In this issue...

Grants Make Impact on Eastern Shore
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Easter Shore Grant Recipients (1998-2003)

Arts Enter Cape Charles Cape Charles Historical Society Children and Parents of the Shore Eastern Shore Area Agency/Community Action Agency Eastern Shore Community College (for the SPARK program) Eastern Share Habitat for Humanity Eastern Shore Literacy Council Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society The Eastern Shore of Virginia Barrier Islands Center Friends of the Northampton Free library North Street Playhouse YMCA of South Hampton Roads (for Camp Silver Beach) Total grants: $615,641

Norfolk Foundation grants are making life better all along the remote Eastern Shore of Virginia.

A $14,000 Foundation strategic planning grant helped one non-profit win a $1 million federal literacy grant to help Hispanic families. Foundation funds also provided the critical amount needed to break ground on a new library in Nassawadox.

 

Arts Groups Reach $400,000 Goal
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It was a fast-paced three months for eight area arts groups. Not only did they kick off their performing and exhibition seasons in September, they also were busy meeting the ArtsMatch challenge from The Norfolk Foundation. Their goal was to raise $400,000 in new and increased funds from donors by December 31, which would result in $200,000 in challenge grants from the Foundation — $1 for every $2 raised. Funds come from the Foundation's unrestricted funds.




Every Child Is Our Future
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Why do we at The Norfolk Foundation care so much about early childhood care and education? Because we are convinced that the first five years of life are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is when children develop basic learning patterns and abilities they will use for the rest of their lives.

The Norfolk Foundation will sponsor a performance and residency by Chen Yi, a renowned Chinese composer whose compositions blend eastern and western music. She will perform April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Old Dominion University's Chandler Hall as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. The violinist will give a talk at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Chandler Hall and teach classes at ODU the next day. Her appearance is underwritten by the Foundation's F. Ludwig Diehn Fund. The composer's donor advised fund also underwrote last year's appearance by composer Philip Glass at the "Virginia Arts Festival. For details on this year's festival visit www.virginiaartsfestival.com

Grants Provide Hurricane Relief
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When Hurricane Isabel pummeled southeastern Virginia last September, human service agencies jumped into action immediately to help area residents. But doing that required cash to buy food, water and ice and provide shelter for thousands of people.


Nonprofits Optimistic, Study Shows
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The outlook for area nonprofits at the end of 2003 was more optimistic than the previous year, according to "Dimensions of Philanthropy in Hampton Roads 2003." But even with giving trends on the upswing, area nonprofits are cautious about spending and are positioning themselves to thrive in the coming years.


Finding Fun in Philanthropy
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Why are people philanthropic? Are they motivated by a desire for recognition, by a need to assist others or by tax benefits?


Big Brothers Program Seeks Role Models
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For Lt. Aenon Wallace the highlight of his week comes every Tuesday morning. For an hour the Suffolk resident leaves his role as aide to a Navy chief of staff to mentor a boy through Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Hampton Roads.


Volunteer's Fund Focuses on Healthcare
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Ruth N. Goodman was a gentle woman who found her niche in life volunteering at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. From 1959 to the early 1990s anyone checking into the hospital on a Wednesday or Saturday would encounter Goodman in her "pink lady" uniform greeting patients at the admitting desk.