2024 Annual Report
Total Amount
Awarded in 2024
We Choose Hope
We Choose Hope
Total Amount
Awarded in 2024
At The Harvest Foundation, we believe that every investment is a seed for change—planted with purpose, nurtured with collaboration, and grown through the power of our community. In 2024, we strengthened our commitment to building a thriving Martinsville-Henry County by investing in education, health, economic opportunity, and community connections. With over $16.7 million awarded, we are empowering organizations, uplifting families, and creating opportunities that will shape our region for generations to come.
This report is more than numbers—it is a testament to the resilience, vision, and shared dedication of those working to make MHC a place where everyone can flourish. Together, we are not just funding programs; we are fueling dreams, breaking down barriers, and building a future full of promise.
Together, we are not just funding programs, we are fueling dreams, breaking down barriers, and building a future full of promise.
At The Harvest Foundation, we believe that every investment is a seed for change—planted with purpose, nurtured with collaboration, and grown through the power of our community. In 2024, we strengthened our commitment to building a thriving Martinsville-Henry County by investing in education, health, economic opportunity, and community connections. With over $16.7 million awarded, we are empowering organizations, uplifting families, and creating opportunities that will shape our region for generations to come.
This report is more than numbers—it is a testament to the resilience, vision, and shared dedication of those working to make MHC a place where everyone can flourish. Together, we are not just funding programs; we are fueling dreams, breaking down barriers, and building a future full of promise.
The Harvest Foundation’s Pass GO program is a boost for Martinsville-Henry County to attract talent and strengthen the local economy from the ground up. This unique program offers professionals in high-demand industries an opportunity to receive $5,000 per year for up to 10 years of living and working in Martinsville-Henry County.
Dr. Cameron Brummitt, a physical therapist and business owner, is a native of Martinsville-Henry County but found himself in a better position to stay in the community after participating in the Pass GO program.
“Pass GO was a significant factor in our decision to stay and grow in Martinsville-Henry County,” Brummitt said. “My wife and I both grew up in the Martinsville-Henry County area, so we already had strong roots to the area and loved the idea of returning after graduate school to be close to family. The Pass GO program made our decision much easier. It has helped ease our student loan burdens—allowing us to focus more on our careers and serving the community rather than being weighed down by debt.”
Brummitt currently works full-time as a doctor of physical therapy at SOVAH Rehabilitation in Martinsville, providing both inpatient and general outpatient physical therapy services to the community. He also owns his practice, Prime Performance Therapy, PLLC, which specializes in physical therapy and performance training services with an emphasis on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and movement optimization.
“My experience with the program has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s reassuring to see an initiative that actively invests in people who want to make a difference,” Brummitt said. “Martinsville-Henry County is a place with a lot of potential, and programs like Pass GO make it an even better place to live and work. Beyond financial relief, the program has reinforced our belief that Martinsville-Henry County values and supports healthcare professionals. It has given us the confidence to grow our careers and make a positive impact through our work in the community. I’m grateful for the opportunities Pass GO has provided, and I hope more professionals take advantage of it to build their future here.”
Dr. Blake Brockbank, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, and a fourth-generation dentist, earned his doctorate in dentistry from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024. After hearing about Pass GO from colleague Dr. Mark Crabtree, he decided to move his family to Martinsville-Henry County and take a position at Martinsville Smiles Family Dentistry.
“Pass GO has helped in assisting me in my goal to pay down my student loans more quickly, and it did factor in my decision to move to Martinsville-Henry County as it was an incentive that I was offered here that I was not offered at other job opportunities at the time,” he said. “I would tell anyone who is eligible that it’s definitely worth trying. The application process was not very difficult, and when I needed help, it was easy to find it. I heard back quickly when I applied, which was very nice.”
Pass GO accepts applicants from more than 20 high-demand professions, most with open positions available in Martinsville-Henry County. These positions are evaluated annually.
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Joshua Graham and Josie Tongue are on track to earn their college degrees with less debt and more freedom to build the lives they envision, thanks to the SEED Fund. Created by The Harvest Foundation and Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC), this college promise program covers 2.5 years of tuition and fees at P&HCC for every high school and homeschool graduate in Martinsville and Henry County—removing financial barriers and opening doors to higher education.
Joshua said he remembered when he first entered high school, and he would see students wearing SEED Fund shirts and talking about how they wanted to do well in school so they could qualify for the program and go to Patrick & Henry Community College.
“I originally applied for the SEED Fund so I could save up and go to a four-year university, but after my first year, I decided to stick around and finish up my associate degree as well as complete the Industrial Electronics Technology associate,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed a majority of my classes and P&HCC, especially my electrical classes over at the MET building. I expect to graduate in the fall of 2025.”
Joshua is focused on a career in the electrical and industrial field and plans to take his certifications and experience out into the workforce.
“For those who are still deciding or haven’t decided what they want to do as their career, the SEED fund is a great opportunity to let students explore various career paths,” he said. “And for the ones wanting to go to a 4-year school, SEED gives students a stepping stone to build upon. Overall, SEED is a great opportunity for the students in Martinsville and Henry County. In the future, I plan on working locally and settling down in the area.”
Meanwhile, Josie found out about the SEED Fund through community discussions and local conversations. Positive feedback from her peers and mentors about the benefits ultimately pushed her to apply.
“The SEED Fund will play a crucial role in my future plans by alleviating financial burdens associated with my education,” she said. “I genuinely believe that without the support of the SEED Fund, pursuing a college education would have been a significant challenge, as it allows me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of debt.”
Now enrolled in the registered nursing (RN) program at P&HCC, Josie plans to graduate in December 2026. Despite the high demands of nursing school, she said she feels supported and ready.
“My experience in classes at Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has been quite positive,” she added. “Although I have faced some challenges, I feel significantly more prepared for assessments. P&HCC offers diverse learning methods that I truly appreciate. I believe the (SEED Fund) is an outstanding program that provides invaluable support to students in our community.”
Since its launch as a pilot program in 2018 with an initial investment of $3.1 million, the SEED Fund continues to grow. In September 2021, The Harvest Foundation renewed the program with a $10.3 million grant, ensuring its impact on Martinsville-Henry County for the next 10 years.
To date, more than ** students have received ** credentials from P&HCC through the SEED Fund.
“It is an investment in the power of hope for a better future for our community,” said Dr. Greg Hodges, president of P&HCC, during the 2021 grant announcement event. “Starting today, the question of ‘Can I afford to go to college?’ will never again be asked by a school-age student in Martinsville-Henry County. As of this moment, the financial barrier of attending college has been removed for an entire generation.”
The Five Points Neighborhood, designed with urban living and affordability in mind, was built to support single families and first-time home buyers with low-interest loan options and accessible price points. Today, all 10 homes in the development have been sold, marking a major success for the community and the partners behind the project.
The Five Points Neighborhood began as a demonstration project with an FY20 Community Impact Innovative Demonstrations grant from Virginia Housing. The project brought together a unique public-private partnership that included the City of Martinsville, USDA-Rural Development, Nationwide Homes, Silverpoint Homes, Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., United Way of Henry County & Martinsville, and The Harvest Foundation.
Sarah Baker, a realtor with Cockram Realty and the principal realtor on the project, played a key role in that success. With a passion for community and finding homes for her clients, she guided each buyer through the process from start to finish.
“Being a REALTOR is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Helping clients step by step in such an important decision of their life,” said Baker. “Finding the perfect home and then on closing day — especially first-time home buyers) handing the buyer a key to their new home…there’s nothing to compare!”
Baker was the principal realtor for the Five Points Neighborhood, selling all homes in the new housing development. She said when she was approached to help list and market the homes, she was excited and thrilled at the opportunity.
“‘Why rent when you could BUY a new home’ was on local billboards, picturing one of the Five Points homes,” she said. “Even though we welcome out-of-town buyers, I wanted locals to know about them as well. Keeping homes affordable was the goal, and with the help of The Harvest Foundation, this allowed us to keep the list price at a reasonable amount for buyers.”
To new home buyers, Baker said she highly recommends finding a local realtor.
“Realtors are very important in the buying/selling process,” she said. “They offer expert guidance: starting with finding a lender for pre-qualification, negotiating price once you found ‘the one,’ and everything in between. There is so much that goes into buying a home that it can be very overwhelming. Being there to listen is just as important as the transaction itself. Helping people—that’s what it’s about.”
Harvest Youth Board: Youth Board grants are awarded to organizations whose programs impact youth. This grant is awarded by members of the Harvest Youth Board.
| Grant Awarded – $5,000 in 2024. Lifetime $110,000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Martinsville Police Benevolent Fund, Inc. | Santa Cops For Kids | $5,000.00 |
The Harvest Foundation awarded nearly $64,000 in 2024 to support six community-driven initiatives through its Project Hope grant program. Grantees were honored at a celebration held at the Bassett Train Station Event Center, where nearly 50 attendees gathered to recognize the power of grassroots action in Martinsville and Henry County.
Project Hope began in 2022 as a one-time effort to celebrate Harvest’s 20th anniversary. Since then, it has grown into a movement—fueling volunteerism, sparking community connection, and nurturing bold ideas that create lasting impact.
“Project Hope is about bringing energy and possibility to communities across Martinsville and Henry County,” said Kate Keller, president of The Harvest Foundation. “These projects represent what’s possible when communities come together. When everyone has a voice and support to create positive change, we all share in the hope of a brighter future.”
Susan Sabin, executive director of The Spencer-Penn Centre, said Project Hope made her long-held dream of a community garden a reality—one that brought together people of all ages, from Girl Scouts to local horticulture students, despite challenging weather and limited resources.
“Whatever your hope looks like, don’t give up on it,” Susan encouraged the 2024 grant recipients. “This process will challenge you—but your project will make a difference.”
Callie Hietala has served on the community review panel for the past two years. She reflected on her journey of moving to the community during the pandemic and the inspiration she found in grantees.
“You were brave enough to dream and bold enough to act,” she said. “You’ve given me hope.”
Each year, Project Hope funds small-scale, volunteer-led projects—up to $15,000—that are completed within 12 months. A 13-member committee of local “hope builders” reviews applications and selects the grantees.
Community Connections, the theme of the 2024 grants cycle, emphasized creating inclusive spaces, fostering meaningful interactions, and empowering residents to learn, grow, and connect.
| Project Hope Grants Awarded 2024: $63,825 | ||
|---|---|---|
Grantee | Program | Amount |
MHC Pride Coalition | Pride All Year | $4,800.00 |
Starling Avenue Baptist Church | Critter Camp | $9,000.00 |
Smith Memorial United Methodist Church | Martinsville-Henry County Social Club | $5,025.00 |
Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation | Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities | $15,000.00 |
Preston Community Center | Preston Community Center Renovation and Beautification | $15,000.00 |
Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County | Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area | $15,000.00 |
| Project Hope Grants Awarded 2024: $63,825 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
| MHC Pride Coalition | Pride All Year | $4,800.00 |
| Starling Avenue Baptist Church | Critter Camp | $9,000.00 |
| Smith Memorial United Methodist Church | Martinsville-Henry County Social Club | $5,025.00 |
| Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation | Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities | $15,000.00 |
| Preston Community Center | Preston Community Center Renovation and Beautification | $15,000.00 |
| Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County | Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area | $15,000.00 |
Pick Up the Pace (PUP) Grants: A competitive, small-grants program designed to engage people and organizations in the transformation of MHC through expanded conversation and action around community issues.
| PUP Grants Awarded 2024: $122,275 | ||
|---|---|---|
Grantee | Program | Amount |
Southern Virginia Latino Association | Bridging the Gap in the Latino Community | $25,000.00 |
Piedmont Community Services Board | Youth In Crisis (Helping Youth Thrive Initiative) | $25,000.00 |
County of Henry | Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex Automatic Entrance Security Gate | $12,000.00 |
West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition | Make More Happen with the West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition Directory and Referral Collaborative | $4,200.00 |
Piedmont Arts Association | Mental Health Awareness: Virginia Stage and Community Resource Fair | $3,075.00 |
Carver Road Ruritan Club | Carver Road Community Sign Landscaping | $3,000.00 |
Theatreworks Community Players Inc | BlackBox Upgrades | $25,000.00 |
City of Martinsville | Amphitheater Planning | $25,000.00 |
| PUP Grants Awarded 2024: $122,275 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
| Southern Virginia Latino Association | Bridging the Gap in the Latino Community | $25,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | Youth In Crisis (Helping Youth Thrive Initiative) | $25,000.00 |
| County of Henry | Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex Automatic Entrance Security Gate | $12,000.00 |
| West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition | Make More Happen with the West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition Directory and Referral Collaborative | $4,200.00 |
| Piedmont Arts Association | Mental Health Awareness: Virginia Stage and Community Resource Fair | $3,075.00 |
| Carver Road Ruritan Club | Carver Road Community Sign Landscaping | $3,000.00 |
| Theatreworks Community Players Inc | BlackBox Upgrades | $25,000.00 |
| City of Martinsville | Amphitheater Planning | $25,000.00 |
At The Harvest Foundation, we believe in the power of people, ideas, and opportunity to shape a brighter future for Martinsville-Henry County. Through strategic investments in youth, vibrant community initiatives, and economic resilience, we are working alongside partners to create lasting change. Whether it’s ensuring access to quality education, fostering a connected and inclusive community, or supporting pathways to economic mobility, our funding priorities reflect our unwavering commitment to a place where all can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more hopeful MHC—one investment at a time.
The Harvest Foundation believes in the power of youth. The Foundation’s strategic goal in this area is to provide first-class learning and development opportunities from birth to college in Martinsville/Henry County.
| Grants Awarded 2024 – $13,491,609 (81.5%) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Henry County Public Schools | Educational Leadership Initiative | $146,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | Educational Leadership Initiative | $1,085,000.00 |
| The Family YMCA Inc. | Community YMCA | $12,000,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | Planning for a Thriving Youth Community | $260,609.00 |
The Harvest Foundation knows that a vibrant community means a healthy and growing community. The Foundation’s strategic goals in this area are Health, ensuring that residents of MHC have access to and understand how to use the primary and behavioral health care systems; and Growing MHC, growing a positive future for MHC by building a connected and revitalized community that will attract and retain diverse residents.
| Grants Awarded 2024 – $2,313,608 (14%) | ||
|---|---|---|
| City of Martinsville | Gap Funding: Fayette Street Lofts | $96,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | School-Based Health Center Planning Grant | $54,000.00 |
| Dan River Basin Association | DRBA DEI Integrated Strategic Plan | $20,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | PCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training | $35,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | Technical Assistance Grant for Uptown Partnership | $1,000.00 |
| County of Henry | Fitness Court: National Fitness Campaign | $75,000.00 |
| City of Martinsville | Fitness Court: National Fitness Campaign | $70,000.00 |
| Dan River Nonprofit Network | Nonprofit Network MHC Center | $759,108.00 |
| Dan River Basin Association | Smith River Synergy | $1,203,500.00 |
The Harvest Foundation believes that a resilient and diverse economy creates a thriving community. The Foundation’s strategic goals in this area are: Economic Development, continuing to make MHC a place where all can secure living-wage employment at both large and small businesses that contribute to a vibrant MHC; and Economic Mobility, ensuring all people in MHC have the opportunity and support to secure a living wage, follow a rewarding career path, and build wealth for the next generation.
| Grants Awarded 2024 – $735,550 (4.5%) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community Investment Collaborative | Establishing a CDFI Microlender in Southern Virginia | $450,000.00 |
| Locus Impact Fund | Developing Southern Virginia's Community Capital Ecosystem | $185,550.00 |
| Henry County Food Pantry Inc | Fresh Start: Expanding Access to Healthier Futures | $100,000.00 |
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the partnerships, ideas and shared commitment that continue to drive lasting change in Martinsville-Henry County. Together, we are creating new pathways for opportunity—strengthening education, expanding access to health and wellness and fostering a vibrant community where everyone can envision a bright future. The Harvest Foundation remains dedicated to nurturing these connections and investing in the people and organizations that make our community stronger. With hope as our guide and equity at the heart of all we do, we look forward to the possibilities ahead and the continued journey we share.
Total Awarded in 2024: $16,731,867
Grants Paid in 2024: $9,410,000
Continuing to Invest in the Future:
Portfolio Growth from 2023 to 2024 – $14.9M
Grants Awarded Since 2003: $206,700,000
Grants Paid to Date: $180,300,000
| Grantee | Project Description | Approved Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Henry County Public Schools | Educational Leadership Initiative | $146,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | Educational Leadership Initiative | $1,085,000.00 |
| City of Martinsville | Gap Funding: Fayette Street Lofts | $96,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | School-Based Health Center Planning Grant | $54,000.00 |
| Dan River Basin Association | DRBA DEI Integrated Strategic Plan | $20,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | PCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training | $35,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | Technical Assistance Grant for Uptown Partnership | $1,000.00 |
| The Family YMCA Inc. | Community YMCA | $12,000,000.00 |
| County of Henry | Fitness Court: National Fitness Campaign | $75,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | Planning for a Thriving Youth Community | $260,609.00 |
| City of Martinsville | Fitness Court: National Fitness Campaign | $70,000.00 |
| Community Investment Collaborative | Establishing a CDFI Microlender in Southern Virginia | $450,000.00 |
| Locus Impact Fund | Developing Southern Virginia’s Community Capital Ecosystem | $185,550.00 |
| Dan River Nonprofit Network | Nonprofit Network MHC Center | $759,108.00 |
| Dan River Basin Association | Smith River Synergy | $1,203,500.00 |
| Henry County Food Pantry Inc. | Fresh Start: Expanding Access to Healthier Futures | $100,000.00 |
| Martinsville Police Benevolent Fund Inc. | Santa Cops For Kids | $5,000.00 |
| Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation | Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities | $15,000.00 |
| Preston Community Center | Preston Community Center Renovation and Beautification | $15,000.00 |
| Starling Avenue Baptist Church | Critter Camp | $9,000.00 |
| Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County | Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area | $15,000.00 |
| Smith Memorial United Methodist Church | Martinsville Henry County Social Club | $5,025.00 |
| MHC Pride Coalition | Pride All Year | $4,800.00 |
| County of Henry | Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex Automatic Entrance Security Gate | $12,000.00 |
| Piedmont Community Services Board | Youth In Crisis (Helping Youth Thrive Initiative) | $25,000.00 |
| West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition | Make More Happen with the West Piedmont Better Housing Coalition Directory and Referral Collaborative | $4,200.00 |
| Piedmont Arts Association | Mental Health Awareness: Virginia Stage and Community Resource Fair | $3,075.00 |
| Southern Virginia Latino Association | Bridging the Gap in the Latino Community | $25,000.00 |
| Carver Road Ruritan Club | Carver Road Community Sign Landscaping | $3,000.00 |
| Theatre Community Players Inc. | BlackBox Upgrades | $25,000.00 |
| City of Martinsville | Amphitheater Planning | $25,000.00 |
| TOTAL | $16,731,867.00 |
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Our goal is to create a vibrant Martinsville / Henry County for all citizens. We work to achieve this goal by investing in programs that stimulate economic development, promote education and health, and improve our overall quality of life.