A Letter from our Chief of Strategy and Impact
Courtney Rice joined RMHF in September as Chief of Strategy and Impact. She serves as a collaborative thought partner to President & CEO, Mark Constantine, to oversee the implementation of our new Strategic Framework and continue our ongoing mission to foster an equitable and healthy Richmond region. In this letter to our partners, she shares what she and the team have been up to as well as what’s ahead for RMHF. 
 
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
 
I have experienced my first 100 days at RMHF, and each day has been enjoyable, rewarding and full. I have participated in lots of meetings through coffee check-ins, Zoom events, stakeholder gatherings, and even, while discussing community affairs during walks with the team. Every interaction has been an opportunity to learn more deeply about the issues and the work ahead with my colleagues and fellow residents who are committed to solutions...
Inside Philanthropy Features RMHF's General Operating Support Focus
RMHF was recently featured by Inside Philanthropy. The article emphasizes the benefits of general operating support grants, which have been a key component of our new Strategic Framework. 
Grants Awarded
Since opening the Capacity Building and Opportunity Investments grant cycles in July, RMHF has approved grants to the following organizations:

Capacity Building 

Opportunity Investments 

We are now accepting grant applications for capacity building and opportunity investments and invite mission-aligned nonprofits to apply for grants, which are available on a rolling basis.
RMHF Staff in Action
  • In addition to all the work Courtney Rice has been doing in her role at RMHF, she is participating on the planning committee for the Virginia Funders Network Annual Conference.
  • Albert Walker along with Jamie Seagraves, Grants Manager at Capital One, co-facilitates the Central Virginia Funders Network. Their most recent session with corporate, private and public philanthropy sparked interest in starting a racial equity learning journey. A learning journey is a strategic approach to developing groups of leaders over time. It's based on the principle that change takes time and that people learn best together—as long as they can personalize their experience. 
  • Michael Smith is serving on the core team supporting the development of the Virginia Community Engagement Index. This Virginia Community Engagement Index is a survey focused on capturing how residents from across the Commonwealth are engaged in civic action. This survey is a product of the Virginia Service Commission and will inform the plans and actions of organizations across the state to equitably grow and support the capacity of volunteers to meet the priorities across Virginia. Michael is joined on the core team by representatives across the Commonwealth of Virginia, and locally joined by partners at the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation.
  • Kendra Jones has been busy with the Program Team helping to conduct stakeholder meetings to learn more about what’s happening on the ground with community organizations. This will help build out a stakeholder map as a resource for RMHF and others.
  • Gladys Washington was recently recognized as a Trailblazer in philanthropy by Voice. Vision. Value. Black Women Leading Philanthropy. They highlighted her 20 years of service and leadership in the philanthropic community.
News and People on the Move
  • Zakia McKensey, Founder and Executive Director of Nationz Foundation, and RMHF Black- and Brown-led nonprofit cohort member, was featured in the CNN documentary series Blind Angels. Earlier this month, Nationz Foundation moved to a new building in the West End.
  • The Board of Directors of The Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation (RPSEF) announced the hiring of Taikein Cooper as Executive Director. Taikein was also a member of RMHF’s Black and Brown-led nonprofit cohort.
  • Nadine Marsh-Carter is now President of The Cameron Foundation. 
  • YWCA Richmond announced that Rupa Murthy is their new CEO.
  • Congrats to SCDHC for receiving the Spirit of Virginia Award and to Dr. Shawnrell Blackwell, an RMHF HEArtist, for joining their executive board.  
  • Abby Rogers, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond, has accepted a new role beginning in March as the Executive Vice President / Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of the USA.
Receive this email as a forward from a friend?