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.
GIVE
RECEIVE
ADVISE
DISCOVER
News
Giving to others gives us lots of reasons to smile
The community foundation is honored to serve at the center of your philanthropy. Whether you’ve established a donor-advised or other type of fund, arranged for a bequest to a fund or to the community foundation itself, or both, our team strives to help you organize...
Endowments and quasi-endowments: Similar, but not exactly the same
If you’ve been involved in philanthropy for a while, you certainly have heard the term “endowment.” You’re also likely aware that endowments are established to create a permanent source of support for a specific organization, the community foundation itself, or a...
Standard deduction planning: Avoid leaving dollars behind
One of many items on the legislative “watch list,” especially in light of the upcoming elections, is the standard deduction. Without intervening legislation, in 2026 the standard deduction for individual taxpayers younger than age 65 is scheduled to drop from $14,600...
Inspiring good habits: Tips for better giving
The team at the community foundation is committed to sharing tips and insights that can help you get more satisfaction from your charitable giving and in turn make an even bigger difference in the causes you care about. Here are three recommendations: Strive for...
Not even the kitchen sink: Giving your house to charity is worth exploring
August is national Make-A-Will month and a great time to check in on key components of your estate plan. The reality, as we know, is that all property remaining at death has to go somewhere. And as heartbreaking as it may be for parents of grown children, it’s usually...
This may be your best move yet!
If you’ve already established a donor-advised fund at the community foundation, you can understand why it’s become such a popular tool to organize your family’s giving and serve as a springboard for so many other ways to make a difference in our region. ...
CFNSV now has a
Guidestar Platinum Seal!