FACT Celebrates 40 Years 🎉 + Awards $100,000 in Ad Hoc Grants

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Subject: FACT Celebrates 40 Years 🎉 + Awards $100,000 in Ad Hoc Grants

FACT Celebrates 40 Years of Strengthening Families and Preventing Violence Across the Lifespan

The Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is celebrating 40 years preventing and treating family violence and protecting children. Established in 1986 by the Virginia General Assembly as a public-private partnership, FACT has distributed over $6 million in grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations. FACT remains the only organization in Virginia dedicated to addressing family violence and trauma across the lifespan - from child abuse and neglect to domestic violence and elder abuse.

Over four decades, FACT has evolved to meet emerging challenges while strengthening prevention efforts statewide. Milestones include the creation of the FACT and KIDS FIRST specialty license plates and participation in Virginia’s State Income Tax Check-Off Program to generate public support. FACT expanded its leadership role in 2012 when the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect was transferred to the organization.

In recent years, FACT has led groundbreaking initiatives, including becoming the first state funder of Trauma-Informed Community Networks, launching an issue brief series on trauma, developing statewide guidance and training on problematic sexual behavior in young children, publishing a Foundational State Plan for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, supporting LEAP, the only evidence-based sexual assault prevention training for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and releasing research reports on child fatalities in Virginia. FACT also established an Emergency Funds Project to help fill critical funding gaps and began receiving a portion of the Gaming Proceeds Fund to support prevention efforts.

“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Virginia comes together to protect children and families. For 40 years, FACT has identified emerging challenges and invested in solutions that strengthen communities and prevent violence before it begins. I’m thankful for the board members, partners and advocates who have shaped this work and energized by the opportunities ahead to build a safer future for every generation.”

-Nicole Poulin, Executive Director

FACT is marking its 40th anniversary with events throughout the year. In February, the organization hosted a legislative coffee hour to provide lawmakers an opportunity to learn more about its initiatives.

Nicole Poulin (FACT Executive Director), Delegate Carroll, Nichele Carver (FACT Board Member)

Coffee Hour attendees enjoying Meriwether's breakfast catering

Laurel Aparicio, (Early Impact Virginia Executive Director), Nicole Poulin (FACT Executive Director), Eric Reynolds (Office of the Children's Ombudsman Director)

$100,000 Awarded in Direct Service Funds

FACT has awarded the first round of $100,000 in Ad-Hoc Grants to organizations across the Commonwealth that provide critical support to individuals and families affected by family violence. Ten organizations each received $10,000 to strengthen services that help individuals and families experiencing violence, trauma and crisis.

These grants give local organizations the flexibility to provide direct support to individuals and families facing critical needs. By supporting the organizations working on the front lines, FACT ensures resources and support are available to those who need it most.

Chesterfield Colonial Heights Families First
Ethiopian Community Development Council
Family Lifeline
Rising Hope
Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Service Unit
Greater Richmond SCAN
New River Community Action
Help and Emergency Response (HER) Shelter
Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley
CHIP of South Hampton Roads

A map of organization service areas. Darker cities and counties have multiple organizations servicing the area.

Many of the organizations will use the funds to provide direct financial assistance to clients, helping individuals and families meet urgent needs such as housing stability, transportation, or other necessities. Other grantees will use the funds to support staff capacity, provide support groups, and expand services such as translation or case management for survivors and families in need.

A second round of ad hoc applications will be accepted April 1, 2026 to May 13, 2026. Awards will be made to eligible programs on a "first come, first served" basis. For more information on qualifications and how to apply, click the link below.

Ad Hoc Grant Applications

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Subject: FACT Celebrates 40 Years 🎉 + Awards $100,000 in Ad Hoc Grants