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Foundation Highlights

We have had the privilege of making a difference in our community since 2008. Below is a timeline of some of the highlights of our work since the foundation began. When you’re done exploring here, choose one of these options to discover more:

Distributed its first grants after a devastating tornado in April damaged numerous homes and businesses in Suffolk. Over $185,000 was donated to the Foundation to support the victims and establish a Disaster Relief Fund to be used for victims of possible future disasters. In September 2008, awarded its first community grants to nine qualified non-profit organizations, distributing $41,500. Over $200,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Total assets of more than $2,400,000.

2008

2009

Distributed annual grants of $43,800 to 11 nonprofit organizations. The family of R. Curtis Saunders, Jr., designated contributions in his memory to establish an administrative fund to help support the ongoing work of the Foundation. Over $188,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Total assets of more than $2,600,000.

Distributed annual grants of $70,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations. Received its first bequest from Mrs. Ann Godwin Moore, valued at over $275,000, to the Unrestricted Fund. Over $462,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Established its first organization fund with the Suffolk Education Foundation valued at over $410,000. Total assets of more than $3,600,000.

2010

2011

Distributed annual grants of $75,000 to 18 nonprofit organizations. Over $161,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Sponsored the First Annual Community Forum and Luncheon with over 150 attending. Total assets of more than $3,700,000.
Distributed annual grants of $85,000 to 24 nonprofit organizations. Over $267,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Developed a $150,000 grant agreement with the Birdsong Corporation to provide funds to support Paul D. Camp Community College’s “High Need Academic and Workforce LPN Program.” Sponsored the Second Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Total assets of more than $4,100,000.

2012

2013

Distributed annual grants of $105,000 to 25 nonprofits, including its largest single gift of $50,000 to provide a generator for the Salvation Army downtown disaster shelter. Over $1.4 million, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Received its largest, to date, donor gift of over $2.3 million. Sponsored the Third Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Total assets of more than $5,500,000.
Distributed annual grants of $129,955 to 32 nonprofit organizations. Over $747,000 including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Sponsored the Fourth Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Total assets of more than $5,400,000.

2014

2015

Distributed annual grants of $116,500 to 28 nonprofit organizations. Over $502,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Sponsored the Fifth Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Hired first full-time Executive Director. Total assets of more than $5,200,000.
Distributed annual grants of $123,875 to 31 nonprofit organizations. Over $430,000, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Sponsored the Sixth Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Number of available scholarships increased from four to ten with total awards of $30,000. Hired first part-time Administrative Assistant. Launched the “Next Step” Operating Endowment campaign to ensure sustainability of Foundation operations. Total assets of more than $5,500,000.

2016

2017

Updated website; implemented a “Tributes” web page; updated www.suffolkfoundation.org to allow access from mobile devices; implemented a Tributes web page and corresponding annual magazine publication to publicize donations made in memory/honor/tribute of honorees; distributed annual community grants of $136,500 to 32 nonprofit organizations; awarded $30,500 in scholarships; awarded over $125,000 in donor0advised grants; sponsored the seventh annual community forum and luncheon. Total assets of more than $6,4000,000.

Launched Women’s Impact Fund; launched the Women’s Impact Fund, a field of interest fund promoting philanthropic and networking opportunities for female leaders in Suffolk & Western Tidewater; distributed annual community grants of $141,300 to 32 nonprofit organizations; awarded $40,000 in scholarships; awarded over $176,000 in donor-advised grants; sponsored the eighth annual community forum and luncheon. Total assets of more than $8,000,000.

2018

2019

Offered first ever summer student Internship; via the Samaritan Intern Scholarship Fund, for nine weeks employed our first summer student intern who learned more about working in non-profit organizations; distributed annual community grants of $137,000 to 31 nonprofit organizations; awarded $30,000 in scholarships; awarded over $440,000 in donor-advised grants; sponsored the ninth annual community forum and luncheon. Total assets of more than $10,000,000.

Reactivated Disaster Relief Fund & awarded $49,250 to 10 nonprofit organizations; distributed annual Community Impact Grants of $144,650 to 29 nonprofit organizations; awarded scholarships valued at $41,800 to 13 recipients; awarded over $456,000 in donor advised grants; sponsored the tenth annual (virtual) community forum and to-go luncheon. Total assets of more than $11,000,000.
2020

2021

Distributed annual grants of $160,600 to 35 nonprofit organizations. Over $510,200, including scholarships and donor-advised grants, was awarded during the year. Sponsored the Eleventh Annual Community Forum and Luncheon. Number of available scholarships increased to fourteen with total awards of $40,500. Total assets of more than $12,000,000.