FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO, The Community Foundation
Phone: 540-373-9292 x120
Fredericksburg, VA – The Community Foundation proudly hosted its 2026 Women & Girls Fund Live Ballot Event on May 7, 2026, at Gari Melchers Home & Studio. The evening brought together Women & Girls Fund members to hear presentations from four nonprofit finalists competing for a transformative $50,000 grant: Healthy Families Rappahannock Area, Fredericksburg Christian Health Center, Love Thy Neighbor King George, and Virginia Community Food Connections. Following finalist presentations, members voted to award this year’s grant to Healthy Families Rappahannock Area for its project, Breaking Barriers to Employment for Mothers in PD16.
“This event is a powerful reminder of what can happen when women come together to invest in their community,” said Jamee Rodgers, CEO of The Community Foundation. “Each finalist represented meaningful, transformative work supporting women and families across our region, and we are honored to celebrate the impact these organizations are making every day.”
Established in 2009 through The Community Foundation, the Women & Girls Fund is a collective giving initiative dedicated to supporting programs that promote safety, health, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls throughout the region. The Fund continues to grow, now reaching 538 members committed to creating lasting change through philanthropy and community investment.
Healthy Families Rappahannock Area’s winning project focuses on helping mothers overcome barriers to employment through workforce readiness training, résumé development, interview preparation, and personalized coaching. Serving mothers across Planning District 16, the initiative empowers women with the tools, confidence, and support needed to pursue meaningful employment and achieve long-term financial stability for their families.
This year’s finalists also included Fredericksburg Christian Health Center, whose Health-Bridge Program delivers compassionate healthcare directly to women facing barriers to access; Love Thy Neighbor King George, whose Women & Girls Dignity and Essential Needs Initiative expands access to hygiene products and essential supplies for women and girls; and Virginia Community Food Connections, whose Farm to Pantry initiative increases access to fresh, locally grown food for women and families throughout the region.
“It was incredibly inspiring to hear directly from these organizations and witness the passion behind their work,” said Jessica Dirks, Program Specialist at The Community Foundation. “The Women & Girls Fund continues to demonstrate the impact of collective giving and the meaningful change that happens when our community comes together to support women and girls.”
The 2026 Live Ballot Event highlights the continued growth and influence of the Women & Girls Fund and its commitment to investing in programs that create measurable impact across the region. Through the generosity and engagement of its members, the Fund continues to strengthen opportunities for women and girls while building a more vibrant and resilient community.
For questions, please contact info@cfrrr.org
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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 $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.