of the Virginia Funders Network!

Leverage...

Advocate...

for the issues philanthropy cares about most. Each year, VFN hosts opportunities for members to meet with and hear from elected officials, policy makers, and state leaders to help you and your colleagues understand legislative action, unpack policy agendas, and, where appropriate, advocate for policy solutions. With more than 120 member organizations collectively investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year into the Commonwealth, VFN serves as a powerful voice for social change.