The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) envisions equitable, thriving, and just communities powered by healthy nonprofits. To achieve that vision, we serve as a champion, learning partner, and advisor to Virginia nonprofits.
CNE is seeking $15,000 in funding for our signature program, Board Academy. Board Academy prepares community members for board and committee service in nonprofits, municipal government, and community organizations. In doing so, CNE builds the capacity of our community to effectively meet future challenges by creating an ever-expanding web of trained, committed board members. Your donation helps to ensure that Board Academy continues to grow and support our community.

CASPCA is a nonprofit improving animal welfare in Central Virginia. It offers shelter, medical care, and adoptions while supporting pets and their owners through spay/neuter clinics, TNVR programs, and outreach to create a compassionate community.
The SPCA seeks funding to support the development and implementation of its Strategic Plan, a roadmap to enhance operational efficiency, address critical community needs, and ensure long-term sustainability. This funding will enable the SPCA to conduct a comprehensive market analysis, assess community needs, and upgrade facilities to meet growing demands. By investing in strategic planning, we can identify and address service gaps, predict future needs, and strengthen resource management, ensuring we continue to provide impactful care for animals and their caregivers in the Charlottesville-Albemarle community. At CASPCA, our mission is to advance the humane treatment of companion animals by providing comprehensive sheltering, medical care, and behavioral support. We are dedicated to ensuring every animal has the opportunity to find a loving, permanent home through education and outreach. As a no-kill shelter since 2006, maintaining over a 90% live release rate, we've helped thousands of animals find their forever families each year. Inspired by the resilience of the animals we serve and the bond between pets and people, we work to create a compassionate community where every animal thrives. With less than 20% of our funding coming from local municipalities and no funding from national organizations like ASPCA or HSUS, we rely on donations and grants to provide essential services to animals and people in need. Core Programming: Shelter Services: -Intake (stray, protective custody, owner surrender, transport) -Adoptions, return to guardian, foster care, and volunteer engagement -Animal care and shelter medicine Veterinary Clinic Services: -High-volume spay/neuter and preventative care -Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services -Cremation and compassionate care services Community Engagement: -Thrift store -Pet pantry -Pet owner support and advocacy -Field trips and community events With the support of our community, CASPCA is committed to fostering respect, empathy, and dignity for all living beings while making a meaningful impact in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

New City Arts received $10,000 from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation and needs a remaining $25,000 to support a 2025 Cville/Albemarle Arts Council Feasibility Study for centralized arts and culture coordination in Charlottesville/Albemarle.
New City Arts received $10,000 from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation and needs $25,000 more to support a 2025 Arts Council Feasibility Study. The goal of this professionally facilitated, 7-month, community-wide process is to create an implementation proposal for centralized arts and culture coordination in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region through methods that are well-researched and based on best practices; has buy-in from diverse stakeholders; is attainable; and is developed by an equitable process designed to serve all arts and culture stakeholders in our region. If funded, this Arts Council Feasibility Study (2025) would be led by a local steering committee supported by Ruby Lopez Harper. New City Arts expects that 75-100 stakeholders (individual artists, arts and culture leaders, community partners, etc) would attend listening sessions and a broader group of up to 1,000 residents could participate in surveys and feedback. The attached proposal provides an overview of Cville/Albemarle arts council coordination efforts from 2010- 2023, what a new arts and culture coalition could mean for our community, and an equitable and efficient process for getting there.

Peabody School is launching a Clean Air Inside and Out 2025 campaign, aiming to achieve three key goals: completing our solar panel array, replacing our elementary building roof, and upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system for a greener future.
As Peabody celebrates our 30th anniversary this year, we are committed to ensuring our physical facilities are prepared to support our program into a new decade. Phase 1 of our Clean Air Inside & Out 2025 campaign focuses on the lower school buildings on our campus: replacing the roof and installing solar panels on our K-4th grade LEED-certified wing, built in 2007. Our desire to replace the roof and install solar panels on this building enhances the sustainability of this structure, continuing the legacy of environmental decision-making established when the building was constructed nearly 20 years ago. This project resonates deeply with our students, as the generation of children we serve are keenly aware of the impending challenge of a rapidly changing climate. Our students are committed to serving as responsible citizens and acting as environmental stewards, and we see this project as a chance to honor their desire for a sustainable future. In 2019, our student-led Peabody School Green Team crafted and adopted our sustainability mission statement: Our mission is to have every member of our Peabody school community consciously making decisions that reflect consideration of the Earth's well-being, and we want to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues with a commitment to restoring the planet. As we work toward these goals, we take steps to become a greener community by pursuing sustainable actions and habits and by acting as environmental ambassadors in our larger community. Peabody continues to be driven by this statement as we make decisions about the future of our school. In 2021, Peabody was certified as a Green School through Project Learning Tree's Green Schools program, which inspires students to apply their STEM and investigative skills to create greener and healthier schools. In addition, our elementary school building, built in 2007, proudly holds a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. Our desire to replace the roof, update the HVAC, and install solar panels on this building enhances the sustainability of this structure, continuing the legacy of environmental decision-making established when the building was constructed nearly 20 years ago. With this ethos in mind, as we look ahead to our next capital improvement project, increasing our overall energy efficiency is a key priority. Our Clean Air Inside & Out 2025 campaign strives to expand our use of renewable energy and boost our overall energy efficiency through the completion of our solar panel array on our new roof, and through the installation of a state-of-the-art HVAC system, which will also enhance the air quality in our K-6 classrooms. Currently, our Batten Building, North Wing, and Main Building all host solar panel arrays, which contribute to a significant reduction in our school's energy consumption. Our goal now is to complete our solar array on our LEED-certified elementary school building, propelling our school towards a smaller energy footprint. This project resonates deeply with our students, as well, as the generation of children we serve are keenly aware of the impending challenge of a rapidly changing climate. Our students are committed to serving as responsible citizens and acting as environmental stewards, and we see this project as a chance to honor their desire for a sustainable future. Additionally, the existing HVAC systems in our K-4 LEED certified building and our 5th-6th grade Main Building are nearly twenty years old. These systems are inefficient and outdated, using coolants that have been phased out as more environmentally friendly options have become available. Through this project, we aim to replace this system with a highly energy-efficient, modern HVAC system with advanced technology that allows us to optimize indoor-outdoor air exchange to ensure a continuous supply of fresh air for our students. In addition, advanced filtration systems in modern systems, including humidity controls, reduce allergens and other airborne particles and pollutants, meaning our students will be breathing healthier, higher quality indoor air.

Provide children and youth in foster care with life-changing advocates and mentors
PIEDMONT CASA VOLUNTEERS Piedmont CASA is dedicated to restoring safety, stability, and permanency to children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse and neglect. Since 1995, we have provided hundreds of CASA Volunteers who have advocated for thousands of children in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Madison. Studies show that children with CASAs get more medical care, more mental health support, and do better in school. Studies also show that kids with CASAs have more hope, and kids with hope are more likely to thrive. We are the only organization providing this service, and we do not charge fees. BRIDGES TO SUCCESS FOR OLDER YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE Bridges is custom-designed to address the unique risks and problems of older youth in foster care, ages 13-21. Created in 2017, Bridges to Success is a targeted response for young people who are in danger of aging out of the system unprepared to live on their own. Bridges Coaches mentor and guide them into safe, stable and self-sufficient adult lives. It is this consistent, enduring, caring presence in a young person's life that can make the difference between dropping out and staying in school, between risky behaviors and healthy decisions, between failure to realize one's potential and success achieving one's dreams.

In 2025, Charlottesville will conduct its first City Council election using ranked choice voting. Ranked Choice Virginia is coordinating voter education citywide to ensure that all the City's voters are ready to rank their first ballots in June.
Charlottesville is joining more than 50 cities nationwide in holding its first ranked choice election this year. Ranked choice voting is a proven tool for securing a healthy, responsive democracy, and Ranked Choice Virginia is a non-partisan venture that supports communities in their RCV transition. We provide voter education, candidate training, media resources, and technical support to ensure that Charlottesville's ranked choice pilot goes smoothly and city voters are prepared to make the switch. This request will fund field organizers and paid media for voter education during Charlottesville's June City Council election cycle. A successful RCV pilot in Charlottesville will empower local voters and build momentum for broader use of ranked choice voting in Virginia.

Service Dogs of Virginia raises, trains and places dogs with individuals challenged by disabilities in an effort to help them achieve a better quality of life.
Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV) raises, trains, and places dogs to assist people with disabilities, and provides facility dogs for courthouses, counseling centers, schools, and other therapeutic settings. SDV is unique in its ability to provide highly trained dogs to the people we serve. We are one of only four accredited service dog schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the only one that trains medical alert dogs. SDV currently trains dogs for five program areas--- Physical Assistance, Autism in children and young adults, PTSD (Veterans, First Responders), Medical Alert (Diabetes and Addison's disease), and Facility Work. The activities leading up to these placements are many -- starting with breeding and raising puppies, reviewing applications, interviewing and approving the individuals who will receive a dog, completing a year of "puppy" training for each dog to be placed, as well as a year of advanced training prior to placement, holding a 2 week "Transfer Camp" (during which new clients spend time learning how to handle and manage their dog prior to taking them home), as well as ongoing follow-up on a regular basis, once our dogs are placed. Working for an average of 10 years, our dogs provide life-changing independence for the people we serve through a joyful, empowering, and enduring partnership. By increasing an individual's basic activities of daily living, we significantly decrease their dependence on others. We can mitigate the need for constant home healthcare or placement in a skilled nursing facility. SDV receives no support from the government and service dogs are not covered by medical insurance. It costs $40,000 per dog to cover expenses including breeding, training materials and personnel, food, medication, vet expenses, health insurance, snacks, and basic dog supplies. Our current request is for a portion of this amount for 1 dog -- or $20,000 which would go far in covering the substantial cost of preparing our dog for service. We thank you for your consideration.

Speaking of Horses Inc. uses equine-assisted therapy to create breakthroughs for those facing communication and emotional challenges. The program offers life-changing moments through the powerful bond between horse and human.
At Speaking of Horses Incorporated, magic happens every day. Our heart beats with a single purpose: to unlock the potential in every individual through the power of equine-assisted therapy. It's in the gentle nicker of a horse greeting a child, the soft muzzle that nuzzles away fears, and the strong, steady presence that gives a voice to those who struggle to find their own. Our equine therapists – our true heroes with hooves – work tirelessly alongside our human professionals to create miracles of communication and connection. Animal Assisted Therapy involves a scientifically proven method that relies on certified therapy animals as tools to aid in a therapeutic program. Patients with a range of needs, including mental health (depression, anxiety), physical health (pain management) and cognitive differences (autism) can all benefit from animal therapy. Animal assisted therapy can help relax, motivate, and improve executive function in patients and has been shown to increase performance outcomes related to executive function tasks (Gee et al., 2009, 2010) and importantly, it is show to decrease volatility in emotionally compromised and typical individuals (Kotrschal & Ortbauer, 2003; Walsh et al., 1995). Ada Haensel, Executive Director, and Virginia licensed speech-language pathologist is driven by a deep commitment to facilitating communication and empowerment in individuals with diverse abilities. Graduating from the University of Virginia, Ada earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders, followed by her master's degree in Communication Science and Disorders. During her time at the university, Ada spearheaded groundbreaking research investigating the profound neurological effects of therapy animals on speech tasks. Her pioneering study illuminated the remarkable correlation between the presence of animals and enhanced cortical activation, particularly in crucial regions of the brain responsible for language processing and emotional regulation. As Ada and her herd of therapists grow their program, she sees proof of the magic of animal therapy through the remarkable change in her patients. One such example is a 5-year-old girl with nonverbal Autism who has been silent for so long, but the horse she was sitting on sparked something incredible. As she rode, her face lit up with a smile that could outshine the sun, and suddenly, the words burst forth: "Happy, happy, yay!" It was a chorus of pure elation, a breakthrough that filled everyone present with hope and happiness. Joy knows no bounds when it finally finds its voice. Imagine for a moment the transformation we witness daily: A child, once silent, giggling with delight as they brush a horse's coat A teenager finally finding the language to be understood by his family while leaning against a warm, comforting equine friend A family in tears of joy as their little one, astride a gentle giant, says their first words Today, we turn to you with hearts full of hope and a sincere request for help. Every dollar you give doesn't just buy hay or therapy tools; it buys moments of breakthrough, seconds of connection, and hours of healing. Your generosity ensures that a child who needs a non-judgmental ear finds it in a velvety horse ear, always ready to listen. We're not just asking for funds; we're inviting you to be part of our herd – a family united in the belief that sometimes, the most powerful therapy comes on four legs and is measured in heartbeats shared between human and horse. Join us in our mission to continue this journey of healing. Stand with us – both our two and our four-legged therapists – to ensure that the soft nickering of welcome, the gentle clip-clop of hooves, and the transformative power of equine therapy remains available to every child who needs it. From the bottom of our hearts, and from the depths of our horses' soulful eyes, we thank you for any support you can give. Together, we can keep the spirit of equine therapy strong, ensuring that our four-legged therapists can continue their life-changing work for years to come.

The Center requests $5,000 to provide a lighting bar to the performance space in the Auditorium. A lighting bar for the upstage area is needed to improve safety and enhance visibility for both performers and those who come to enjoy performances.
The Center at Belvedere mission is to positively impact our community by creating opportunities for healthy aging through social engagement, physical well-being, civic involvement, creativity, and lifelong learning. The Center's Auditorium hosts myriad programs for the community. The stage space is utilized by Center members and guests as well as for community events. Guest musicians, actors, lecturers and three resident Center bands regularly host performances. A third lighting bar, used to hold and support various lighting fixtures, is needed to enhance the safety of performers and the visibility for the audience.

We are seeking funds ($20,000) to purchase case management software designed specifically for social service organizations and integrate this software into our operation in order to increase program efficiency, capacity, and effectiveness.
At its core, The Journey Home's approach is to challenge our guests (95% single mothers with young children) within the context of personal relationships (where whole-person, authentic life-change occurs). Guests live in the transition home's safe, nurturing environment (600 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one bathroom living-units with small kitchenette) plus shared community kitchen, enrichment area, common area and playroom) for up to 18 months as they partner with a life coach to develop THEIR goals for independent flourishing. Program staff work varying schedules so there is a constant need to communicate and update each other on needs and progress of guests. We rely on paper case notes and verbal communication to ensure we are able to work as a unified team to serve our guests in the best way. As the number of inquiries, applicants, active guests, and graduated guests grows, it becomes more challenging to manage and document the information. We are seeking $20,000 to purchase case management software designed specifically for social service organizations.