Williamsburg Community Foundation

06/01/2026

This is what community generosity makes possible!

As part of our series highlighting a few of the 30 nonprofits that received spring competitive grants from the Foundation, today we’re featuring Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia.

With support from this grant, CCEVA is expanding its evidence-based economic mobility mentoring program into our area to help more mothers and families build long-term financial stability.

The program serves mothers living below the ALICE threshold, pairing each participant with a mentor who works alongside them over 18 months to set and pursue personalized goals. Participants also receive support from a HUD-certified housing counselor focused on budgeting, credit, savings, and debt reduction.

The program includes goal-based incentives and emergency funds for unexpected expenses to help families stay on track as they work toward greater financial security.

📸 photos provided by Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia

05/28/2026

This is what community generosity makes possible!

As part of our series highlighting a few of the 30 nonprofits that received spring competitive grants from WCF, today we’re featuring Jamestown Rediscovery.

This summer, as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Jamestown Rediscovery will offer free youth admission to Historic Jamestowne for local area families utilizing SNAP benefits.

The program will help more local families visit and experience history together by easing the financial cost to visit this important local site's walking tours, archaeology, and exhibits.

📸 photos provided by Jamestown Rediscovery

05/26/2026

This is what community generosity makes possible!

This spring, we awarded grants to 30 local nonprofits working to strengthen our community. Over the next week, we’re highlighting just a few of those organizations and their work in the community, made possible by the generous donors who choose to invest in community through WCF.

First up: Real People Educating Others (RPEO).

RPEO provides mentorship, academic support, and sports-based youth development opportunities for children and teens — especially youth from low- to moderate-income families who may not otherwise have access to enrichment programs.

📸 photos provided by RPEO

05/20/2026

Housing affordability touches more of our neighbors than many people realize — and it’s becoming an increasingly important part of our work.

In our newsletter, arriving in mailboxes soon, we’re sharing more about our growing focus on housing and economic mobility, including the creation of a new fund dedicated to supporting our competitive grantmaking in this area.

The story also highlights a recent grant to the Virginia Housing Alliance, which does important advocacy work that helps communities create more opportunities for safe, affordable housing.

We’re grateful to everyone who helps make this work possible. 💙

📷 Stock photo used for illustrative purposes.

05/13/2026

Sometimes making a difference starts with noticing a need close to home.

In our upcoming newsletter, we’re sharing the story of how the Harris family partnered with us to make a grant from their La Tienda donor-advised fund to retire lunch debt for students in Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.

We’re grateful for the many people in our community who choose to work with us to turn generosity into local impact.

Keep an eye on your mailbox — the full story in our newsletter will be arriving soon!

05/08/2026

Our scholarship selection committee was hard at work today after reading 150 applications from 150 impressive local students.

There were a lot of thoughtful conversations happening around the table today — and a lot of college gear, too! 🎓 🐏 🐺 🦅 ⚓ 🐦‍🔥

We’re always grateful for the volunteers who give their time to this process, and for the students who put so much effort into their applications. There’s some incredible talent, leadership, and service represented in the Class of 2026.

Looking forward to celebrating this year’s scholarship recipients later this month!

04/30/2026

In a recent interview, former chair of JCC's Planning Commission (and former WCF board member) Jack Haldeman talks about the impact of growth and the very real challenges many residents of James City County face, including a lack of affordable working-class housing.

It's April 20. The former chair of the James City County Planning Commission sees disconnect between county's growth and residents' wishes. Local hotels led spring break booking growth.

04/24/2026

Ever wondered what it really means to navigate everyday life with limited resources? Consider signing up for this poverty simulation event being offered this coming Monday by WJCC Community Action Agency and Virginia Cooperative Extension. (Sign up link is in the story.)

Thanks for sharing the story, WHRO Public Media.

“The big picture is for people in every community to have some insight into what it might be like to live even a few hours in the shoes of someone who is living in poverty,” said Bee Darrow, Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Focus coordinator.

04/14/2026

More women in our community are getting the care they need thanks to the Karene O'Hare / Bitsy Whitten Ovarian Cancer Memorial Fund. 💙

The fund awards annual grants to Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center (OTMDC) and Lackey Clinic to support women's health services. This spring, $14,250 in grants were awarded to the two organizations.

Nick Luccketti, who organizes the annual Hare and Tortoise Ovarian Cancer Memorial Run/Walk and Jenn Daley of WCF recently presented the grants to Aaron Thompson, Executive Director of OTMDC and Larry Trumbore, CEO and Kim Spencer, Director of Resource Development at Lackey Clinic.

04/13/2026

Passing this along from the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and SCORE Mentors—it’s designed for small businesses, the marketing takeaways could be useful for nonprofits.

💫You're Invited to the Catalyst Series on April 21st!

🙌Small business ownership is a journey, and having the right map makes all the difference. The Catalyst Series is a NEW collaborative development program designed to provide clear, practical pathways for entrepreneurs. The first in this new series will be on April 21st from 9-10AM at the Stryker Center.

👉This isn't a lecture—it’s a working session. You’ll leave with actionable tools to build a focused marketing strategy and a sales approach that centers on value rather than price.

🗨️ Our speakers for this first session include Mai-Anh Tran, a specialty beverage eCommerce solopreneur with a background in digital marketing and community engagement, and Dr. James Womick, a retired marketing professor with more than 20 years of corporate experience in brand development and global trade.

✍️Registration is required to attend, and space is limited. Don't miss out: https://bit.ly/4sxPrWb

🤝The Catalyst Series is made possible thanks to the collaboration between, SCORE Mentors , Yes Williamsburg , the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, James City County Economic Development , York County Economic & Tourism Development , York County Chamber of Commerce , and the Williamsburg Community Foundation .