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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 130 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 VFN 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’s strength is our ability to bring a Virginia lens to our work in support of the philanthropic community. As the only Virginia based philanthropic network, we serve as a convener for funders and their community, regional and statewide partners, and provide the backbone for collaboration. Membership covers all of an organization’s trustees, staff, and consultants. Members are eligible for the full spectrum of resources and services including:
- Access to VFN publications, research, Member-only portal (coming soon), and listservs.
- Service on VFN’s Advisory Board and/or committees.
- Connection to funders in like roles with similar funding interests.
- Member pricing for the Annual Conference.
- Participation in learning events and Regional Funders Gatherings.
- Support from VFN’s dedicated staff.
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 |
*The payment of contributions is acceptance of VFN’s non-solicitation policy
*Community Foundations calculate their membership contribution based on discretionary annual grantmaking in Virginia. Donor Advised Fund distributions or supporting organization grantmaking should not be included in the calculation.