The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region and Amazon gathered community leaders, nonprofit partners, and supporters on the evening of Thursday, February 5, 2026 at The Silk Mill in Fredericksburg to celebrate the recipients of the Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund.
The event recognized 35 nonprofit organizations serving Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa counties, representing a total investment of $300,000 in local programs that strengthen and support the region. The evening served as both a celebration of impact and a reflection of the shared commitment to community-driven solutions.
Grant recipients represent six key focus areas: STEM Education, Sustainability and Environment, Community Development, Digital Skills, Cultural Heritage Preservation, and Health and Wellbeing. Together, these organizations address critical needs while creating long-term opportunities for residents, families, and communities throughout the Rappahannock River Region.
“The Community Foundation is proud to serve as a local hub of support and resources for our nonprofit partners, offering not only grant opportunities, but also education, visibility, and awareness to help strengthen their work,” said Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO of The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. “Our partnership with Amazon through the Rappahannock Region Community Fund provided an added layer of support for local programs, allowing us to invest $300,000 in 35 nonprofit initiatives that are making a real and lasting impact across our community.”
The celebration included remarks from Foundation leadership, Amazon representatives, and nonprofit partners, along with opportunities for attendees to connect and learn more about the work being done across the region. Interactive displays and activities highlighted the breadth of community impact, including a tree-gifting initiative in partnership with Friends of the Rappahannock that underscored the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Amazon also surprised attendees with additional donations to Girls on the Run and Friends of the Rappahannock, further reinforcing its ongoing support for organizations creating positive change locally.
“It was really exciting to see the impact that we’ve made here in the Rappahannock River region,” said Lisa Schooley, Amazon Community Engagement Manager. “We had people from Caroline County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Louisa County all in the room—nonprofit leaders, change makers, and elected officials doing important work. Amazon is proud to support them.”
For nonprofit leaders, the evening was both celebratory and affirming.
“It feels incredibly validating to know that our work resonates with Amazon, the Community Foundation, and the communities we serve,” said Catherine Carter, Development Director of Friends of the Rappahannock. “It’s humbling and encouraging to be recognized in this way.”
The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the communities where Amazon operates across Virginia. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations and The Community Foundation, these investments help ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to continue serving residents today while building a stronger region for the future.
For details about awardees and programs visit: Amazon and The Community Foundation Announce 2025 Grant Recipients for the Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund – The Community Foundation
For questions or additional information, contact Jamee Rodgers, PhD., CEO, at jamee.rodgers@cfrrr.org or 540-373-9292 x120.
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About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity committed to enhancing the quality of life for the more than 407,000 residents of Planning District 16, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. We serve individuals, families, businesses, and organizations united by a shared goal—strengthening our region through impactful philanthropy.
In 2025, the Community Foundation awarded more than $235,000 in scholarships, providing critical support for students pursuing higher education. We steward 219 named charitable funds, established by donors to support a wide array of causes. Last year alone, we distributed over $3.3 million in grants to nonprofits and community initiatives across the region.
With more than $67 million in assets under management, the Community Foundation maintains a strong financial position, ensuring responsible stewardship and long-term sustainability for the charitable funds entrusted to us. Our sound financial footing allows us to support the evolving needs of our community today and for generations to come.
For more information, please call (540) 373-9292, email info@cfrrr.org or visit www.cfrrr.org.