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?
Peggy Whitehead
President
- Retired CEO for Blue Ridge Medical Center
- Grant writer for BRMC
- Member, Board of Directors for Region Ten Community Services Board
Victoria C. Sabin
Vice-President
- Retired hotel development executive, interior designer, and entrepreneur.
- Longtime Wintergreen/ Stoney Creek homeowner and ardent supporter of Wintergreen Performing Arts.
Donna McCurdy
Secretary
- Retired CPA and former CFO for for-profit companies as well as charitable organizations
Art Thorn
Treasurer
- Semi-retired CPA with Hostetler Stott
- Retired CFO, Virginia Industries for the Blind
- Board member, MACAA and City of Promise
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 (the enforcing agency for the Americans with Disabilities Act)
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)
Linda Hughes
- Public and media relations strategies consultant
- FEMA National Response Team Member for 9/11 Disaster, New York City
- Former media and public relations executive for sports, nonprofit, and governmental organizations
- Retired U.S. Air Force officer
- Accomplished sailor
Sue Klett
- Retired Nelson County High School teacher
- Former marketing communications executive and journalist
- U.S. citizenship tutor, Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle
Judy Kramer
- Secondary school college counselor
- Department chair and director of curriculum development
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