The Virginia Community Foundation was started in 1990 as a fund of the Northland Foundation. In 1997 the foundation really got a jump with the donation of $1,000,000 from the estates of Wesley & Hartley Koski. In 2001 the Foundation became a 501c (3) and independent from the Northland Foundation.

The Virginia Community Foundation is an endowed fund. This means that all of the money donated to the fund is invested in securities and other investments. The only grants given out are from the interest on these investments. Continuing contributions to the endowed fund will add to its growth and enable the Foundation to give back to the community for years to come. The Virginia Community Foundation’s Executive Director is Linda Niskanen, and the board is currently made up of 13 volunteers.

The Foundation also manages five endowed named funds. They are the Blue Pride Fund, the Virginia Educational Fund, the Virginia Public Library Fund, the Mesabi Range Youth for Christ Fund, and a Fund for the Arts.

There are also two non-endowed funds, the Mural Fund and the Downtown Revitalization Fund. All of the money that is donated to these funds is used for these projects. So far, two murals have been completed. The Koski mural on 2nd Avenue and the Marty Mural which is actually on the side of the Virginia Community Foundation donated office space at 519 Chestnut Street.

The Mural Committee is actively working on new murals for our community. Before Memorial Day they plan on starting the Veteran’s mural to be finished during the summer. Later on, they also plan to create a second mural in tribute to Canelake’s Candy.

The Foundation grants are used for the good of the community. Any group that is a non-profit organization in Virginia can apply for a grant. Over $415,000 in grants have been awarded and benefit everyone from youth to seniors. The Foundation has even awarded grants to the Generation W newspaper and our parent company Iron Range Youth in Action. Just last year, they donated to fund a grant for lights for the Generation W Epic Entertainment and DJ service.

For their 20th Anniversary, the Foundation is launching a 20/20 Campaign. The Foundation wants to recognize what has been done, what can be done, and suggest ways to support the Foundation, including monetary or non-monetary support. Memorial donations are another way to give to the Foundation. Also, instead of giving a traditional gift to someone, you can give it to the Foundation in recognition of that person. Any and all donations are appreciated.

To learn more about the Virginia Community Foundation, you can visit their website at www.virginiafoundation.com or become a friend of the Foundation on facebook at www.facebook.com/virginiafoundation.

You can also stop by their office at 519 Chestnut Street or call 749-8239.