FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO, The Community Foundation
Phone: 540-373-9292 x120
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – The Community Foundation is proud to announce that the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund has awarded $62,600 in grants to six regional nonprofits. These grants will strengthen programs that preserve historic lands, expand access to outdoor recreation, support youth development, and foster community well-being throughout the Rappahannock River Region.
Created in 2010 through the trust of local philanthropist Duff McDuff Green, Jr., the Fund was established to provide lasting support for the causes closest to his heart. Mr. Green was deeply committed to preserving open spaces, ensuring access to healthy outdoor activities for children, and investing in initiatives that enhance quality of life for the entire community. Each year, his vision lives on through these grants, which continue to address pressing needs and expand opportunities for future generations.
This year’s grant recipients reflect the wide-reaching impact of Mr. Green’s legacy—strengthening education, enriching youth experiences, ensuring families have food and resources, and protecting treasured historic landscapes.
The following organizations have received funding in support of their programs:
Preservation Grants
Central Virginia Battlefields Trust (CVBT) – $12,600
Funds will be used to create public access to, and historical interpretation of, the Nine Mile Run property on the Chancellorsville Battlefield.
“We sincerely appreciate receiving a grant award from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation. These funds will allow us to share our area’s rich history with local communities as well as visitors that come here to learn and enjoy our historic greenspaces. We are thankful for this generous gift and for The Community Foundation recognizing the value of learning about the past in order to enrich our present and future.” – Tim Talbott, Chief Administrative Officer, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust
Outdoor Recreation Grants
Rappahannock Education Farm – $15,000
Funding will support the purchase of a tractor, enabling the farm to expand acreage, increase production, and create more volunteer opportunities while providing fresh produce to fight hunger in the community.
“We’re thrilled to receive this fund from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr., Fund of The Community Foundation! Our Rappahannock Education Farm grows and donates produce to reduce hunger and food insecurity in our community. This grant will provide our nonprofit Farm with funds to purchase a tractor that will improve our efficiency and enable us to increase the acreage we can farm and the amount of produce we can grow and donate. The result will be the that more healthy local food will be available to those in our community who need it most. We are extremely grateful for The Community Foundation’s support of our mission. Mr. Green’s legacy of service to our community lives on through the Duff McDuff Green, Jr., Fund of The Community Foundation!” – Rich Larochelle, Board Chair, Rappahannock Education Farm
Youth Program Grants
Fredericksburg Area Museum – $5,000
This grant supports Fredericksburg 250: Learning Through Local History, a program providing all Fredericksburg public school students with free, high-quality educational field trips aligned with their learning objectives.
“We are thrilled and grateful to receive support from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation for this collaborative initiative. This program will not only open the doors of Fredericksburg’s cultural institutions to our students, but it will also ensure that every child in our city has the chance to connect with our shared history in meaningful and lasting ways. By linking our museums and historic sites to the new state curriculum and the upcoming 250th anniversary, we are creating an educational experience that is as engaging as it is impactful. We are honored to partner with our fellow institutions and Fredericksburg City Public Schools to inspire the next generation through the stories of our community. We deeply appreciate the Foundation’s investment in our work and the lasting legacy of Mr. Green, whose vision continues to inspire and make a difference today.” — Sam McKelvey, President & CEO, Fredericksburg Area Museum
Girls on the Run Piedmont – $10,000
Funding will expand access for at least 75 additional girls in the Fredericksburg area, covering financial assistance, shoes, and program materials, while also training and supporting over 30 new volunteer coaches.
“We are so excited to receive the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Grant from The Community Foundation! This generous support helps us continue bringing Girls on the Run to more girls across our community, giving them a safe place to build confidence, friendships, and joy in movement. We are truly grateful for the Foundation’s belief in our mission and for the legacy of Mr. Green, whose heart for community continues to make a difference in the lives of so many.” – Kathy Butler, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Piedmont
Operation Warm – $10,000
This grant will help provide brand-new coats and shoes to Fredericksburg children by March 31, 2026, supporting the organization’s goal to distribute 1,500 coats and 500 pairs of shoes.
“Operation Warm is honored to receive a grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation. This generous support will provide new coats and shoes to children in Fredericksburg, helping them stay warm and engage in healthy outdoor play—a passion close to Mr. Green’s heart. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s partnership, especially in a year when so many families are in need.” – Matt Friedman, Development Senior Manager, Operation Warm
Spreading Smiles – $10,000
Grant funding will allow the organization to continue providing students, teachers, and parents with STEM-based learning opportunities, while also ensuring children receive meals through its Buddy Bags program.
“This grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation means the world to us. Each week we’re packing and delivering hundreds of Buddy Bags so kids have meals when school is out, and this funding makes that possible. We are truly grateful for the Foundation’s support and for carrying on Mr. Green’s vision of lifting up our community.” – Elisa Bonilla, Spreading Smiles
The Community Foundation is grateful for the dedication of the Donor Services Committee and the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund Advisors in the selection process. Each grant recipient was chosen after an in-depth review of applications, site visits, and interviews to ensure funding would make the greatest impact.
To learn more about our grant programs, contact Casey Hu, Director of Donor Services, at Casey.Hu@cfrrr.org or 540-373-9292. Additional details can be found at www.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.