The Virginia Funders Network (VFN) announced that Katy Moore was named the inaugural CEO and will begin in the position on February 1.
Moore’s 20 years of work in philanthropy spans local, regional and national positions. She will lead the VFN’s nearly 100 initial members as they network, learn, problem-solve, leverage and align their giving to improve outcomes in the communities they serve.
“In 2012, I spent six months traveling across the Commonwealth meeting with top funders in each region and exploring the appetite for a statewide philanthropic association,” said Moore. “I’m thrilled that the Virginia Funders Network has become a reality, and I’m honored and excited to be chosen to lead and grow this new organization into a powerful force for good for our state.”
The VFN is the first funders network to operate in Virginia. Modeled after networks in North Carolina, Washington D.C., Maryland and other states, the VFN’s goal is to enhance the effectiveness of Virginia funders through networking, collaboration, learning and leveraging their grants with funds from other sources.
The Harvest Foundation of Martinsville and Henry County has pledged a three-year commitment to support the Virginia Funders Network.
“In its short tenure, VFN has already proved a valuable organization for foundations across Virginia,” said Kate Keller, president of the Harvest Foundation. “We are excited by the hiring of Katy Moore as its first CEO and we look forward to working with Katy to advance of the goals of Virginia philanthropy.”
Also among its first members locally is the United Way of Henry County & Martinsville.
“The United Way is excited to participate in the newly launched Virginia Funders Network. We look forward to the opportunity to learn from our peers across Virginia in order to better serve residents of Martinsville and Henry County,” said Philip Wenkstern, executive director of United Way of Henry County & Martinsville. “I have no doubt that Ms. Moore will be a great addition to the Virginia Funders Network and look forward to working with her in the future.”
“It is clear that foundations, corporations and individual philanthropists can each make a difference,” Moore said. “But when they come together to learn, share best practices and align their efforts, philanthropy becomes a powerful force that can improve the quality of life for all Virginians.”
For more information about the VFN, contact either Bobby Thalhimer at Bobby@themonumentgroup.net, or Patte Koval at Patte@themonumentgroup.net.
