2025 Annual Report
Total AmounAwarded in 2025
We Choose Hope
We Choose Hope
Total AmounAwarded in 2025
In Martinsville-Henry County, progress is not defined by a single project or moment. It’s built through sustained investment, strong partnerships, and a shared belief in what is possible.
In 2025, The Harvest Foundation continued its work as a catalyst, convener, and investor. We brought together community leaders, organizations, and residents to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities. From expanding access to attainable housing and strengthening local nonprofits, to empowering youth leaders and supporting grassroots innovation, each investment reflects our commitment to long-term community-driven change.
At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful idea: Lasting impact happens when people come together. Across every initiative, Harvest works alongside partners to ensure growth is inclusive, resources are accessible, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
This report highlights the momentum taking shape across MHC through stories of collaboration, resilience, and progress that point toward a stronger, more vibrant future. Together, we are not only responding to today’s needs, but also building the foundation for generations to come.
In Martinsville-Henry County, the future is being built from the ground up—starting with housing.
In 2025, The Harvest Foundation deepened its commitment to ensuring everyone in MHC has access to attainable housing, recognizing it as essential infrastructure for a thriving community. As new industries emerge and job opportunities expand, housing is no longer just about shelter; it is the foundation for economic growth, workforce stability, and generational opportunity.
Through partnership-driven investments, Harvest is working alongside developers, local governments, and community organizations to create housing solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow.
In Collinsville, a once-overlooked cluster of properties is becoming a symbol of possibility.
The Villa Heights initiative is transforming 13 formerly drug-blighted parcels into quality, attainable homes for income-eligible families—creating not just housing but pathways to stability and wealth building. In December 2025, community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the first four homes, marking a milestone in a project rooted in restoration and renewal.
Through a partnership with the Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust, these homes are priced as low as $170,000—ensuring long-term affordability while giving families the opportunity to invest in their future.
“Havenmore was beyond thrilled to be approached with this opportunity. Once we found out about the RFP, we jumped in and started doing as much research as we could to learn more about Community Land Trusts and the impacts they could have in our community. Affordable housing is a need for so many in Martinsville and Henry County. The opportunity for new construction homes at an affordable price was something that resonated with all of us. Once we were awarded the project to list the homes, we began marketing immediately. We flooded all our social media accounts with livestreams, photo, and video content of the homes and answered common questions about the CLT and the homes. We utilized billboards throughout our community to promote the Villa Heights homes in high-traffic areas. We created 360-degree tours of the homes so everyone can walk through the homes online and see inside them beyond the normal photos. We also staged one of the three-bedroom, two-bath homes to allow potential buyers to see what the home looks like with furniture—to see more than just an empty space. We have also hosted multiple open houses with great turnouts and will continue to do so to get as many people as we can in the doors! The Villa Heights development is aligned with our vision and values for our community at Havenmore. We want to be more than just another real estate company. We want to be centered around the community we live and work in. We are excited to see this new construction growth and affordability for our local area,” said Tiff Guilliams, a realtor with Havenmore.
Each home represents more than a structure—it represents a shift. By reclaiming land once impacted by disinvestment, the project reflects a broader commitment to equity, ensuring that revitalization benefits the people who call MHC home.
In Uptown Martinsville and along key redevelopment corridors, historic and underutilized spaces are being reimagined to meet modern housing needs.
The transformation of the former American Furniture site into Aaron Mills brings 52 energy-efficient units for residents aged 55 and older—offering attainable living options that allow seniors to remain rooted in the community they helped build. With rents ranging from $542 to $800, the development ensures accessibility while promoting independence and dignity.
“When I first moved in, I’ll tell you what I told everyone: ‘I have moved into The Ritz.’ That is truly how I feel. This is The Ritz. Just look around — you have everything you could want. It’s a beautiful apartment with every appliance you could possibly need. I don’t want for anything, and I don’t have to go out for anything, because everything is right here.” Gwendolyn Everett Aaron Mills Resident “Sometimes we meet down in the community room to have coffee and talk. Everyone seems to enjoy helping one another; if someone needs a hand with something, neighbors are right there to help. Everybody here is just so friendly. I love this community and the people in it. I’m a friendly person myself, so I get along with everyone.”
Terence Flood, Aaron Mills Resident
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the historic One Ellsworth building adds 63 new residential units in the heart of Uptown. This investment not only increases housing density but also strengthens the local economy by supporting small businesses, activating downtown spaces, and creating a more vibrant, connected community. Together, these developments honor MHC’s history while building a more inclusive future.As Martinsville-Henry County attracts new industries and creates high-quality jobs, the need for housing has never been more urgent.
In 2025, the announcement of a $65 million investment from Nathan Trotter to build a first-of-its-kind tin processing facility in Henry County signaled a new era of economic momentum, bringing more than 100 new jobs to the region.
This kind of growth reinforces a critical truth: Economic development and housing must move in tandem.
Harvest’s housing investments ensure that as opportunity expands, MHC is ready with attainable homes that let people live, work, and thrive locally.
Beyond large-scale developments, Harvest invests in the long-term stability of existing homeowners and neighborhoods.
Through a three-year $200,000 partnership with the Fuller Center for Housing of MHC, new homes are being constructed with 0% interest, no-profit mortgages, making homeownership accessible for more families.
At the same time, critical home repairs—such as roofs and water heaters—help limited-income and elderly residents remain safely in their homes.
“This partnership brings life-changing opportunities to families in Martinsville and Henry County. We are preserving homeownership through our repair program and turning the dream of homeownership into a reality for others. In fact, that dream is getting ready to come true for two families who will be moving into their forever homes in the coming weeks,” said Beth Stinnett, Executive Director of The Fuller Center for Housing of Martinsville-Henry County.
This work underscores a key principle: A thriving community is built not only by creating new housing but by preserving and strengthening the homes that already exist.
To support both large-scale development and long-term affordability, The Harvest Foundation partners with developers through the Martinsville-Henry County Housing Gap Funding Program—an innovative model designed to make attainable housing financially viable.
By bridging the gap between development costs and affordability, the program ensures that new housing includes units accessible to income-eligible families—expanding opportunity while supporting sustainable growth.
Housing is not just a need—it is a catalyst. When housing is strong, communities are stronger.
From neighborhood revitalization to downtown redevelopment, from senior housing to first-time homeownership, Harvest’s approach reflects a clear vision: Housing is not just a need—it is a catalyst.
By investing in diverse housing solutions, The Harvest Foundation ensures that Martinsville-Henry County remains a place where people can build their lives, grow their careers, and envision a future filled with possibility.
Because when housing is strong, communities are stronger.
In Martinsville-Henry County, hope is more than a sentiment—it’s something built together.
In 2025, The Harvest Foundation invested $73,550 through its Project Hope initiative, supporting six grassroots projects led by local residents and volunteer groups. These efforts reflect a powerful truth: The people closest to the community’s challenges are also closest to the solutions.
Project Hope is designed to elevate those voices by empowering individuals and organizations to bring ideas to life that strengthen neighborhoods, create connection, and inspire pride in place. From community clean-ups to safe welcoming spaces for families and youth, each project represents a shared commitment to making MHC a place where everyone can thrive.
At the heart of the initiative is a participatory approach. A committee of local “hope builders” helps review applications and guide funding decisions, ensuring investments are rooted in community insights and lived experiences. This model not only supports impactful projects—it builds leadership, trust, and momentum across the region.
The 2025 awardees were celebrated alongside volunteers, community leaders, and partners at a gathering in Uptown Martinsville. The event was an opportunity to recognize the ideas, energy, and collaboration driving this work forward. As Harvest Foundation Board Chairman Danny Wulff shared, strong communities are built on social capital—the relationships and shared action that connect people and create lasting change.
That spirit is what defines Project Hope. It’s not just about funding projects—it’s about investing in people, strengthening connections, and supporting community-driven solutions that lead to long-term impact.
Since launching in 2022, Project Hope has invested more than $273,000 into grassroots efforts across Martinsville-Henry County. Each project, no matter the size, contributes to a larger vision of a community where hope is visible, shared, and sustained through collective action.
Because when neighbors come together with purpose, possibility grows—and so does the future of MHC.
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Harm Reduction | MHC Trash Pandas | $10,000 |
| Fayette Area Historical Initiative | Martinsville African American History Walking Tour | $8,750 |
| The Martinsville/Henry County Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative | Fieldale Community Garden & Heart Rod Health & Wellness Kickoff Event | $9,800 |
| Ruritan National Corporation | Ridgeway Ruritan Club Renovations | $15,000 |
| City of Martinsville - Youth Advisory Committee | Movies in the Park | $15,000 |
| Spencer Ruritan | Spencer Field House and Community Hub | $15,000 |
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Harm Reduction | MHC Trash Pandas | $10,000 |
| Fayette Area Historical Initiative | Martinsville African American History Walking Tour | $8,750 |
| The Martinsville/Henry County Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative | Fieldale Community Garden & Heart Rod Health & Wellness Kickoff Event | $9,800 |
| Ruritain National Corp | Ridgeway Ruritain Club Renovations | $15,000 |
| City of Martinsville – Youth Advisory Committee | Movies in the Park | $15,000 |
| Spencer Ruritan | Spencer Field House and Community Hub | $15,000 |
The MHC Trash Pandas, a dedicated volunteer litter pickup group, made significant strides in 2025 to keep Martinsville-Henry County beautiful and litter-free. Supported by the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition, the group’s mission of community beautification received a major boost this year through a $10,000 Project Hope grant. These funds are being used to sustain and expand their vital work across the region.
Throughout the year, the Trash Pandas demonstrated the power of community action, including hosting a cleanup in August 2025 in the Horsepasture/Spencer area. A large crowd of volunteers gathered to clean around the highway, successfully collecting 10 bags of litter to restore the natural beauty of the local landscape.
In October 2025, volunteers focused their efforts on the eastern portion of Highway 58, clearing three bags of trash in just one hour. Find out more about the MHC Trash Pandas and join their next cleanup by visiting their Facebook group.
The Fieldale community is blooming with new opportunities following the successful completion of the Fieldale Community Garden. This project was brought to life by the MHC Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative (also known as the MHC Healthy Heart Initiative), which was awarded a $9,800 Project Hope grant in 2024 to transform an idea into a beautiful reality.
Sponsored by Fieldale Heritage, Inc., this initiative is dedicated to fostering wellness and community engagement. The garden offers residents the following resources:
We’re thrilled to see this space officially come to life as a hub for fresh produce and neighborhood connection. Interested community members are encouraged to reach out to lmhairst@gmail.com to get involved.
Across Martinsville-Henry County, the next generation is helping shape a stronger, more connected community. Through service, leadership, and a commitment to giving back, the Harvest Youth Board is making a meaningful impact—expanding access to literacy, supporting families, and investing in programs that uplift their peers.
From literacy initiatives that turned laundromats into libraries to serving thousands of meals on Thanksgiving Eve, The Harvest Youth Board had a shining year of community impact for Martinsville-Henry County’s children, young adults, and families throughout 2025.
The year kicked off with the Books and Bunnies event on March 22. Despite the clouds, the community showed up in droves. More than 760 attendees joined the festivities, and nearly 300 free books were placed in the hands of children aged 12 and under.
The impact of this day extended far beyond March. During the event, local children contributed to a collaborative canvas illustrated by artist Adrienne Anderson. In June, this mural—which features a beloved Dr. Seuss quote—was gifted to the Blue Ridge Regional Library. It now stands in the lobby as a colorful reminder that “the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
In addition to hosting events, the youth board awarded two significant $5,000 grants. Loads of Literacy, a program by Altrusa International of MHC, meets families where they are by placing age-appropriate books in local laundromats. This initiative ensures that reading becomes a daily habit for all children.
On December 13, Santa Cops for Kids, a program of the Martinsville Police Benevolent Fund, supported the annual Cops for Kids event. Youth board members joined law enforcement for the largest event to date, helping over 175 children shop for holiday essentials and gifts at Walmart.
The W. Dan Prince III Thanksgiving Eve Dinner in November embodied what it truly means to “Give Before You Gather,” a slogan adopted by the youth board for this event. The impact felt across the community ensured that many households had a hot Thanksgiving meal to enjoy during the holiday. The numbers below speak for themselves:
The Harvest Youth Board is a group of 13 hope builders attending high school in Martinsville-Henry County. Keep up with their work on harvestyouthboard.org. Consider applying for a youth board grant if you have projects and programs that directly impact youth in MHC. Grants are available on a rolling application basis for up to $5,000.
| Harvest Youth Board | 2025 Investment: $10,000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cops For Kids | $5,000 | |
| Loads of Literacy: Books for All | $5,000 | |
Through General Responsive Grants, The Harvest Foundation partners with organizations to address some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing Martinsville-Henry County. These investments support innovative, community-driven solutions that expand access to essential services, strengthen economic stability, and improve quality of life. In 2025, more than $5 million was invested to ensure individuals and families across MHC have the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.
In Martinsville-Henry County, the path to a healthier future begins with meeting people where they are.
As communities across the region continue to face the challenges of substance use and rising overdose rates, The Harvest Foundation is investing in solutions that prioritize both immediate care and long-term health. In 2025, the Foundation committed $444,355 over three years to expand harm reduction services through a partnership with the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (VHRC).
Through this investment, VHRC is increasing access to life-saving resources and support for individuals who often face barriers to traditional care. Using a peer outreach model, the organization provides education, overdose reversal tools like naloxone, and connections to testing, treatment, and recovery services.
This work is especially critical in rural areas where access to care can be limited. With Harvest’s support, VHRC is launching a mail-based distribution program to deliver essential supplies—such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and educational materials—directly to residents. The initiative also expands access to HIV and hepatitis C testing and ongoing care.
Beyond the services themselves, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to dignity, trust, and connection. By supporting organizations that build relationships and remove barriers to care, The Harvest Foundation promotes better health outcomes for individuals and families across the region.
Each year, VHRC serves hundreds of residents in Martinsville-Henry County, offering not only resources, but hope. Through this continued investment, the Foundation is working alongside partners to reduce the spread of disease, prevent overdose deaths, and ensure more people can move toward recovery and stability.
Because a thriving community is one where every life is valued—and every person has access to the support they need to move forward.
| General Responsive Grants | 2025 Investment: $5,013,405 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
| Vibrant Communities | ||
| Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition | Harm Reduction for Healthier Communities | $444,355 |
| Fuller Center for Housing of MHC | Home Builds and Repairs | $200,000 |
| Hope Center Ministries | Restoring Hope Through Recovery | $365,000 |
| Blue Ridge Innovation Center | BRIC Vision 2050 | $100,000 |
| Connect Health & Wellness | Growing Connect Health | $2,658,614 |
| Resilient & Diverse Economy | ||
| Virginia Legal Aid Society | Preventing Evictions | $207,000 |
| Virginia Legal Aid Society | Preventing Evictions Part 2: Challenge Grant | $150,000 |
| United Way of Henry County & Martinsville | United Way Financial Stability | $157,795 |
| Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County | The Martinsville Salvation Army Day Center | $121,000 |
| Minority Business Consortium | Minority Business Consortium Infrastructure Investment | $609,641 |
The Harvest Foundation’s PUP grants are designed to strengthen the organizations working every day to move Martinsville-Henry County forward. By investing in capacity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability, PUP grants help local nonprofits and partners deepen their impact and better serve the community.
In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation invested $103,500 through PUP grants—supporting organizations as they enhance operations, build internal strength, and respond to evolving community needs. These investments reflect Harvest’s commitment to not only funding programs, but also equipping partners with the tools and resources needed to grow and lead effectively.
Through PUP, the Foundation continues to walk alongside its partners, helping them deliver meaningful results today while building a stronger, more resilient MHC for the future.
Fieldale Heritage, Inc. keeps working toward its mission to revitalize the historic and recreational spaces of Fieldale. On October 14, 2025, the group hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of three brand-new pickleball courts and a newly restored basketball court. This project transformed underutilized tennis courts into a vibrant, multi-generational hub designed to promote physical wellness and community connection for residents of all ages across Martinsville and Henry County.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts, including a $25,000 investment from The Harvest Foundation and funding support from Ace Northwest Hardware.
By modernizing these facilities, Martinsville-Henry County is responding to the growing popularity of pickleball but also fulfilling a commitment to providing accessible, high-quality recreational opportunities for families, seniors, and youth. These courts now serve as a dynamic gathering place, strengthening community ties and supporting local wellness for years to come.
The Town of Ridgeway is celebrating a new amenity for residents and visitors as they prepare to finish developing a community recreational area. This new multi-use recreational facility at 323 Morehead Avenue makes significant strides in enhancing local health and social engagement. It also represents a major investment in the town’s infrastructure and its residents’ well-being.
The project was made possible through a robust partnership between local and regional entities. The total project cost of $220,000 was supported by the Town of Ridgeway, Henry County, and The Harvest Foundation.
The space is engineered for versatility, offering multiple configurations to accommodate full-court basketball, three regulation Pickleball Courts, street soccer, and street hockey.
The project also includes a high-tech sports lighting system designed and installed by Triangle Electric. This LED system, along with strategically placed security cameras, ensures the facility is safe and accessible for evening use.
Beyond physical fitness, this facility serves as a central hub for intergenerational interaction. It supports Ridgeway’s recent distinction as a Bee City USA by contributing to a healthier, more attractive community environment for pollinators. By providing a safe space for youth and a low-impact exercise option for seniors, the Town of Ridgeway is fostering a stronger sense of community and long-term vitality for all its citizens.
| 2025 PUP Investment: $103,500 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grantee | Program | Amount |
| MHC Economic Development Corporation | Martinsville-Henry County Hotel Market Study | $6,500 |
| MHC SPCA | Fire Safety, Security, and Surveillance Systems | $25,000 |
| Town of Ridgeway | Community Recreational Area Development: Enhancing Health, Wellness, and Social Engagement | $22,000 |
| Appalachian Community Development Foundation | Rural Investment Collaborative | $25,000 |
| Fieldale Heritage Inc., Fieldale Recreation Center & Pools | Conversion of Tennis Courts to Three PIckle Ball Courts | $25,000 |
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the partnerships, ideas, and shared commitment that 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 2025: $9,659,864
Grants Paid in 2025: $19,500,000
Continuing to Invest in the Future:
Portfolio Growth from 2024 to 2025 – $12.9M
Grants Awarded Since 2003: $214,500,000
Grants Paid to Date: $197,000,000
| Grantee | Project Description | Approved Amount |
|---|---|---|
| County of Henry | Villa Heights Development | $325,000.00 |
| West Piedmont Planning District Commission | Aaron Mills Apartments | $335,384.00 |
| Martinsville City Public Schools | School-Based Health Center (SBHC) Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Services Request | $300,000.00 |
| West Piedmont Planning District Commission | Villa Heights Development | $60,000.00 |
| Henry County Public Schools | Educational Leadership Initiative | $146,000.00 |
| The Harvest Foundation | Community Visioning Initiative | $200,000.00 |
| County of Henry | Casper | $650,000.00 |
| Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. | Preventing Evictions Part 2: Challenge Grant | $150,000.00 |
| Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. | Preventing Evictions | $207,000.00 |
| Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor | BRIC Vision 2050 | $100,000.00 |
| United Way of Henry County & Martinsville | United Way Financial Stability | $157,795.00 |
| Hope Center Ministries | Restoring Hope Through Recovery | $365,000.00 |
| Fuller Center For Housing of MHC | Home Builds & Repairs | $200,000.00 |
| Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition | Harm Reduction for Healthier Communities | $444,355.00 |
| Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County | The Martinsville Salvation Army Day Center | $121,000.00 |
| Connect Health & Wellness | Growing Connect Health | $2,658,614.00 |
| Minority Business Consortium | Minority Business Consortium Infrastructure Investment | $609,641.00 |
| Martinsville Police Benevolent Fund, Inc. | Santa Cops for Kids | $5,000.00 |
| Altrusa International of Martinsville-Henry County, Inc. | “Loads of Literacy: Books for All” | $5,000.00 |
| County of Henry | Villa Heights Project | $443,045.00 |
| Locus Impact Fund | BB&T Ellsworth Project | $2,000,000.00 |
| Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition | MHC Trash Pandas | $10,000.00 |
| Fayette Area Historical Initiative | Martinsville African American History Walking Tour | $8,750.00 |
| The Martinsville/Henry County Healthy Hearts Learning Collaborative | Fieldale Community Garden & Heart Rod Health & Wellness Kickoff Event | $9,800.00 |
| Ruritan National Corporation | Ridgeway Ruritan Club Renovations | $15,000.00 |
| City of Martinsville Youth Advisory Committee | Movies in the Park | $15,000.00 |
| Spencer Ruritan | Spencer Field House and Community Hub | $15,000.00 |
| MHC Economic Development Corporation | Martinsville-Henry County Hotel Market Study | $6,500.00 |
| MHC SPCA | Fire Safety Security and Surveillance Systems | $25,000.00 |
| Town of Ridgeway | Community Recreational Area Development: Enhancing Health, Wellness, and Social Engagement | $22,000.00 |
| Appalachian Community Capital Development Foundation | Rural Investment Collaborative | $25,000.00 |
| Fieldale Heritage, Inc., Fieldale Recreation Center & Pools | Conversion of Tennis Courts to Three Pickle Ball Courts | $25,000.00 |
| $9,659,884.00 |
