Charlottesville, Virginia – June 21, 2016 – Today, the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation announces $569,422 in grants to 67 local nonprofits through the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band. Established in 1998, the Bama Works Fund has been committed to making grants in Charlottesville and the seven surrounding counties for close to two decades, and has had a significant impact on creating vibrant communities that support youth and vulnerable populations, protect the natural environment, build community facilities, and strengthen arts and cultural assets. This year, Dave Matthews Band celebrates its 25th anniversary as a band and performed a hometown show in May that raised $1.5 million to benefit the Charlottesville area. Since 1998, the band’s Bama Works Fund has made more than $16 million in grants.
Dave Matthews Band’s philanthropy through the Bama Works Fund has been essential in making foundational gifts to transformative community projects over the years and has also touched a broad range of nonprofits of all sizes. The 67 grant recipients include grants to Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) and The Front Porch.
“Bama Works helps us keep hundreds of neighbors safe in their homes each year, and we cheer their generous support of so many fellow nonprofits. We are so grateful for their profound commitment to our community,” stated Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of AHIP.
“The Front Porch C’ville is very excited, after just one year of operation, to receive a grant from Bama Works. The Dave Matthews Band has gone beyond generosity, to altruism, doing concert after concert for amazing causes, providing support nationally and internationally, but much of their support has gone to Charlottesville. We thank the Dave Matthews Band, not just for our grant, but for all they have given to local schools, nonprofits, aid organizations, and individuals. Through Bama Works, the band has made a major impact on this town and on the world. We feel incredibly honored to be part of their outreach and find their good deeds inspiring.” Angel Sands Gunn, Board Chair , The Front Porch C’ville
Anne Scott, President of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, stated that “Dave Matthews Band’s continued generosity to the people of this community is outstanding. The Community Foundation is deeply grateful for their support and for the good work of the nonprofits that will benefit from the grants being announced today.”
A complete list of the Spring 2016 grant recipients can be found on the Community Foundation website www.cacfonline.org/apply.
Twice each year, the Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band of CACF awards gifts through a competitive grant cycle. Applicants seeking a grant for the next decision must apply by August 1, 2016. Additional information can be found on the Community Foundation website www.cacfonline.org/apply.
