Nelson County Needs and Opportunities

Needs of Nelson County

Nelson County is one of the most beautiful and scenic locations in Virginia. 

Many of us were fortunate to be born here, while others moved here to retire. For some, it’s a weekend retreat from daily life.  

Despite its scenic beauty, many residents struggle to meet basic needs.

36% of households

earn less than $50,000 annually which is 30% higher than the Virginia average

Source: 2023 Census Reporter

Legal Services

In February 2025, NCCF provided a grant to the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society to help fund a full-time attorney to offer legal services for low-income families and individuals.

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14% live below poverty line

which is approximately 40% higher than the Virginia average at 9.9% and compares with 8% in Albemarle County

Source: 2024 Census Bureau

Food Insecurity

NCCF grants were awarded to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank / Blue Ridge Medical Center and to Sentara Martha Jefferson in February 2025 to address food insecurity within Nelson County.

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18% of children

live in poverty compared to the state average of 13%

Source: 2025 Virginia County Health Rankings

Children

In February, a grant was awarded by NCCF to CASA to partially underwrite the cost for a dedicated Nelson County Advocate Manager who works with court assigned neglected and abused children.

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30% of Nelson residents are 65 years or older

and nearly 11% experience dementia or memory loss.

Source: 2022 Census and Global Dementia Observatory 

Seniors with Dementia

During the past year, NCCF awarded a grant to MIMA Music who provided music programs to the Blue Ridge Respite Encrichment group sponsored by Here to Stay at Wintergreen.

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25% of seniors aged 65 & older

live with at least one disability. 

Seniors with Disabilities

During the past year, NCCF awarded two grants to Jefferson Board of Aging (JABA) and Piedmont Housing Alliance to address wellness for the elderly.

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12% do not have health insurance

compared to the Viriginia average of 8%

Source: 2025 Virginia County Health Rankings

Healthcare

During February 2025, NCCF provided a grant to Rectors UVA to provide free Diabetic Foot Screening Clinics and Education.

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Migrant Farmworkers

There is a growing population of migrant farm workers and Latin populations in Nelson County that live at or below the poverty level.

Farmworkers

For the last five years, NCCF has provided grants to the Central Virginia Farm Workers Initiative to support healthcare advocacy for H2A migrant workers in Nelson County.

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