Here's what's trending at ACF in the New Year: The final Nonprofit Holiday Wish Catalog numbers are in (and how to continue supporting local nonprofits and the California wildfire relief efforts), the scholarships application is open (plus, a virtual volunteer opportunity to go with it), and charitable budgeting, due diligence, and family philanthropy tips for 2025.

The calendar year came to an exciting end with a very successful Nonprofit Holiday Wish Catalog!

Thanks to your incredible support and sharing, the Wish Catalog raised a record $179,376.24 for the year-end needs of Arlington-serving nonprofits. That's a 47% increase from the previous year! Of the 45 featured nonprofit wishes, 34 were fully funded, the highest percentage of fully-funded wishes to date.

It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyways: thank you for your donations, for sharing the Wish Catalog, for engaging on social media, for reading the e-mails, for whatever part you played in showing our local nonprofits that we show up for them just as they always show up for us and our neighbors.

A new year can bring new opportunities for engaging with local nonprofits, including introductions to charities you’ve not yet met or supported. As always, our Arlington Nonprofit Directory (now with 100+ organizations!) is a ready resource as you continue your charitable and community journey in 2025 and beyond!

Arlington high school seniors can now apply for 100+ scholarships with one application (plus one award available to traditional and non-traditional students pursuing high-growth technical careers).

Students can sign up for texting reminders about the application and important due dates by using this link or by texting “ACFScholarships” to 888-695-7959. Applications are due by February 10.

Are you interested in a virtual volunteer opportunity to help Arlington students? We are seeking volunteers to participate in our annual Community Scholarship Review. This year's review process is entirely virtual as applications and review forms will be made available online.

Volunteers must register by February 13, review an online orientation video available by March 7, and review up to 25 scholarship applications by March 17. Click here or the button below to learn more and to register!

A budget may not be the very first thing that comes to mind when you think about ringing in a new year, but budgets are important, even when it comes to charitable giving. The community foundation is happy to offer tips to help you plan your philanthropy goals for 2025 to align with your financial priorities. 

Here are a few steps to consider as you build a 2025 budget for charitable donations that can help you continue to support your favorite causes and remain fiscally cautious. As always, feel free to reach out at 703-243-4785 or [email protected] to discuss your own charitable budget and goals!

If you’ve not yet involved your children or grandchildren in your charitable giving, this may be the year to consider it! Children of all ages can benefit from learning even just a little bit about philanthropy and how charities improve the quality of life for everyone.

We are always happy to help you explore best practices for helping shape the young people in your life into caring, responsible adults and inspire your extended family to get more involved.

Occasionally, you may be asked by a friend or colleague to donate to a charity you’re not too familiar with, or perhaps a charity that’s not been around very long asks you for financial support.

Whether you’ve been approached to support a friend’s favorite charity or have just learned about a brand new organization, think of the community foundation team as your go-to sounding board for due diligence. Here are a few tips to help you cross the t's and dot the i's on giving.

Trouble seeing this email? View it as a webpage.