An ongoing lesson

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: November 20, 2008

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has produced and released a DVD that reinforces the important message the group has been trying to get out since it was founded in 1996.

The Community Foundation is a public charity that accepts donations from individuals. For as little as $10,000, a person can set up a trust in their name — or the name of a loved one — that will make grants to local people or groups for specific purposes.

“We literally have had donations of pennies to donations of millions,” Debra L. Dodson, the foundation’s executive director said.

Public charities invest the donations they receive and make grants with the proceeds of those investments. Starting from scratch a dozen years ago, the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region has grown to include assets of $17.2 million. The Community Foundation’s funds have made a staggering $7 million in grants over the years, including $1.84 million in the last year.

But a group like the Community Foundation always has to work hard to explain what it does and how it’s unique.

“As we grow and mature, we’re having people call us and ask, ‘Is this what you do?’” Dodson said. “I think the education piece will continue forever.”

To better answer questions about its unique role in the Dan River Region, the Community Foundation produced the short video, which features local people who set up funds and how their money helps people in our community.

During its 12 years, the Community Foundation’s various funds have made grants for college scholarships and medical equipment for rescue squads and worthwhile local agencies and groups like the Boys and Girls Club, the Danville Science Center and the Danville Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial, among a great many others.

Dodson said the Community Foundation has received fund donations from people living in nearly every state in the nation and two foreign countries. Many of those dollars have been from former Dan River Region residents.

All of that money has gone to help the people who live in this community.

The Community Foundation has a great story to tell. The new video is another way to do that, and it should be viewed by anyone who wants their name to live on in charitable good works.