Site hoping to strengthen nonprofits

New Web site aims to strengthen nonprofits on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula

By FRANK DELANO

Date published: 3/19/2006

One hundred denizens of cyberspace met face to face last week to launch a new Web site designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

The network aims to connect charitable groups with one another, potential volunteers and information about events, issues, funding and training.

Since its beginning last year, nearly 200 nonprofits, churches, government agencies and businesses in the rural area have signed on to the project. About 500 people also have subscribed to an e-mail list, said Connect Rappahannock Coordinator Leslie A. Franklin.

"Our hope is that through this network, many groups will share information and people will become more educated and make better decisions to improve the quality of life," Edward King Jr. told the gathering Thursday at St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock.

King is a senior program manager of the Jessie Ball du Pont Religious, Charitable and Educational Fund in Jacksonville, Fla. The du Pont Fund gave $220,000 to the University of Richmond in 2004 to expand to the Northern Neck a similar project created in 2001 in Richmond.

Mrs. du Pont (1884-1970) was a Lancaster County native who left a $42 million estate. Her philanthropy during her lifetime and afterward has made her a fairy godmother to the Northern Neck and other communities in Delaware and Florida.

From 2000 to 2005, the fund made 22 grants totaling $1.7 million to Northern Neck churches, historical organizations, rescue squads and fire departments.

Some of these eligible institutions have used their grants to aid other nonprofits. For example, a $284,000 grant last year helped Irvington Baptist Church establish a partnership with the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic.

ON THE NET: connectnetwork.org/rappahannock

To reach FRANK DELANO:804/333-3834
Email: fpdelano2@verizon.net

Date published: 3/19/2006