FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Dr. Jamee Rodgers, CEO, The Community Foundation
Phone: 540-373-9292 x120
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — [November 26, 2025] — The Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 educator-focused grant programs, which provide critical investments in classrooms, literacy programs, enrichment opportunities, and student support services across Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. These grants—made possible through the generosity of visionary donors—empower teachers, librarians, coaches, and school leaders to enrich learning experiences and foster student success.
This year’s funded projects reflect a powerful theme: when educators are resourced, students thrive. From strengthening literacy access and world language programs, to supporting at-risk youth, expanding athletic participation, and enhancing early childhood nutrition education, these grants demonstrate the profound impact of community philanthropy on local schools.
“These funds truly reflect the heart of our community,” said Casey Hu, Director of Donor Services at The Community Foundation. “Each was created by individuals and organizations who wanted to make a lasting difference in the lives of local students and teachers. Together, they’re helping educators access the tools, training, and inspiration they need to continue shaping bright futures for our region’s youth.”
Below are this year’s recipients and the projects supported through each fund:
The Trust for Public Education Fund — Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Supporting Spotsylvania County educators since 1999, the Trust for Public Education Fund provides more than $10,000 annually for classroom resources, professional development, and programs that build character, resiliency, and student success.
Project: QUEST Program at John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center–Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Grant Award: $5,000
The longstanding QUEST program—serving nontraditional students for more than 20 years—continues to be a transformative resource for youth seeking to complete their high school diploma or GED. Last year alone, the program supported 218 high school graduates and 19 GED completions, with enrollment increasing steadily.
The QUEST for Success Project will implement an interactive, three-pronged model centered on character development, career exploration, and a Foundational AI Certification. Students will participate in workshops that build leadership, resilience, and healthy relationship skills, while also gaining exposure to real-world career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and workplace-readiness training. This grant helps expand a program proven to improve intrinsic motivation and connect learning to long-term success.
Project: 2026 Fund the Quest Staff Professional Development Process
Grant Award: $2,000
This grant supports the QUEST team’s participation in the 2026 National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference, equipping educators with research-based strategies around youth safety, academic empowerment, social-emotional development, community engagement, and violence prevention. The training will help strengthen support systems for at-risk students and enhance the program’s ability to meet diverse needs.
The Haven Make a Difference Fund — Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Lafayette Elementary School
Project: Math and Reading Games and Centers
Grant Award: $5,000
This project expands access to interactive literacy and math centers that reinforce essential foundational skills in second grade. With phonics taught for the final year at this grade level, these centers will help students gain mastery of short and long vowel patterns, r-controlled vowels, and vowel teams—critical components of English literacy. Math games and centers will strengthen student understanding of concepts built in Kindergarten and first grade, promoting confidence and joyful learning.
Walker-Grant Middle School
Project: Expanding Access to Spanish Language and Culture
Grant Award: $5,114
With no dedicated budget for world language programming, this grant strengthens Spanish instruction for all 7th and 8th graders by providing culturally rich materials, novels, and classroom resources aligned with best practices in world language education. The project also funds hands-on cultural experiences, guest speakers, field trips, and the launch of a Spanish Club and international pen pal program—all designed to promote global awareness and authentic language use.
Walker-Grant Middle School
Project: 2025 Walker-Grant Middle School Athletic Funding
Grant Award: $10,000
Walker-Grant Middle School currently operates nine sports programs without an athletics budget. This grant ensures that student-athletes have access to safe, adequate equipment, properly fitted uniforms, recertified gear, and coach training. As the school adds new sports—including volleyball, soccer, and wrestling—this funding will help ensure equitable access for all students, especially those who may not otherwise be able to afford the necessary gear.
James Monroe High School
Project: Library Collection Development for Diversity and Currency
Grant Award: $1,300
This project expands the library’s collection to better reflect the cultural, linguistic, and academic diversity of its student body. New titles—including fiction, biographies, poetry, science texts, graphic novels, and culturally responsive materials—will help increase engagement, support English language learners, and provide inclusive learning resources for a student population representing more than a dozen cultural backgrounds.
Fredericksburg Preschool Programs
Project: Garden Sprouts Program
Grant Award: $955
In partnership with Downtown Greens, this project introduces preschoolers to healthy eating habits through hands-on gardening, vegetable identification, weekly taste tests, and plant care. All 150 preschoolers in Head Start and VPI classrooms will benefit as they learn about the life cycle of plants, nutrition, and the importance of fresh foods.
The Bill Greenup Charitable Fund
Hugh Mercer Elementary School
Project: Audiobooks for All
Grant Award: $760
This project will launch the school’s first audiobook collection through Playaway Wonderbooks, making literacy more accessible to English learners, struggling readers, and students with learning challenges. Audiobooks support pronunciation, comprehension, and independent engagement while expanding exposure to new genres, cultures, and storytelling formats. The collection will benefit students and teachers schoolwide.
The Community Foundation congratulates all grantees and celebrates the donors whose generosity makes these opportunities possible. Together, these investments strengthen classrooms, expand student opportunity, and support educators who are shaping the next generation.
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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 $318,000 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.