West of the Boulevard
UMFS opens campus to nine nonprofits, allowing them to operate rent-free in new initiative
The Generosity Collective is a part of UMFS’ new strategic vision to formalize relationships with local organizations that benefit the greater community.
A new partnership is allowing nine nonprofits to move and operate rent-free from the 3900 W. Broad St. location of UMFS, a leading statewide child and family services nonprofit with foster care and adoption services.
Caring Closet, Fit4Kids, Happily Natural Day, Shalom Farms, United Methodist Association, Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities, Virginia Kids Belong, Voices for Virginia’s Children, and Worthdays are now operating from UMFS’ 25-acre Richmond campus.
The Generosity Collective is a part of UMFS’ new strategic vision to formalize relationships with local organizations that benefit the greater community.
All of the Richmond-based nonprofits’ work align with the mission of UMFS to collaborate with communities to help high-risk children and families reach their full potential.
“At UMFS, we believe that relationships are our building blocks,” said UMFS President and CEO Nancy Toscano, Ph.D., LCSW. “The Generosity Collective allows us to support smaller nonprofits that are driving meaningful change in the Richmond community. These partnerships also allow UMFS us to serve children and families holistically, and work towards a shared mission of empowering them to achieve a brighter future.”
The concept for the Generosity Collective was driven by UMFS’ recent revitalization of the campus space. Following the construction of several new facilities, including a residential center, dining hall, and day school addition, UMFS leadership determined that the extra space could be used to support partner organizations.
Each nonprofit has a permanent space on UMFS’ Richmond campus, allowing the organizations to save funds on rent and reach children and families engaged in UMFS programming.
“The collaboration with UMFS means we can operate rent-free, reach more kids, and extend our mission,” said Sara Fender, founder of Caring Closet, a partner organization that offers high-quality clothing to people who need it at no cost. “Nonprofit leaders should be supporting and amplifying each other’s mission. The Generosity Collective is a perfect example of this.”
To learn more about UMFS and the Generosity Collective, click here.
