Northern Piedmont Community Foundation: Empowering Communities for 24 years

Celebrating its 24th year, the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, NPCF, is a public charity that builds philanthropic capital to compliment and preserve the quality of life in Madison, Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties; and to strengthen the communities’ nonprofit organizations.

Through the Community Foundation, expert guidance is available to donors who wish to make productive, long-lasting contributions. Over the years, grants have been awarded to many local nonprofits that focus on a variety of causes, from the arts, health and the environment to youth, education, mental health, food, and shelter. And though the Community Foundation remains firmly committed to its original mission, new ideas are welcomed and encouraged.

“The most significant benefit of a Community Foundation is the ability to fund a variety of community needs.” explains Jane Bowling-Wilson, Executive Director. “As the community grows and different challenges are presented, we are there.” Recently, we supported the Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic to ensure residents of Madison County received affordable rates for dental care as their Orange and Culpeper County residents do.

NPCF offers a wide variety of scholarships, and we are working to grow the Madison County Community Fund. Once seeded, this fund will support Madison nonprofits with an annual Madison County community grant process.

On April 18th, the foundation hosted a Meet ‘n Greet for local leaders, nonprofit organization staff, government officials, donors and interested citizens. A diverse group of individuals met and comfortably exchanged ideas.

They came together to network, share community experiences, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Hebron Valley at Revalation Vineyards. The NPCF Executive Director shared that the Foundation builds its assets by working with individuals on their charitable giving plans, growing their investments and then using the returns to support nonprofits, award scholarships, and sponsor a one-day giving campaign - Give Local Piedmont. This giving day has raised 9.1 million dollars in 10 years. Give Local Piedmont is on May 14 this year raising money for nonprofit organizations and increasing donations with a large Bonus pool and a variety of prizes. Two years ago, NPCF established a Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program to engage local youth from all four counties working together to learn about grant making and philanthropy. The program culminates in students interviewing, visiting, and then awarding a $10,000 grant to a nonprofit. It is a ten- week program, offered to Madison County High School students.

“The Community Foundation is here to empower the next generation so they may grow up with ambitions and ideas that will change our community and the world for the better,” remarked Bowling-Wilson. And we are here to help.