Our Mission
The Nelson County Community Fund was established in 2000 by Nelson County resident Gordon Smyth, who donated $10,000 as seed money to start a fund dedicated to tackling the many challenges confronting local citizens and agencies. NCCF operates with a totally volunteer board of directors.
Grants are made to local charitable organizations and agencies with the expressed goal of improving the life of Nelson County residents.
NCCF collects contributions from generous donors and raises funds through events such as the Opportunity Ball. NCCF also partners with local nonprofits, and businesses on fundraisers to address compelling issues in our county.
NCCF, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization; all contributions to NCCF, Inc. are tax-deductible.
What does NCCF do?
The NCCF raises funds – large and small -to give out as grants.
NCCF board members span the county geographically, culturally, and socioeconomically. Many have direct experience in finance, marketing, small businesses, and fundraising. See member biographies below.
Twice a year, the NCCF reviews grant requests from non-profit charitable organizations serving Nelson County. Based on the relative merits of the various grant requests and available funds, disbursement recommendations are made.
Who is Who on the NCCF Board?
Brian Armstrong
- Born and raised in Virginia
- Living in Nelson County since 2014
- Entrepreneur for over 20 years, founding and working in technology businesses
- Civic-minded and caring for the future of Nelson County and its citizens
Gail Blankman
- Canadian-born attorney now living in Nelson County
- Masters degree in interior design, specializing in accessible design for persons with disabilities
- Ran a consulting practice in accessibility/design in Las Vegas
- Recently retired after 13 years with the U. S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section
Suzanne Hauschner
- Nelson County High School teacher,
GED/Alternative Education/Special Education - Board member, Nelson County Education Foundation
- Longtime community fundraiser and animal rescue advocate
Ken Heise
- 30+ years with non-profits designing, leading and managing international health projects
- 5 years in public sector overseas (Peace Corps, US Agency for International Development)
- Advanced degree in public health (biostatistics and epidemiology)
Jon Keyserling
- Retired attorney with more than 40 years of experience in the public and private sector in Washington, DC.
- Senior leader and counsel in a not-for-profit organization representing the hospice community
- Experienced in strategic planning, corporate management, public affairs, health care policy, and intra-governmental relations
Cheryl Klueh
- Longtime Nelson County Resident and co-founder of Shannon Farms Community
- Extensive experience as bookkeeper, treasurer, and consultant for Nelson County-based nonprofits
- Former board member for several Nelson County nonprofits including Rural Nelson, and the Rockfish Valley Community Center
Deanna Mitchelson-Shaver
- Tye River Elementary School Special Education Teacher/SPED Department Chair/Leadership and Diversity team member
- Blue Ridge Medical Center Board Member
- Kindness Cafe & Play Board Member
- Middle School Girls Basketball Coach
- Former UVA Women’s Basketball Player
- Former Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach/NCAA Intern/Director of Operations, Washington & Lee University
Jennell Piplico Charles
- Nonprofit fundraising consultant and grant writer
- Retired registered nurse
- Former nurse educator
Di Tonkins
- Nelson County Resident since 2007 when she was actively involved in the Opportunity Ball raising funds for the NCCF.
- Former Home Care Service manager in England and now an advisor to the “Here to Stay” initiative in Wintergreen.
- Recently retired from managing the Farmhouse at Veritas, a luxury Bed and Breakfast/Restaurant in Afton.
Kevin Walker
- Nelson County High School Assistant Principal
- Former NCHS Athletic Director
- Longtime college and secondary school track and field, and football coach
- Former trainer for professional NBA and NFL draft picks
Peggy Whitehead
- Retired CEO for Blue Ridge Medical Center
- Grant writer for BRMC
- Member, Board of Directors for Region Ten Community Services Board