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?

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)

Ezra Hitzeman

Born in the Netherlands, raised in Nelson County
35 years’ experience in residential construction/renovation
Member, Nelson County Home Builders Association
Owner/Manager of Lost Industries LLC, a Virginia Class A Building Contractor for residential projects in Nelson County

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

Chris Sandquist

39 years as an executive with Prudential Financial, Inc.
Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant
Board member, Monticello Area Community Action Agency
Voting Precinct Chief, Nelson County
Job Training Member of International Rescue Committee/AmeriCorps
Former Peace Corps Volunteer (Tunisia)

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.