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
Rethinking inherited IRAs
As you build your estate plan and consider how to provide for your adult children, keep in mind that naming children as the beneficiary of an IRA or other qualified plan probably is not something that should be automatic. For starters, if you are charitably-minded and...
Relief from catch-up requirements: More money for charitable giving?
Legislation known as SECURE 2.0 contained a dizzying array of changes to the laws governing retirement plans. Passed at the end of 2022, SECURE 2.0 is 130 pages long; overall, its purpose is to encourage more retirement savings through vehicles like employer-sponsored...
Disaster relief efforts and the community foundation’s collaborative role
Our hearts go out to the people of Maui—and all of Hawaii—in light of the tragic fires that occurred early in the month. By all accounts, those will take years, if not decades, to recover and rebuild from. Restoration costs are already estimated at $5.5 billion,...
It’s (always) a great time to review your estate plan and legacy gifts
Don’t forget that August is National Make-A-Will month. Even if your estate planning documents are already in place, this is still a good time to review your will, trust, and beneficiary designations to ensure that they still capture your financial and family...
Like entrepreneurs, philanthropists inspire and innovate through their investments
Despite the recently-announced decline in 2022 charitable giving, we continue to hear inspiring stories from you and other fund holders and donors. We’re also hearing from more and more individuals and families who are not yet fund holders that they’re very interested...
Making it fun: Tips for teaching children about philanthropy
Over the years, you’ve probably taught your young children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews lessons along the lines of “share and share alike” and “better to give than to receive.” But how do you transition these lessons into more concrete instruction about...
CFNSV now has a
Guidestar Platinum Seal!