Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation

OUR HISTORY The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation is proud of its history that spans from the early 1970s to today. Over the years, the GLCF has been privileged to be involved in helping our citizens give back to the community that they care so much about. OUR ORIGINS: In 1971, an employee of Fidelity National Bank in Lynchburg submitted an idea to form a Community Trust. This innovative idea arose at a time when there were not many of these institutions in the U.S., but it was well-received. In 1972, the Board of Directors of Fidelity National Bank adopted a Resolution and a Declaration of Trust creating the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust. Initial funding came from just three donors: The Plymale Foundation, A.H. Easley, and Nancy Pollock, and totaled $14,000. From these visionary supporters, and under the able and dedicated guidance of those who followed, the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation grew exponentially. Having celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2022, the GLCF remains true to its initial goal: to enrich the lives of those living in our community, and has provided over $30 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations to support their work. MISSION The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation works to solve our community’s greatest challenges by providing grants and scholarships, and by helping individuals, families, and organizations create their charitable legacy. VISION We make lasting and impactful change possible by funding the work of nonprofit organizations that are focused on improving the lives of those in our community. PURPOSE To make impactful grants that support health and wellness, education, the arts, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and historical preservation in the City of Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell. VALUES Community: We create a better place to live through strategic charitable giving. Collaboration: We foster partnerships in our community that identify, fund, and advance solutions efficiently. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Our initiatives and decisions are actively guided by a broad representation of our community’s needs. Integrity: We preserve donor intent and the highest standards of ethical funding practices. Accountability: We utilize our assets with transparency, while building and stewarding funds for perpetuity.