Proudly serving the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson in Virginia; connecting people who care with causes that matter.
Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge channels most of its giving into local institutions, with recent grants reaching schools, food access organizations, health partners, and community service groups across Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, and nearby areas. The grant list shows a strong pattern of general support, including $265,052 to Augusta County Public Schools for general purpose and $168,500 to Mary Baldwin University for general support. Those awards sit alongside recurring support for nonprofits that anchor daily life in the region, from Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to Valley Mission and Augusta Health Foundation. The foundation also backs youth-serving and family-support organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro Staunton & Augusta County, Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, and Staunton Augusta Family YMCA. Education is another visible thread: it awards scholarships, recognizes educators through the Dawbarn Education Awards, and administers scholarship programs for students and adults returning to school. Its active programs also include youth philanthropy and the MaDee Project, which supports pediatric cancer patients and families.
Education is a major line of support. The foundation gave $265,052 to Augusta County Public Schools for general purpose, and its active scholarship programs support high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school in Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. It also runs the Dawbarn Education Awards, which recognizes ten educators each year with a $10,000 award. Community services and basic needs are another focus. Recent general-support grants include $164,350 to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and $161,000 to Valley Mission. Youth and family-serving programs appear as well, including $106,500 to Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro Staunton & Augusta County and $56,662 to Staunton Augusta Family YMCA. The foundation also supports local arts and civic life, with $111,900 to Wayne Theatre Alliance for general support.
Typical awards cluster around a modest-to-midrange level, with a 25th percentile of $7,142, a median of $10,000, and a 75th percentile of $19,647. The recent grant list also shows several larger institutional gifts, which suggests a mix of everyday nonprofit support and larger commitments to anchor organizations. Many recipients appear in multiple years, including Arrow Project, Lifeworks Project, Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, Augusta Health Foundation, Blue Grass Resource Center, Staunton Augusta Family YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro Staunton & Augusta County. The foundation is a public charity, and its active programs include competitive grants, scholarships, youth-led grantmaking, and administered local grant programs. Some programs accept unsolicited applications, including community grants, scholarships, and youth philanthropy grants.
$1.8M
$49M
$3.9M
$3.5M
Most grants fall between $7K and $20K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$20K
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Giving is overwhelmingly local: 96% of grants go to recipients in Virginia, and the recent grants list shows no non-U.S. countries. The strongest cluster is around Staunton and Waynesboro, with additional grants in Augusta County, Fishersville, Verona, Weyers Cave, and Blue Grass. Charlottesville and Harrisonburg also appear among recipient locations, and one grant went to Medford, Oregon. The recipient map reflects a regional footprint centered on the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the surrounding counties the foundation serves.
The foundation funds a broad mix of local organizations, including public schools, universities, food access groups, housing and refuge services, health partners, youth-serving nonprofits, arts organizations, and family support groups. Recent grants include support for general operations and general purpose across those sectors.
The typical grant size is $7,142 at the 25th percentile, $10,000 at the median, and $19,647 at the 75th percentile. The recent grant list also includes much larger awards, such as six-figure gifts to local institutions.
Yes. The foundation administers scholarship programs for students of all ages, including high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school. Those scholarships serve residents of Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta, Highland, and Nelson.
The foundation gives locally in Virginia, with 96% of grants going to recipients in the state. Its active programs and recent grants focus on Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, Highland County, and Nelson County, with additional recent grants in nearby Virginia communities such as Fishersville, Verona, Weyers Cave, Blue Grass, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg.
Yes. The community grants program, scholarships, and the SAW Youth Philanthropy Council grant program all accept unsolicited applications. The youth philanthropy grants are open for organizations serving Nelson County and Highland County.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Requests are for short-term events lasting up to one week. The Foundation generally avoids supporting the same organization in two consecutive years.
Deadline: Requests may be submitted at any time.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VALLEY RIDGE DISTRICT VIRGINIA | FISHERSVILLE, VA | $150,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WAYNE THEATRE ALLIANCE | WAYNESBORO, VA | $111,900 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WAYNESBORO | WAYNESBORO, VA | $106,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LIFEWORKS PROJECT | WAYNESBORO, VA | $101,500 | 2025 | GENERAL PURPOSE |
| WAYNESBORO AREA REFUGE MINISTRY | WAYNESBORO, VA | $65,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WOODROW WILSON PRESIDENTIAL | STAUNTON, VA | $61,215 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AUGUSTA HEALTH FOUNDATION | FISHERSVILLE, VA | $56,786 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STAUNTON AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | STAUNTON, VA | $56,662 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BLUE GRASS RESOURCE CENTER | BLUE GRASS, VA | $53,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SIN BARRERAS WITHOUT BARRIERS | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $50,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SHENANARTS | STAUNTON, VA | $37,600 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE NATURE FOUNDATION AT | ROSELAND, VA | $37,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WELL OF HOPE AMERICA | COVINGTON, OH | $35,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HOUSING EMERGENCY RELIEF | WAYNESBORO, VA | $32,507 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ARROW PROJECT | STAUNTON, VA | $31,102 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING | STAUNTON, VA | $26,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE ARCADIA PROJECT | STAUNTON, VA | $26,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | STAUNTON, VA | $25,553 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HACK FOUNDATION | SANTA MONICA, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WINTERGREEN PERFORMING ARTS | WINTERGREEN, VA | $21,250 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF AUGUSTA | STAUNTON, VA | $20,986 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WINTERGREEN ADAPTIVE SPORTS | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $20,250 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AUGUSTA REGIONAL SPCA | STAUNTON, VA | $19,143 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY ALLIANCE FOR EDUCATION | FISHERSVILLE, VA | $18,451 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BRCC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | WEYERS CAVE, VA | $18,025 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE ARC OF AUGUSTA | STAUNTON, VA | $17,416 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WAYNESBORO PLAYERS | — | $16,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BLUE RIDGE AREA FOOD BANK | VERONA, VA | $15,650 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RENEWING HOMES OF GREATER AUGUSTA | STAUNTON, VA | $15,562 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VECTOR INDUSTRIES INC | WAYNESBORO, VA | $15,295 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STUART HALL SCHOOL | STAUNTON, VA | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AUGUSTA REGIONAL CLINIC | FISHERSVILLE, VA | $14,446 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HIGHLAND CHILDREN'S HOUSE | MONTEREY, VA | $14,400 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MARY BALDWIN UNIVERSITY | STAUNTON, VA | $14,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AUGUSTA EXPO | FISHERSVILLE, VA | $12,700 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL | STAUNTON, VA | $12,318 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CREATIVE WORKS FARM INC | CRIMORA, VA | $12,100 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER | STAUNTON, VA | $11,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY MISSION | STAUNTON, VA | $11,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA | WAYNESBORO, VA | $11,480 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS | STAUNTON, VA | $11,282 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PATH PARTNERSHIPS | RICHMOND, VA | $11,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HEIFETZ INTERNATIONAL MUSIC | STAUNTON, VA | $11,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW DIRECTIONS CENTER INC | STAUNTON, VA | $10,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY PROGRAM FOR AGING SERVICES | WAYNESBORO, VA | $10,400 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AUGUSTA DOG ADOPTIONS | RICHMOND, VA | $10,200 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SHENANDOAH LGBTQ CENTER | STAUNTON, VA | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ST JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | STAUNTON, VA | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VALLEY CONSERVATION COUNCIL | STAUNTON, VA | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE | STAUNTON, VA | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
VALLEY RIDGE DISTRICT VIRGINIA
$150,500GENERAL SUPPORT
WAYNE THEATRE ALLIANCE
$111,900GENERAL SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WAYNESBORO
$106,500GENERAL SUPPORT
LIFEWORKS PROJECT
$101,500GENERAL PURPOSE
WAYNESBORO AREA REFUGE MINISTRY
$65,500GENERAL SUPPORT
GENERAL SUPPORT
AUGUSTA HEALTH FOUNDATION
$56,786GENERAL SUPPORT
STAUNTON AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
$56,662GENERAL SUPPORT
BLUE GRASS RESOURCE CENTER
$53,500GENERAL SUPPORT
SIN BARRERAS WITHOUT BARRIERS
$50,500GENERAL SUPPORT
SHENANARTS
$37,600GENERAL SUPPORT
THE NATURE FOUNDATION AT
$37,500GENERAL SUPPORT
WELL OF HOPE AMERICA
$35,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HOUSING EMERGENCY RELIEF
$32,507GENERAL SUPPORT
ARROW PROJECT
$31,102GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
$26,500GENERAL SUPPORT
THE ARCADIA PROJECT
$26,500GENERAL SUPPORT
THE SALVATION ARMY
$25,553GENERAL SUPPORT
WINTERGREEN PERFORMING ARTS
$21,250GENERAL SUPPORT
MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF AUGUSTA
$20,986GENERAL SUPPORT
WINTERGREEN ADAPTIVE SPORTS
$20,250GENERAL SUPPORT
AUGUSTA REGIONAL SPCA
$19,143GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY ALLIANCE FOR EDUCATION
$18,451GENERAL SUPPORT
THE ARC OF AUGUSTA
$17,416GENERAL SUPPORT
WAYNESBORO PLAYERS
$16,000GENERAL SUPPORT
RENEWING HOMES OF GREATER AUGUSTA
$15,562GENERAL SUPPORT
VECTOR INDUSTRIES INC
$15,295GENERAL SUPPORT
HIGHLAND CHILDREN'S HOUSE
$14,400GENERAL SUPPORT
AUGUSTA EXPO
$12,700GENERAL SUPPORT
STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
$12,318GENERAL SUPPORT
CREATIVE WORKS FARM INC
$12,100GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER
$11,500GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY MISSION
$11,500GENERAL SUPPORT
WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA
$11,480GENERAL SUPPORT
STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS
$11,282GENERAL SUPPORT
PATH PARTNERSHIPS
$11,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HEIFETZ INTERNATIONAL MUSIC
$11,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NEW DIRECTIONS CENTER INC
$10,500GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY PROGRAM FOR AGING SERVICES
$10,400GENERAL SUPPORT
AUGUSTA DOG ADOPTIONS
$10,200GENERAL SUPPORT
SHENANDOAH LGBTQ CENTER
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
ST JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
VALLEY CONSERVATION COUNCIL
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT