Fredericksburg, VA — After more than eight decades of dedicated service to the Greater Fredericksburg
Region, Rappahannock United Way (RUW) ceased all operations on June 30, 2025. Following the
responsible wind-down of the organization and the recent sale of its headquarters, RUW is proud to
announce the establishment of the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund with The Community
Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region to ensure its mission continues to benefit the community
in perpetuity.
While Rappahannock United Way officially concluded operations in 2025, its Board of Directors
remained committed to ensuring that the organization’s remaining charitable resources would continue
to benefit the community. RUW completed the sale of its headquarters at 3310 Shannon Park Drive in
Fredericksburg in January 2026. Proceeds from the sale, along with other remaining assets, were used to
establish the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund, a permanent charitable fund administered and
invested by the Community Foundation to help carry forward the mission and impact RUW championed
for generations.
The Legacy Fund will provide ongoing grant support to local nonprofits serving the City of Fredericksburg
and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, reflecting the historic priorities of
Rappahannock United Way. Grants will continue to focus on areas that were central to RUW’s mission,
including education, financial stability, and health.
For 87 years, Rappahannock United Way mobilized the region’s generosity to strengthen nonprofit
organizations and improve the quality of life for local residents. The organization and board remain
committed to ensuring that the community’s charitable investments continue to benefit those in need.
“This decision was made with deep care for the community we have served for generations,” said Sean
Barden, Board Chair of Rappahannock United Way. “We wanted to ensure that the resources entrusted
to us over the years would continue working for the people of this region. The Rappahannock
Community Legacy Fund allows our mission to live on through ongoing support for local nonprofits.”
The Community Foundation, established in 1997 will serve as the long-term steward of the fund. With
more than $67 million in assets under management, over 226 charitable funds, and approximately $3.3
million in annual grants, the Foundation has demonstrated the capacity, governance, and investment
expertise necessary to responsibly administer RUW’s legacy resources.
Grants from the Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund will be guided by a Grants Committee
composed of both Community Foundation board members and local community representatives.
Together, this committee will help establish funding priorities and review applications from nonprofit
organizations to ensure grants reflect the needs and opportunities within the region. Funding will
support local nonprofits whose work aligns with Rappahannock United Way’s historic focus on
strengthening education, financial stability, and health in the region. The Community Foundation will
administer the grant process and provide annual reporting and evaluation to ensure transparency,
accountability, and meaningful impact for the community.
“We are deeply honored that the Rappahannock United Way has entrusted the Community Foundation
with stewarding its legacy of generosity and impact,” said Jamee Rodgers, CEO of the Community
Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. “For generations, United Way strengthened families and
supported the vital work of local nonprofits. While the Rappahannock United Way has concluded its
operations in our region, its legacy of generosity will continue to live on. Through the Rappahannock
Community Legacy Fund, we are grateful for the opportunity to carry that spirit forward—ensuring these
resources continue to serve our community and create meaningful impact for years to come.”
The Rappahannock Community Legacy Fund will begin accepting grant applications according to a
structured timeline established by the Community Foundation. Application details, funding priorities,
eligibility requirements and reporting guidelines will be publicly shared to ensure accessibility and
transparency.
To donate to the fund or for more information: