FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., CEO
The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
540.373.9292 x120
www.cfrrr.org
FREDERICKSBURG, VA (June 15, 2026) – The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region is now accepting applications for its 2026 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) Grant, a $10,000 funding opportunity awarded annually by local high school students.
The grant is open to nonprofit organizations serving the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George. Eligible proposals must be youth-led, actively involve youth in their implementation, or directly serve and benefit young people in the region.
Through the Community Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy program, high school students gain firsthand experience in philanthropy, community leadership, and grantmaking. Throughout the fall semester, participants review applications, learn about community needs, conduct site visits, and ultimately recommend the recipient of the $10,000 grant.
“The Youth in Philanthropy program gives students a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our communities,” said Jamee Rodgers, Ph.D., CEO of The Community Foundation. “Each year, they bring thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a deep commitment to understanding local challenges. We encourage nonprofits doing impactful work with young people to apply and share their vision with this remarkable group of student leaders.”
The most recent YIP grant was awarded to Spreading Smiles, a local nonprofit dedicated to addressing childhood food insecurity and providing essential resources to children and families throughout the region. The organization received the program’s $10,000 grant following a thorough review and recommendation process led entirely by YIP students.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this program is watching students engage with nonprofits and thoughtfully evaluate the many ways organizations are serving young people,” said Jessica Dirks, Program Specialist at The Community Foundation. “The grant application process gives students an opportunity to see community challenges up close while helping nonprofits secure resources that can expand their impact. We look forward to reviewing this year’s proposals and learning about the innovative work happening throughout our region.”
Founded in 2005, Youth in Philanthropy is both a student leadership program and an endowed fund that empowers local high school students to become active community leaders. Over the past two decades, YIP participants have awarded more than 100 grants and distributed over $200,000 to youth-focused programs across the Rappahannock River Region.
Applications for the 2026 YIP Grant are due by July 30, 2026.
Grant guidelines and the online application can be found at:
https://www.cfrrr.org/apply/apply-for-a-yip-grant/
For additional information, please contact The Community Foundation at 540.373.9292 or visit www.cfrrr.org.
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About The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the more than 407,000 residents of Planning District 16, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. We partner with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations united by a shared purpose—strengthening our region through thoughtful, impactful philanthropy.
Since inception, the Community Foundation has invested more than $24.8 million in grants and scholarships to support the people, programs, and initiatives that define and uplift our community. Today, we steward 226 named charitable funds established by donors to address a wide range of causes—from education and workforce development to human services, the arts, and community vitality.
Beyond grantmaking, the Foundation serves as a trusted philanthropic leader and resource. We have provided more than 8,000 hours of education and training for local nonprofits, equipping organizations with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to maximize their impact and build long-term sustainability.
With more than $60 million in net assets under management, the Community Foundation maintains a strong financial foundation and a long-term commitment to responsible stewardship. Our strength ensures that the charitable legacies entrusted to us continue to serve this region—today and for generations to come.
For more information, please call (540) 373-9292, email info@cfrrr.org or visit www.cfrrr.org.