Welcome to the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. We are one of more than 800 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make our communities better places to live and work. We are a local organization managed by residents of the community who have in-depth knowledge as to needs and causes. And we are led by a board of directors who have a vested interest – both for now – and in our future.
The Community Foundation was created by, and for, the people of the City of Winchester, and the Counties of Clarke, Frederick and Warren in 2001. We exist to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, streamlining annual giving, strengthening nonprofits, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley… looking forward – by giving back.
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News
QCDs: Soon there may be more to love
If you are 70 ½ and older, by now you’ve likely heard about a charitable giving tool called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”), allowing you to direct a distribution from your IRA to an eligible charity, such as a designated fund, unrestricted fund, or...
Comparing two scenarios: Why the step-up in basis matters
As you’ve watched the news about potential tax reform, a principle known as the “step-up in basis” might have caught your attention. Over the years, from time to time, draft legislation has proposed that this principle be changed or eliminated. Although tax law...
Uncertain times: FAQs about charitable giving
Economic turbulence, inflation concerns, and a general sense of financial instability have made 2025 very challenging for a lot of people. As you consider how to support your favorite charities this year, take a moment to evaluate which assets may be best suited for...
Many happy returns: How to help your kids celebrate charitable giving
If you’ve ever considered wrapping charitable giving into a child’s birthday party, you are not alone! Lots of parents are encouraging their kids to have guests bring gifts to charity instead of presents, whether it's collecting books for a children's hospital, pet...
Crisis giving: Proceed with caution, but do proceed!
It’s a natural human response to want to help in a crisis–even though it’s hard for many people to ask for help. Indeed, Stanford social psychologist Xuan Zhao notes that people generally underestimate others' willingness to help and overestimate the inconvenience it...
Make a plan–and make your favorite charities part of it
At some point during your adult life, you’ve likely realized that it would be wise to put in place a will, trust, and powers of attorney, as well as undertake at least a basic level of financial planning to stay on track with retirement and other wealth-related goals...
CFNSV now has a
Guidestar Platinum Seal!