The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (CFDRR) has announced that it has established the RiverBank Fund to gather substantial donations throughout Virginia and North Carolina earmarked for the protection and revitalization of the Dan River.
“The waterway and its basin are a source of great regional pride, even with a history of neglect and a recent coal ash spill,” explained Debra Dodson, executive director of The Community Foundation. “A special initiative called the RiverBank Fund has been started to celebrate and revitalize the Dan and to offer the long-term care and appreciation the River deserves.”
The RiverBank Fund’s mission is to steward resources and provide community support to assure The Dan River is beautiful, protected and central to the recreational and economic well-being of our region for generations to come.
According to CFDRR interviews, residents and businesses from Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, Halifax,
Mecklenburg counties (VA) and Stokes, Caswell, Rockingham counties (NC), as well as the City of Danville and beyond, want the Dan River and its tributaries to thrive.
The Fund will help in five fundamental ways:
1. Responsibly address water quality for regional residents and companies.
2. Encourage new development that ecologically features the River.
3. Improve the cleanliness of the River and the Basin and help protect it from environmental threats.
4. Increase access to the River for family-friendly sports, recreation and entertainment.
5. Effectively promote the River to build regional pride and encourage tourism.
A regional advisory committee is being formed to help guide the development of the fund and the strategic disbursement of grant funds.
Donations to the RiverBank Fund are being sought from individuals, organizations and businesses that have interest in helping to improve the quality and caliber of life all along the Dan River. Donations may be made online at www.riverbankfund.org.
The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is a public 501c3 charity that serves a region from Martinsville/Henry County through Mecklenburg County in Virginia as well as the neighboring North Carolina counties. The footprint of the Foundation and its experience in administering grant funds allows the RiverBank Fund to be established quickly and efficiently.