Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

06/04/2026

What a night! 🎉 At this year's Community Grantee Celebration, we were proud to award a record $631,625 to 146 nonprofits across Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta, Nelson, and Highland counties. That brings our total community investment to more than $30.3 million since 1992.

"It brings together organizations from across the region that truly represent the heart of a connected and compassionate community," said Lora Hamp, Legal Counsel and Director of Nonprofit Relations. "These organizations are responding to needs, creating opportunities, and improving lives every day."
From animal rescue in Highland County to food and laundry assistance in Verona to arts programming across the valley, the room was full of people quietly making this region stronger. It was an honor to celebrate alongside them.

To every grantee: thank you for what you do. We're grateful to be your partner. 💙

06/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Victoria Nay, recipient of the inaugural Henry and Carolyn Obaugh Memorial Scholarship!

Dean Obaugh established this scholarship in memory of his parents, Henry and Carolyn — long-time members of First Baptist Church of Staunton whose lives were rooted in faith and service. It supports students called to vocational ministry, and Victoria is a wonderful first recipient. Thank you, Dean, for this meaningful way of honoring their legacy.

Want to support the Henry and Carolyn Obaugh Memorial Scholarship? Visit https://community-foundation-of-the-central-blue-ridge.networkforgood.com/projects/253573-henry-and-carolyn-obaugh-memorial-scholarship

05/28/2026

Make plans to come see us every night!

05/26/2026

🍎Hey science and agriculture teachers! Looking for a fun and enriching professional development opportunity? Join the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension for the 2026 Teaching Trees Workshop! Held June 24-25 at McCormick Farm, this two-day workshop is filled with hands-on activities and tours related to forest ecology and management.

🌳Limited space available! Register by June 1st:
https://project-learning-tree.odoo.com/event/teaching-trees-at-shenandoah-valley-agricultural-research-and-extension-center-56/register

05/26/2026

We love seeing our community show up for each other! 💛 Kline's Espresso Bar has been running a special fundraiser all month — their "Brightside" soda is more than just a delicious drink. 50% of every sale goes directly to Valley Hope in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

We're in the final stretch of May, so now's the time to stop in, sip something good, and support a cause that matters. Every order makes a difference.

Meet the Brightside Drink ☀️🍓✨

This refreshing strawberry hibiscus drink isn’t just delicious, it’s doing good, too. 💛
Customize it your way - Get it with Sprite, lemonade, or tea!

All month long, 50% of proceeds will be donated to support mental health through Valley Hope Counseling Center in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Sip something sweet. Support something meaningful. 💫

05/21/2026

More scholarship fun at Stuarts Draft High School! Congratulations to all 8 recipients and the entire Class of 2026!

05/21/2026

We had a wonderful time presenting 17 scholarships and nearly $30,000 at the Fort Defiance High School senior awards ceremony. Our thoughts and best wishes to each and every graduate. Class of 2026🎓💙🤍

05/20/2026

We are so grateful for the David Feline Medical Assistance Fund and the amazing work of Anicira. We love all fur babies❤️

The cost of veterinary services shouldn’t keep a cat from receiving life-saving care. If you have a sick or injured cat living in your household and live in Augusta County, Staunton, or Waynesboro, you can find help at Anicira through generous grant funding.

We’re deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge and its David Feline Medical Assistance Fund for providing support for cat families in these regions. Reach out to 540-437-1980 or [email protected] to set up an appointment, and please help us spread the word to other cat families living in the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, or in August County.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to our Nelson County High School Home of the Governors scholarship recipients: Eli Hatter, Adriana Merlini, Ainlyn Nystrom, and Sawyer Jackson! We wish you the very best! Class of 2026🎓🎓🎓🎓