FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO of The Community Foundation
Phone: 540.373.9292 x120
October 22, 2025 – Fredericksburg, VA — The Community Foundation celebrated the conclusion of the 20th Annual Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program on October 16 with a final presentation by this year’s student participants. During the event, students presented to the Community Foundation’s Board of Governors and community members, sharing what they learned throughout the program and their recommendation for this year’s grant recipient. Following their presentation, the Board voted to award the $10,000 grant to Spreading Smiles, a local organization dedicated to tackling childhood food insecurity with weekly “Buddy Bags” for 700+ students and delivering essentials such as new shoes, emergency clothing, backpacks, and holiday support to kids across the region.
“These students demonstrated tremendous insight, empathy, and collaboration throughout the program,” said Dr. Kimberly Young, President of the Board of Governors. “Their thoughtful approach to philanthropy reflects the very best of our community and gives us great confidence in the next generation of civic leaders.”
The Community Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program empowers high school students from across the region to learn the fundamentals of philanthropy, community leadership, and grantmaking. Through hands-on experiences, YIP participants evaluate local nonprofits, learn about community needs, and make informed decisions about where charitable dollars can have the greatest impact.
“YIP gives young people the tools to see how philanthropy can shape their community,” added Jane McDonald, Program Specialist at The Community Foundation. “Watching them collaborate, listen, and make tough decisions together is what makes this program so special.”
The milestone year brought together students from 11 different high schools to learn, collaborate, and invest in organizations making a difference. Throughout the semester, participants saw firsthand how nonprofits serve the region and how thoughtful giving can spark positive change. This year’s programming also included special expert-led discussions: one on youth mental health with Kinsey Tyler, Resident in Counseling, and Kristyn Hunter, LCSW, Child & Adolescent Therapist at the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board; and another on artificial intelligence with P. Anand Rao, PhD, Professor of Communication and Director of the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington.
“These discussions were a way for students to see how philanthropy applies to the challenges and opportunities their generation faces,” said Jessica Dirks, Program Specialist. “Understanding issues like mental health and AI technology allows them to think more deeply about how giving can drive meaningful change.”
The Youth in Philanthropy program is open to high school students in grades 10 through 12 from across the region. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and the 12-week program takes place each fall. Students may participate in multiple years to continue developing their leadership and grantmaking skills. Interested students and parents can learn more or apply by visiting https://www.cfrrr.org/who-we-are/youth-in-philanthropy/.
Fall 2025 Youth in Philanthropy Student Participants
The following students were selected to participate in the 20th Annual YIP program:
- Adam Brough – James Monroe High School
- Eliza Byrd – Fredericksburg Academy
- Hannah Craig – Riverbend High School
- Cora Durbin – Fredericksburg Christian School
- Rose Fallon-Roldan – James Monroe High School
- Madelynn Frederick – Courtland High School
- Henry Garman – James Monroe High School
- Marissa George – James Monroe High School
- Ariela Gertner – Fredericksburg Academy
- Emily Jane Harding – The Summit Academy
- Mary-Claire Hart – James Monroe High School
- Brynne Hill – Fredericksburg Academy
- Isobel Hornung – James Monroe High School
- Colleen Irwin – King George High School
- Deven Jani – Riverbend High School
- Charlotte Kolodgie – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jacob Korn – Riverbend High School
- Josephine LeDoux – Fredericksburg Academy
- Gabriella Levin – Fredericksburg Academy
- Joseph Lopez – James Monroe High School
- Annabelle Marschall – Stafford High School
- Jackson McDermott – Fredericksburg Academy
- Ellie Meeks – Riverbend High School
- Taylor Moss – Fredericksburg Academy
- Zoe Mozena – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jaya Pai – Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
- Jack Quinton – James Monroe High School
- Luke Rossi – James Monroe High School
- Holly Rowland – James Monroe High School
- Maximus Samuel – Riverbend High School
- John Schaffer – James Monroe High School
- Elle Smith – North Stafford High School
- Sophie Sweet – James Monroe High School
- Jay Tamarapu – Fredericksburg Academy
- Jackson Valesko – Spotsylvania High School
- Griffin Van Zandt – James Monroe High School
- Liam Weber – James Monroe High School
- Samantha Wenzel – Riverbend High School
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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 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 220 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 $60 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.