Empowering Nonprofits Through Technology: Fredericksburg PC Users Group Fund Awards Grants to Strengthen Local Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO, The Community Foundation
Phone: 540-373-9292 x120

Technology connects us. It helps us feed neighbors, preserve history, save lives, and share stories that shape our community. Thanks to the Fredericksburg PC Users Group Technology Fund, several local nonprofits are taking meaningful steps to do just that.

Established to help nonprofits modernize their operations and expand their reach, the fund supports technical capital projects—from upgrading computers to investing in software, equipment, and training that enhance mission delivery.

Jamee Rodgers, PhD., CEO of The Community Foundation, leading September's Nonprofit Leadership Series Workshop.
Jamee Rodgers, PhD., CEO of The Community Foundation, leading September’s Nonprofit Leadership Series Workshop.

This year’s applicants were drawn from participants in The Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Leadership Cohort (NPL)—a cornerstone of the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of the region’s nonprofit sector. One of The Community Foundation’s key priorities is to empower local organizations through training and professional development, ensuring that nonprofit leaders have the tools and insight needed to guide their missions with confidence and impact.

Through a partnership with Germanna Community College and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, the NPL offers a multi-month series of interactive leadership classes led by industry experts. Each session focuses on essential areas of nonprofit management—from strategic planning and fundraising to governance, communications, and organizational health.

Upon successful completion of the program’s required sessions and participation milestones, dedicated cohort members are invited to apply for exclusive grant opportunities like the Fredericksburg PC Users Group Technology Fund. This opportunity is designed to help nonprofits translate what they’ve learned in the classroom into real-world impact—building stronger, more efficient organizations that can better serve their communities through technology and innovation.

This year, four local nonprofits received grants totaling nearly $4,000 for projects that demonstrate how technology can transform service delivery, strengthen connections, and preserve our shared stories.

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank: Enhancing Dignity and Access

Grant: $1,000 for a Touchscreen Countertop Kiosk

For the more than 51,000 individuals who rely on the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank each year, access to assistance is vital—and often urgent. The Food Bank’s new touchscreen kiosk will empower visitors to schedule grocery pickups, connect with food assistance coordinators, and access long-term food security resources—all while receiving immediate help.

By streamlining access to digital tools directly at the front desk, this simple piece of technology creates a dignified, user-friendly experience that helps move neighbors from short-term relief toward lasting stability.

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation: Supporting Lifesaving Education

Grant: $800 for Laptop for Intern Support

For a decade, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation has been building a community of lifesavers through CPR and AED training. With the launch of a new internship program, the organization is expanding its outreach—bringing lifesaving education to more people across the region.

Funding for a dedicated laptop will equip the intern to manage digital outreach, coordinate volunteers, and strengthen program delivery. Beyond the immediate support, the project invests in both the intern’s professional growth and the community’s readiness to respond to cardiac emergencies—creating a ripple effect of preparedness and empowerment.

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.: Preserving the Past with Modern Tools

Grant: $1,000 for Computer Upgrades

Since 1955, the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) has championed the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage. But aging technology was limiting their ability to work efficiently and collaborate across projects.

With this grant, HFFI will upgrade its outdated computers—ensuring that staff, volunteers, and researchers can work seamlessly and continue documenting Fredericksburg’s architectural treasures. These improvements will not only enhance day-to-day operations but also ensure that the foundation’s vital preservation work remains accessible and effective for years to come.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library: Capturing Stories That Shape a Community

Grant: $1,000 for Oral History Recording Kits

Stories connect generations, and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) is on a mission to preserve them. With support from the Technology Fund, CRRL will create lendable Oral History Recording Kits—complete with digital audio recorders, microphones, and instructions—to help residents document and share their personal and family histories.

These recordings will be archived in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s Fredericksburg History Archive, capturing diverse voices and memories that reflect the region’s past and growth. For older residents and lifelong learners alike, this project turns technology into a bridge between memory and legacy.

Investing in the Region’s Future

The Fredericksburg PC Users Group Technology Fund reflects the power of community collaboration and forward-thinking philanthropy. By equipping nonprofits with the technology they need to grow, adapt, and lead, these grants help strengthen the entire region—one organization, one innovation, one story at a time.

Established in partnership with The Community Foundation, the Fredericksburg PC Users Group Technology Fund provides grants to local nonprofit organizations to support technology-related capital projects. Its mission is to enhance operational capacity, encourage innovation, and help nonprofits better serve their communities through the effective use of technology.

###

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.