The Haven Make a Difference Fund was established in December 2011 by Johnson Development Associates and The Haven at Celebrate Virginia II, LLC, to support the educators and students of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Each year, a portion of the fund is distributed as grants to enhance public education outcomes within Fredericksburg City Schools.
For the 2025–2026 school year, the Haven Make a Difference Fund will jointly award $18,000 in grants with the Governors Row Fund for Teachers and Students. These funds are administered by The Community Foundation and are open to all Fredericksburg City Schools educators who directly engage with students. The grant opportunity supports classroom innovation, professional development, and student learning enhancement.
Grant reviewers will prioritize proposals that feature innovative teaching strategies, are based on sound educational research, and include professional development activities that have a measurable and direct impact on students. Proposals should aim to generate meaningful and lasting benefits within the classroom or school setting.
Grants may range from $500 to $10,000, and all funds must be used within ten months of disbursement. While a wide range of instructional improvements and development activities are eligible, applicants are strongly discouraged from requesting funding for food (except meals during off-site training), individual awards, clothing, or basic incentives for teachers or students unless supported by compelling evidence of educational benefit.
Applications open on September 15, 2025, and are due no later than 5:00 PM on October 20, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced around November 24, 2025. Educators seeking help in preparing their application may contact Casey Hu, Director of Donor Services at The Community Foundation, via phone or email.
Proposals should be innovative, research-based, and demonstrate direct impact on students
