Member Spotlight – Jack Simpson | Ballad Health

Jack Simpson Headshot

This month’s “Member Spotlight” features Jack Simpson, President at the Ballad Health Foundation. Here’s a little bit more about Jack and his work in philanthropy:  Describe your philanthropic philosophy and how your philosophy shapes your work.  I was fortunate to attend the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.  That experience helped me to […]

VFN joins in on the “Reimagine Funder Learning Series”  

A recap by Robin Mockenhaput, VFN’s Director, Policy & Advocacy. At the end of August, I was pleased to participate in the Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF) Funder Learning Series on the different levels of systems change (advocacy, organizing, narrative change, data/research, etc.). This program is a 5-session series with a cohort of staff from […]

Affordable Housing a Shared Interest of Regional Funders

A Shenandoah Valley Regional Funders Gathering Recap by Member, Dan Layman Seventeen representatives of eleven regional and statewide funders gathered in Waynesboro on August 13 to listen, learn and discuss affordable housing in the Shenandoah Valley.  While this is not a new topic of conversation in the Valley, a recently completed regional housing study now […]

Member Spotlight: Trisha Fillion, Augusta Health

Member Spotlight featuring Trisha Fillion

This month’s “Member Spotlight” features Patricia “Trisha” Fillion, Community Outreach and Partnerships Specialist at Augusta Health. Here’s a little bit more about Trisha and her work in philanthropy:   Describe your philanthropic philosophy and how your philosophy shapes your work. While we are all capable of providing positive and impactful change as individuals and organizations, […]

Since joining VFN as CEO last July, I have met numerous leaders from across the Commonwealth who believe in the power of philanthropy to drive positive change.

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 […]

2023 Regional Funders Gathering Wrap Up

Over the past four months, more than 200 funders came together across seven regions in the Commonwealth to explore ways to amplify the power of philanthropy in addressing the pressing needs of Virginia communities. During these VFN Regional Funder Gatherings (RFG), members learned from each other and discussed opportunities to work together to scale the […]

Member Spotlight: Stephanie Randolph, Cassiopeia Foundation

Cassiopeia Foundation Charlottesville, Virginia Mission: Created in 1944, Cassiopeia’s designated mission is “for the betterment of mankind.” This month’s “Member Spotlight” features Stephanie Randolph, Deputy Director of the Cassiopeia Foundation and NEW Advisory Board member. Stephanie has also been deeply engaged in VFN’s impact investing space, serving as co-chair of our impact investing learning series in […]