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Stories of Impact: Making a Difference

Generosity of spirit. This is what the River Counties Community Foundation relies upon and receives over and over again from people like you. Our donors, our board, our volunteers and our nonprofits are a diverse group united in their passion for their community and their belief that they can ensure its success.

Take a look at our stories of impact and see the inroads being made to improve the quality of life in the counties of Lancaster, Middlesex and Northumberland.

"We feel fortunate to live in this beautiful place which attracts people from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in contributing to their community.”

Brownie and Tom Watkins, donors

Building Philanthropy in a New Community

As soon as Brownie and Tom Watkins settled into their Lancaster County home from Dallas five years ago, they became immersed in our local volunteer scene including Tom with Habitat for Humanity and Brownie with Partners for Lancaster County Schools. They also made inquiries about RCCF because they were considering moving their Dallas Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund here if we met their expectations of a successful and well run organization. And, we did!

Simplifying Giving to have a Greater Impact

Phil and Mary Hug set an example of philanthropy for their children by establishing a private family foundation. Their foundation was very effective in awarding grants for many years, but as their children married and moved away from the area it became more difficult to gather everyone to discuss and evaluate grant requests. In 2012 Phil and Mary decided to terminate their private foundation and transfer the assets to a donor advised fund of the RCCF. They view this as a win-win situation in that they continue to advise the grant making from the fund, just as they did with their private foundation, but without having to worry about legal requirements and tax filings.

Read more of Mary and Phil's involvement in the community


River Counties Youth Fund

Leland T. James has a bold vision for the children of Lancaster and Northumberland Counties. He foresees a bright future where every child grows up with an opportunity to be successful and make a comfortable living. Not one to just dream, in 2008 Leland established the River Counties Youth Fund to improve morality, good citizenship, strength of character, and family values as well as to enhance work ethic, entrepreneurship and educational achievement for those under the age of 19.

Read more about the River Counties Youth Fund