News Summary
Philip Morris International has pledged over $3.6 million since 2021 to enhance community needs in Virginia through partnerships with local organizations. This initiative aims to create lasting impacts, exemplified by the support for the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, which has awarded over $16 million in grants and scholarships. Additionally, individuals like Carrie Edwards display community spirit by donating personal lottery winnings to charitable causes. PMI’s collaborative efforts mark a significant step towards corporate responsibility and enhancing life quality in Virginia.
Virginia is experiencing a significant boost in philanthropic efforts, thanks to a commitment of over $3.6 million from Philip Morris International (PMI) since 2021. This investment seeks to address vital community needs through collaboration with local partners across various initiatives in the state. PMI emphasizes the importance of meaningful action rather than superficial gestures, as they aim for genuine impact in the communities where they operate.
Marian Salzman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at PMI U.S., outlines the company’s focus on “investing in the real needs of real people.” The approach centers around establishing partnerships with trusted local organizations that can foster sustainable and measurable change in the lives of Virginians.
This financial backing has aided many local organizations, reflecting PMI’s commitment to creating enduring benefits for communities. One prominent recipient of PMI’s philanthropic support is the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF), which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1995 with the help of a single donor, the EWVCF has grown to manage nearly 400 funds and has accumulated assets exceeding $60 million.
The Foundation has made a notable impact in its community, awarding over $16 million in grants and scholarships across five counties. In supporting education, the EWVCF provides annual scholarships to more than 115 students and financially contributes to a wide range of community-based projects. Additionally, EWVCF operates with two affiliates: the Hampshire County Community Foundation and the Hardy County Community Foundation, both of which allocate significant grants to various local initiatives.
Over the years, the EWVCF has adjusted its strategies to address challenges such as economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. They promote collaborative efforts through a Partners in Philanthropy program, receiving nearly $25,000 annually from local businesses. Unlike many organizations, the EWVCF does not focus on conducting fundraising events; instead, they prioritize constructing endowments through direct donations. Their ultimate goal is to harness resources, cultivate these endowments, and reinvest funds back into local communities to foster growth and support.
In a related instance of local philanthropy, Carrie Edwards, a Virginia grandmother, recently donated her $150,000 lottery winnings to various charitable causes, including dementia research and food access projects. Edwards allocated $50,000 each to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Shalom Farms, and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Her philanthropic drive arose from a desire to spread joy and blessing to others, especially inspired by her late husband’s battle with frontotemporal degeneration.
Shalom Farms plays a crucial role in Richmond by striving for an equitable food system that ensures community members have access to healthy produce. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is dedicated to assisting active-duty service members and their families, supporting them in times of need.
A Virginia lottery official remarked on the rarity of winners donating their entire prize amounts, highlighting Edwards’s selflessness. This act of generosity reflects a broader trend of community engagement and support that organizations like PMI and individuals like Edwards are contributing to in Virginia.
As PMI continues to collaborate with local groups and invest in essential community initiatives, the positive impacts of their contributions are expected to grow, enhancing the quality of life across Virginia. With a focus on practical solutions for real-world challenges, PMI sets a compelling example for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WSLS: Philip Morris International’s US Businesses Put Pragmatic Philanthropy Into Action in Virginia
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Shepherdstown Chronicle: Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation Marks 30 Years of Giving Back
- Google Search: Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation
- Arizona Digital Free Press: Maricopa Community Colleges Notches $1M Grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
- Google Scholar: Charitable Trusts Virginia
- Inside Nova: Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to Honor Warren Thompson at Annual Gala
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Foundation
- The Guardian: Virginia Woman Donates Powerball Prize to Charities
- Google News: Lottery Charity Donations
- NFocus Magazine: Fresh Faces of Philanthropy 2025: Virginia Fitzgerald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
