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Join Us as a Member
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 over 125 funders 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 $500 million each year to support Virginia’s most pressing community needs. With more members joining and contributing to this network each year, the Virginia philanthropic community continues to grow and deepen its connections, collaborations, and effectiveness.
Member Qualifications
Membership in the Virginia Funders Network runs on a calendar year and is open to any funder who makes grants for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes in support of the residents of the Commonwealth. Members affirm that their core interest in joining VFN is to inform and improve their grantmaking through networking, collaboration, learning, and leverage.
The Member category includes:
- Grantmaking organizations that make grants to multiple organizations in Virginia for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes.
- Government or quasi-government offices that are also grantmakers.
- Organizations that do not restrict their giving solely to subsidiary chapters, member organizations, affiliates, or a single institution.
- Organizations that act as grantmaking intermediaries such as government entities, nonprofit organizations, initiatives, or collaboratives that grant, or re-grant, private and/or public dollars.
- Individuals committed to sustained, strategic philanthropy through their own private grantmaking.
Value of Membership
VFN is the only Virginia-focused organization for funders, serving as a statewide and regional convener. As one member noted in the 2024 Member Survey, VFN’s biggest value is “the benefits of being part of something much larger and impactful than our organization alone.”
VFN members enjoy:
- Access to VFN events at no cost, including regional gatherings and virtual learning sessions.
- Membership pricing for VFN’s Annual Conference, the largest gathering of funders in Virginia.
- Assistance from VFN staff in making connections to members for learning and collaboration.
- A library of resources and materials to help with effective philanthropic decision-making.
- Access to role and region-based communities through VFN Listservs.
- COMING SOON: Access to an exclusive member-only portal with an online searchable member directory.
In partnership with United Philanthropy Forum, VFN members also have access to discounts for multiple publications, support services, and legal help. For more information on these opportunities, click here.
Member Contributions to Join
Beginning in 2025, VFN has introduced a new contribution schedule for membership in VFN. Because these rates cover only 40% of VFN’s operating budget, members are strongly encouraged to support with an additional contribution, conference sponsorship, and/or grant funding.
| Annual Grantmaking in Virginia | Annual Contribution |
|---|---|
|
Up to $1,500,000 and all governmental, quasi-government offices or agencies |
$1,500 |
|
$1,500,001 – $2,500,000 |
$2,000 |
|
$2,500,001 – $5,000,000 |
$4,000 |
|
$5,000,001 – $7,500,000 |
$6,000 |
|
$7,500,001 – $10,000,000 |
$8,000 |
|
Over $10,000,000 |
$10,000 |