Family Foundation of Virginia

The Family Foundation of Virginia is a socially conservative and Christian fundamentalist nonprofit organization based in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1985 by Walter Barbee, the group focuses on lobbying and advocacy rooted in Biblical principles to influence state and local public policies supporting traditional family values[1].

Mission and Activities

The organization states its mission is to strengthen the family by promoting policies that align with Biblical teachings. It advocates on issues such as opposition to sex education in schools, opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, resistance to nondiscrimination policies, and opposition to same-sex marriage. The Family Foundation of Virginia also supports legal conversion therapy for minors and stricter legal restrictions on abortion[1][2][3].

Affiliations

The Family Foundation of Virginia is affiliated with Focus on the Family as a Family Policy Council. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which limits its direct involvement in political campaigning. To engage in political advertising, it maintains an associated 501(c)(4) entity known as Family Foundation Action. Despite sometimes branding itself simply as "The Family Foundation," it is legally distinct from similarly named organizations such as the Family Policy Foundation in Colorado, though both share affiliation with Focus on the Family[1][2].

Organizational Structure and Key People

Victoria Cobb currently serves as the organization's president. The Family Foundation employs legislative assistants, research analysts, and lobbyists registered to advocate on matters including life, marriage, parental authority, religious liberty, education, constitutional government, marijuana, and gambling in the state of Virginia[1][5].

Financials

As of the 2017 tax year, the Family Foundation of Virginia reported revenues of approximately $1,034,803 with expenses around $959,299. More recent data indicate total revenues of about $1.9 million, reflecting growth in its operational scale[1][4].

Impact and Controversy

The Family Foundation of Virginia is known for its strong stance on conservative social issues, often participating actively in legislative debates within the state. Its positions on topics such as sex education, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion have generated both support and opposition within Virginia's diverse population.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Family Foundation of Virginia's origins, mission, affiliations, and activities within the framework of its role as a faith-based nonprofit advocacy organization.