The NAV Foundation

05/22/2025

💜💜💜

05/11/2025

To all the women who step into that nurturing role, guiding, mentoring, and loving with a mother's instinct – your influence shapes lives in profound ways.

Happy Mother’s Day! May your day be filled with the love that you so freely give. 💖

05/06/2025

Hey! We know that one! 🥰

At The Mayfly Project, we use fly rods instead of magic wands—but the impact feels just as powerful.

We’re celebrating these incredible kids who’ve experienced the foster care system and the mentors who show up rain or shine (and sometimes in waders).

Because every kid deserves someone in their corner—and maybe a net, too.

05/04/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You!

We are overjoyed and deeply grateful to announce the incredible success of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School's Lenten Donation Drive in support of our 48 Bag Initiative.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and compassion of the students, staff, and families, we collected and sorted nearly 3,000 items! These donations will go a long way in supporting foster families in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Your kindness and commitment to our mission have truly embodied the spirit of Lent and the values we hold dear. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for helping us make this initiative a success.

Together, we are a force for good!

05/01/2025

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. We hope to use this time to bring awareness to the countless children who have to navigate through the system. As well as the amazing support from the foster families, social workers, and resources who help make the journey a little bit easier.

04/09/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

After much consideration, we've made the tough decision to move our Fundraising Dinner to the fall. While we know this isn't ideal, we believe that taking this extra time will allow us to better prepare and ultimately create an event that we can be proud of.

We’re committed to delivering an experience that’s truly special, and we feel that this is the best way to ensure that happens. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

But don’t worry—we’re not slowing down! While we’re gearing up for the big event in the fall, we’ll be keeping things going with smaller activities over the summer. So, stay tuned and don’t miss out on what’s coming next!

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to celebrate together when the time comes. 🙏💜

02/18/2025

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!

May 17th, 2025 we are preparing for an amazing evening to celebrate the life and legacy of Nicole as well as formally kickoff The NAV Foundation.

We hope that you will join us! More details to come, as we are actively in the planning stages for the event. Thank you for your support!

02/15/2025

In this year without you, the world has been quieter, the void left by your absence has been felt every single day. Yet it has also given us the opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact you had on so many lives. You were a guiding light to those who needed it most, and your work in creating hope, love, and opportunity for children in foster care has forever changed lives.

Your kindness and compassion were unmatched. You taught us all the true meaning of selflessness and gave without hesitation, always putting others’ needs before your own. And though we miss you deeply, we know your legacy is too powerful to fade. This year we have created two scholarships that will live on in your likeness, and this Foundation that will bring your goals to fruition.

The NAV Foundation will carry forward your mission to empower and assist children in foster care, ensuring they have the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Your goals are now our goals—your drive, our drive.

We promise to never forget how you helped others, the way you uplifted those who felt unseen, and the many lives you touched. Your love for children, for giving them a chance at a brighter future, will forever be at the heart of everything we do.

02/13/2025

The 48 Bag
Inspired by Nicole's compassion, "The 48 Bag" initiative continues her mission in ensuring that no child enters Foster Care without the essentials they deserve.

Each age specific bag is filled with necessities tailored to fit the immediate needs of each child. We want these bags to provide security, comfort, and hope to each child impacted by this transition.

We are this much closer to making a real and lasting impact! Our friends at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School have created a donation drive to help us produce the first set of Bags tailored to the 0-24mo age group.

We are very excited to announce this initiative and can't wait to continue making a difference in our community. Thank you for your support!

02/04/2025

“with a hope that connecting them to a rewarding hobby will provide an opportunity for foster children to have fun, feel supported, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors.”

Our friends at the The Mayfly Project-Columbus, OH have opened registration for the 2025 season. A great opportunity to help your child learn a new skill and be paired with an experienced mentor for a summer of fun! Registration ends March 15th!

Exciting News! The Mayfly Project- Columbus is now accepting mentee applications for 2025!

Do you know a young person (ages 8-18) in foster care who could benefit from the therapeutic power of fly fishing? We’re gearing up for an amazing season filled with adventure, mentorship, and memories.

📅 Outing Dates:
• April 12th
• April 26th
• May 17th
• June 7th
• June 21st

Each outing is an opportunity for kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and build confidence.

Apply now to secure a spot! Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember on the water!

01/28/2025

Did you know?

There is a scholarship established in Nicole's name at her alum, Capital University Law School, "to empower rising attorneys who will focus on improving the child welfare and adoption system."
To learn more about Nicole's journey through law school and her driving force to make a difference, follow the link below!

https://www.capital.edu/about/capital-stories/van-gundy-s-spirit-lives-on-through-passion-for-children-good-works-and-scholarship-fund/?_gl=1%2Aezw8fn%2A_gcl_au%2AMTY0NjU0MDM2Mi4xNzMyMjAyMzUz%2A_ga%2ANzExNDg1MjA1LjE3MjMyMDg5NjU.%2A_ga_BM72B0L566%2AMTczMzc2NzI2MS4zOC4wLjE3MzM3NjcyNjEuNjAuMC4w&fbclid=IwY2xjawIFxbRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaAkJ0p9OSWjUF0FE42FbONR81AmjF6q2D5aVl3j_FXvNCzp1jn9-DM2tQ_aem_aWWDJz71XseBXSnl4q35OQ

Nicole Van Gundy, L ’23, was a shining light in child welfare and adoption law, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of compassion, dedication, and excellence. Her untimely passing in February 2024 at the age of 40 has only deepened the resolve of her family to continue her impactful work. To honor ...