RICHMOND, VA. — Shineforth Child & Family Services is the grateful recipient of a $50,000 program grant from the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. The grant will fund an independent-living space that will benefit high school students at Charterhouse School, youth served in our residential treatment program, teens who are actively in foster care, and young adults who are aging out of foster care.
The $50,000 gift to Shineforth is by far the Virginia United Methodist Foundation’s largest investment in a single organization. Since the Foundation began awarding grants annually in 2013, it’s routinely dispersed $50,000-$80,000 divided among 20-25 organizations per grant cycle. Previously, the largest individual grant had been $5,000.
“Shineforth is deeply grateful to the Virginia United Methodist Foundation’s for its generous gift,” said Shineforth President & CEO Nancy Toscano, Ph.D., LCSW. “The Foundation’s support will have far-reaching impacts across multiple programs and provide invaluable learning opportunities for youth who are preparing for adulthood and independent living.”
The independent-living laboratory will be built inside Charterhouse School on Shineforth’s historic Richmond campus and is expected to be ready for the 2027-28 academic year. The lab will include a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, iron and ironing board, and a furnished dining room and living room.
(Pictured from left: Rev. Steven Summers, Ph.D., President & CEO of Virginia United Methodist Foundation; Sarah Beam, Annual Fund Officer, Shineforth; Matthew Charlton, Ph.D., Vice President of Philanthropy & Development for Virginia United Methodist Foundation.)
“We are thrilled to partner with Shineforth to launch this living laboratory, a hands-on learning environment where youth aging out of foster care gain the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive as adults,” said the Rev. Steven Summers, Ph.D., President & CEO of Virginia United Methodist Foundation. “This grant, from the Micah 6:8/No Harm Do Good Endowment Fund reflects our shared commitment to empowering young people with real-world knowledge — from everyday life skills to financial literacy — so they can step boldly into their futures.”
The VAUMF’s Micah 6:8/No Harm Do Good Endowment Grant will be administered to Shineforth over two years in $25,000 installments. Shineforth plans to multiply the impact of the grant by pursuing matching gifts and contributions from donors.
“Together with Shineforth’s trusted history of championing children and families, we’re building a stronger foundation for lifelong success.”
The Rev. Dr. Steven Summers, President & CEO of Virginia United Methodist Foundation
“Our vision for the independent living space is to connect young people to the experiences they’re going to face when they go out into the world,” Toscano said. “The Virginia United Methodist Foundation is graciously supporting our vision to strengthen humanity, one child at a time. We invite others in the community to join us, as well.”
Matthew Charlton, Ph.D., Vice President of Philanthropy & Development for Virginia United Methodist Foundation, said Shineforth was a perfect match for the grant.
“The Virginia United Methodist Foundation through the Micah 6:8/No Harm Do Good Endowment Fund is proud to support this important initiative of Shineforth,” he said. “Ensuring that young people have what they need to support their well-being is central to the practical mission of United Methodists. We are excited to see the Independent Living Lab program created and put into good use.”
“This project is something I have been dreaming of for years. And the VAUMF stepped up to make it a reality. This will be an incredible asset for both our Charterhouse School and Courage to Succeed students, allowing for hands-on instruction and life-skills practice that enhances the programming we provide. The possibilities are really endless.”
Sarah Headley-Boyd, MA Vice President of Education at Shineforth’s Charterhouse School in Richmond
The VAUMF’s Micah Grant was made possible by the Rev. Rosemary Welch, a retired United Methodist pastor.
“My heart and soul are so very warmed to see how the Micah grant is being used to sustain and enlarge such ministry as Shineforth and to support the UMC in nurturing and caring for God’s children,” Rev. Welch said. “This is beyond my wildest dreams! God places in our sight the continual hand of the healing Christ through ministries of the UMC worldwide. Dream big, share resources generously and trust that lives will be touched by the merciful and strong hand of Christ!”
About the Virginia United Methodist Foundation
The Virginia United Methodist Foundation (VAUMF) serves local United Methodist churches in their efforts to expand programs and ministries through planned giving and endowment funds. The Foundation also invests monies for local churches in accordance with the socially responsible investing principles of the United Methodist Book of Discipline. The Foundation has provided $900,000 in annual grants since 2013 to support ministries and projects within the Virginia United Methodist Conference (VAUMC). The Virginia United Methodist Foundation accepts donations to its grants fund year-round.
