Arlington Community Foundation

Overview

The Arlington Community Foundation is an independent charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents and workers in Arlington County. It utilizes philanthropy and serves as a community convener and catalyst to address critical local issues and ensure opportunities for everyone in the community. Established since 1991, the foundation has awarded over $16 million in grants and scholarships.

Mission and Objectives

The foundation aims to improve the quality of life in Arlington and beyond by strengthening local nonprofits, fostering a better understanding of community needs, and addressing pressing issues. It supports a wide range of charitable causes, including homelessness prevention, education, arts, youth, and family support. The foundation also focuses on initiatives that enhance economic mobility, such as affordable housing and childcare, to prevent displacement and ensure financial stability for low-income residents.

Programs and Activities

• Grantmaking and Nonprofit Support: The organization manages various grant programs, including regular and special opportunity grants. It also provides investment management services for nonprofit reserve funds to help lower investment costs and reduce administrative burdens.

• Economic Mobility Initiatives: The foundation drives community initiatives focused on affordable housing, childcare, and pathways to living wages. It conducts advocacy for policy changes to scale these strategies sustainably.

• Scholarships: Arlington Community Foundation administers an annual scholarship program that has awarded over $5 million to local students over the past decade. Each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria set by its fundholder.

Impact and Financial Overview

In recent years, the foundation has provided over $5 million in grants annually and manages more than $30 million in assets across over 200 funds. It also successfully advocated for policy changes in areas like childcare support and affordable housing.

Governance and Engagement

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees consisting of prominent community leaders. It offers various giving options, including donor-advised funds and legacy funds, to enable individuals, families, and businesses to personalize their charitable giving while maximizing tax benefits. The organization seeks to engage volunteers for its scholarship program and special projects.