Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, Nelson County Public Schools virtually presented their 23rd Annual Smyth Education Awards to ten individuals recognized for their outstanding performance throughout the year.  Through a fund created by Gordon and Mary Beth Smyth, and managed by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, the following individuals received a plaque and […]

For 26 years, the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge has honored a select group of remarkable individuals who have inspired, encouraged, and fostered learning in the public schools of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. Each individual currently receives $10,000 and the enduring distinction of having been named a Dawbarn Education Award winner. In […]

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge has established a COVID-19 Local Response Fund with an initial charitable contribution of $100,000 from a generous Staunton couple.  As the local impact of the pandemic unfolds, our community’s desire to help has been inspiring.  Contributing to this new fund is one of many ways in which […]

We are honored to have supported this project through the Carroll and Grace “Patsy” Guynn Memorial Fund. Lucy Simms was born into slavery and became a revered teacher in Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg. Douglas L. Guynn, the visionary behind this project, thought her life was such an unparalleled example of determination, courage, […]

The Highland County Youth Philanthropy Council (HC YPC), an initiative of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge in partnership with The Highland Center, is pleased to announce the availability of $10,000 in competitive grant funding for organizations addressing the community needs of Highland County. The Community Foundation established its first YPC in 2008.  […]

Thanks to many thoughtful donors, the Community Foundation will have the privilege, once again, to commit $1 million or more to grants, scholarships, and awards during 2020.  The Foundation is presently welcoming applications and nominations for each of these programs.  Since 1992, the Foundation has already given away over $13 million to enhance the quality […]

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is currently accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors and adults seeking new skills and higher education. Currently, most Community Foundation scholarships are available to residents of the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson. “We are very proud […]

Nominations for the Dawbarn Education Awards are now open!  Since 1992, the Community Foundation has presented its Dawbarn Education Awards to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving education in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County public schools.  Over the course of 25 years, 247 recipients have been awarded over $1.7 million. […]

Through a fund created by Gordon and Mary Beth Smyth, and managed by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, the Nelson County Public Schools presented the 22nd Annual Smyth Education Awards at their opening meeting on Friday, August 2nd.  The Smyth Education Awards recognize and reward outstanding staff performance in the public schools […]

By the age of 15, Sophia Schwaner of Staunton had already written the script and composed 22 songs for her first complete musical production.  She had also participated in the Heifetz International Music Institute as a young violin student during two prior summers and played previously with the Waynesboro Symphony and in the pit orchestra […]