The Community Foundation Inc
The Community Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Richmond, Virginia, formed in 1968. Its stated mission is to bring people together to transform the community through informed and inspired philanthropy. Its grantmaking includes health and wellness, educational success, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy, as well as grants from donor-advised and field-of-interest funds outside those focus areas.
The Community Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Community Foundation Inc gave $61.8M across 917 grants in 2024 (avg $67K), mostly in Virginia. 22% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $61,774,345
- +4.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 917
- -3.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $67,366
- +8.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $852,363,551
- +6.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (200 of 914, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (78% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Community Foundation Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 3409 Moore Street, Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 330-7400
Website: https://cfrichmond.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
51 open opportunities from The Community Foundation Inc
Alice Haynie Dameron Scholarship Grant
The Community Foundation Inc
Amount
US $2,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Alicia B. Meyer Education Scholarship Grant
The Community Foundation Inc
Amount
US $6,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Amanda Lynn Seeley Memorial Scholarship Grant
The Community Foundation Inc
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Community Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ($1.8M). Together the top 10 received $12.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($20,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
4,195 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,943 grants of 4,195 (70%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 78% of grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia. The next-largest reported state shares were 4% each for Washington, DC, and Florida, 2% for California, and 1% for New York. The foundation’s program information describes the Ujima Legacy Fund as supporting projects in the Richmond region.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 917 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Community Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 200 of 914 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $28K; repeat grants $79K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $28K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $40.5M (2019) to $61.8M (2024). In 2024 it made 917 grants totaling $61.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Washington, DC | General Purposes | $1,795,000 |
| Anna Julia Cooper School Richmond, VA | Educational Success | $1,722,963 |
| Better Housing Coalition Richmond, VA | Economic Prosperity | $1,470,029 |
| Maggie Walker Community Land Trust Richmond, VA | Economic Prosperity | $1,157,250 |
| Projecthomes Richmond, VA | Health and Wellness | $1,135,000 |
| Virginia Athletics Foundation Charlottesville, VA | Educational Success | $1,028,474 |
| City of Hope Duarte, CA | Health and Wellness | $1,000,000 |
| United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg Richmond, VA | Economic Prosperity | $997,294 |
| Communities in Schools of Richmond Richmond, VA | Health and Wellness | $844,039 |
| Ask Childhood Cancer Foundation Richmond, VA | Health and Wellness | $835,044 |
Ready to take the next step with The Community Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $852,363,551 | $101,658,764 | $85,106,726 | $61,774,345 | 917 | $38,367,160 |
| 2023 | $800,875,567 | $119,331,194 | $84,410,014 | $59,067,459 | 950 | $49,979,501 |
| 2022 | $758,876,612 | $73,819,755 | $72,125,488 | $54,996,860 | 827 | $20,791,649 |
| 2021 | $859,349,771 | $152,790,051 | $60,505,950 | $48,235,677 | 760 | $48,478,438 |
| 2020 | $688,434,234 | $105,713,468 | $62,681,275 | $47,668,391 | 741 | $34,536,850 |
| 2019 | $594,098,436 | $65,892,800 | $52,904,523 | $40,526,222 | 645 | $29,699,317 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated focus areas include health and wellness, educational success, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy. Its filing describes work within these areas such as access to preventive and primary health care, school readiness and academic support, workforce development and affordable housing, and access to arts, culture, and natural resources. The filing also says that grants outside the four focus areas are made through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds, with many supporting animal welfare, religious, and environmental purposes.
Among the 2024 grantees, an individual recipient Cooper School says it provides full-tuition scholarships to K–8 students primarily from Richmond’s East End. Better Housing Coalition says it develops affordable housing communities in the Richmond metropolitan area, while Maggie Walker Community Land Trust says it creates and maintains permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. Other grantee missions span conservation, health, education, and community services.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 917 grants totaling $61,774,345. Individual grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,795,000, with a median of $25,000.
The largest reported grants included $1,795,000 to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for general purposes; $1,722,963 to an individual recipient Cooper School for educational success; $1,470,029 to Better Housing Coalition and $1,157,250 to Maggie Walker Community Land Trust for economic prosperity; and $1,135,000 to ProjectHomes for health and wellness. Other large awards included $1,028,474 to Virginia Athletics Foundation for educational success, $1,000,000 to City of Hope for health and wellness, and $997,294 to United Way of an individual recipient & Petersburg for economic prosperity.
The foundation’s program information also describes the Ujima Legacy Fund, which supports Richmond-region nonprofit projects promoting equitable outcomes for youth and young adults, particularly Black/African American youth. Its stated priorities include education-related programming, mentoring, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career development, and college preparation. The program information says the fund did not award grants in 2024 while members built its endowment; it does not establish a current grant cycle or application process.
The foundation also lists scholarships for individual students, including the Virginia Urology Center Scholarship for post-secondary study in science and medicine and the Hayes E. Willis Memorial Scholarship for African American students from Portsmouth and Richmond pursuing science or health-care careers. These are scholarships for individuals, rather than grants for outside organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sherrie Armstrong as President & CEO; Cassandra Emery as Chief Operating Officer; Michelle A. Nelson as Chief Financial Officer; and Maura D. Bittner as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Other listed officers and directors include Katherine Busser, Kimberly Russell, Vanessa Diamond, Audrey Trussell, Lauren Shephard, and Emmett S. Blackwell.
The Community Foundation Inc is led by Sherrie Armstrong, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 10 of 31 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sherrie Armstrong
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$346K (2019) → $444K (2024)
Jennifer Hunter
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cassandra Emery
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$150K (2019) → $289K (2024)
Emmett S. Blackwell
Senior Consultant & Former Key Empl
Chief Community Engagement Officer → Chief Community Impact Officer, 2022
Chief Community Impact Officer → Senior Consultant & Former Key Empl, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$198K (2019) → $127K (2024)
Kimberly Russell
Senior Vice President & Marketing
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$121K (2019) → $188K (2024)
Maura D. Bittner
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Senior Vice President & Philanthropic Serv → Senior Vice President & Philanthropic Services, 2021
Senior Vice President & Philanthropic Services → Chief Philanthropy Officer, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$144K (2019) → $186K (2024)
Michelle A. Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$154K (2019) → $252K (2024)
Vanessa Diamond
Senior Vice President & Civic Engagement
Senior Vice President & Civic Innovations → Senior Vice President & Civic Engagement, 2021
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$113K (2019) → $187K (2024)
Katherine Busser
Vice President & Information Systems
Interim Vice President Info Systems → Vice President of Information Systems, 2021
Vice President of Information Systems → Vice President & Information Systems, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$140K (2020) → $204K (2024)
Lauren G. Shephard
Vice President, Finance & Controller
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $140K (2024)
Audrey Trussell
Vice President & Community Impact
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$132K (2023) → $143K (2024)
Jamelle Wilson
Board Member
Director → Director -, 2020
Director - → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John E. Kemper
Treasurer
Director → Board Member, 2021
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Krissy M. Gathright
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristen Frances Hager
Board Member
Secretary → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark J. Hourigan
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Merrill
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victor K. Branch
Vice Chair
Director → Board Member, 2021
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carter M. Reid
Secretary
Director → Board Member, 2021
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Charles E. Agee III
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Neil Amin
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheryl L. Garland
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terrell L. Harrigan
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas I. Barkin
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
J. Conrad Garcia
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jayme Swain
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paula P. Pando EdD
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keith Middleton
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Manju S. Ganeriwala
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tricia L. Harper
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Moses Foster
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Austin Brockenbrough IV (2019–2023) — Imm. Past Chair
- Former: Philip H. Goodpasture (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ann Payes (2023) — CEO & Thrive Birth to Five
- Former: Lawrence L. Gray (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Michael S. Beall (2019–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Pamela J. Royal MD (2019–2022) — Imm. Past Chair
- Former: Amy Singleton (2022) — Vice President & Philanthropic Services
- Former: Kristian M. Gathright (2022) — Board Member
- Former: T. Kirk Tattersall (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Paula P. Pando Ed D. (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Christy Cottrell (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Maureen C. Ackerly (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Stuart C. Siegel (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Thomas S. Gayner (2019–2020) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Dee Ann Remo (2019) — Director
- Former: John A. Luke Jr. (2019) — Director
- Former: Kirk Tattersall (2019) — Director
- Former: Thomas G. Snead Jr. (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $444K, to Sherrie Armstrong (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Community Foundation Inc
How much does The Community Foundation Inc give each year?
The Community Foundation Inc gave $61.8M across 917 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $59.1M across 950 grants.
What is The Community Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Community Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $67,366, across 917 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Community Foundation Inc that year got $28K on average.
Where does The Community Foundation Inc give grants?
The Community Foundation Inc gives mostly in Virginia: 78% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Richmond, VA (300 grants), Washington, DC (27 grants), Henrico, VA (27 grants) and Charlottesville, VA (25 grants).
Does The Community Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 23% of The Community Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (210 of 917) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Health and Wellness" (219 grants), "Community Vibrancy" (162 grants) and "Educational Success" (126 grants).
Who are The Community Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Community Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ($1,795,000), Anna Julia Cooper School ($1,722,963) and Better Housing Coalition ($1,470,029), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($20,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Community Foundation Inc?
The Community Foundation Inc reported $852.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $101.7M.
What does The Community Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated focus areas include health and wellness, educational success, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Community Foundation Inc?
The Community Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check cfrichmond.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7009135. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 13, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 8, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Community Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Community Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-community-foundation-inc-morg_2bb86d050df34e58865ecf92e4c5119d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237009135_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Community Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-community-foundation-inc-morg_2bb86d050df34e58865ecf92e4c5119d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Community Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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