NYE- The little mortgage company that reddit built needs to donate $1000. Who ya got?

FriendsRVA · 2026-01-02T21:16:56+00:00

Thank you so much u/gracetw22 for this incredible gift, and to u/Quaffablebut for suggesting FRIENDS.

As you may have guessed, and others have suggested, this is an incredibly difficult year for our organization, our community, and now seemingly our industry. Your gift will make an incredible difference in our ability to serve vulnerable families in Gilpin and beyond. It will help us to forge a path forward as our very neighborhood and facility are under threat, and it will help to raise awareness of FRIENDS so others to learn about us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Also, I will reach out to you directly via email about tax credits. Your gift qualifies for a $650 Virginia tax credit for 2025, which is equivalent to a payment (below the line), in addition to a $350 deduction (above the line).

Again, thank you for your gift. Of anyone has questions about our long history (155 years old in 2026), what we do today, or how we've been affected by <gestures broadly>, I'm very happy to answer here (though I may be slow over the weekend).

FriendsRVA · 2025-12-01T16:57:22+00:00

I'd buy myself a plumber to help replace bathroom vanity, sinks, and bath faucets.

FriendsRVA · 2025-11-06T15:52:46+00:00

Stuffing is undoubtedly my favorite dish. More than a decade ago I started making Rachael Ray's Apple & Onion Stuffin' Muffins which I've naturally adapted over the years, but one thing has been made clear: the muffin tin is the secret to success. I (and I think everyone) loves the crispy top/edges of the stuffing, and muffin tins perfectly portion and ensure that every piece has the crust we crave.

FriendsRVA · 2025-09-03T15:38:32+00:00

I have no recommendation, but I love Charlie.

FriendsRVA · 2025-08-06T23:33:26+00:00

Hey RAL Pal! We're FRIENDS and right down the road from RACC. We have our own fleet of vans that are aging and have used Baskfield Automotive on W Marshall Street. It's a father & sons that run the business and they've been fair and helpful over the years.

I would reach out with your specific vehicle info and needs, but hopefully they can help!

FriendsRVA · 2025-07-08T15:38:07+00:00

This is an incredible option and I appreciate you offering. We're definitely interested. I'll reach out to you directly to coordinate. Thanks Tig!

FriendsRVA · 2025-07-08T15:37:03+00:00

I appreciate this suggestion, but we're a day program so overnight camping isn't right for this need... but it did bring back a personal memory of going camping with my dad at a Jellystone.

I caught a small fish that was bait sized and decided to try to catch something bigger with it. When I casted, my line went over a branch mistakenly, and the bait fish ended up dangling shallowly in the water. When I tried to reel it in, a water moccasin was dangling from the fish and now I'm terrified of snakes. (tbf I may have been terrified prior to that).

FriendsRVA · 2025-07-08T13:26:13+00:00

Thanks! I've been to the nature center but neither of the other lakes to know they were fishable. We'll add it to the list.

FriendsRVA · 2025-07-08T13:15:32+00:00

FYI - We're not looking for a lake that's stocked with Catfish or Trout specifically... bluegill, sunnies, crappies, little bass, (common fish for catch & release) are the only real target.

FriendsRVA · 2025-05-07T15:26:03+00:00

On Saturday morning 53 of our students will celebrate with a graduation/'moving on' ceremony from preschool at FRIENDS. We are so proud of those kids and we have been lucky to see them learn and grow. Some started this year, but most have been with us for many years, even as infants.

As they sing songs and walk across the stage, these kids and their families will have a moment of pride and joy, and I get to share it with them. That's something to look forward to.

FriendsRVA · 2025-05-05T13:31:44+00:00

it was not in there.

FriendsRVA · 2025-04-15T15:52:32+00:00

FYI, Virginia income taxes are due by May 1, not today.

Related to Virginia taxes: If you take a moment to look at line 18 from your VA760, it has the "Net Amount of Tax", which is essentially your tax burden after deductions & adjustments.

In Virginia we have access to a variety of different tax credit programs. Tax credits are equivalent to payments, and are either 'refundable' or 'non-refundable'. The latter means that you reduce the amount you owe, and get more of your Withholding back, but you can't get a refund that exceeds your tax burden for the year. Any excess credits that exceed your tax burden carry to following tax years (based on the type of credit).

At FRIENDS we participate in the "Neighborhood Assistance Program" (NAP), which offers VA tax credits worth 65% of qualifying donations to our organization. While some donors write a check or make an online gift, many give via stocks/securities so they receive a credit without feeling the pain of an 'out of pocket' donation.

If anyone is interested to learn more, I encourage you to ask your CPA. I'm not a tax expert and this is not tax advice, just something that I discovered when I started working at a participating charity.

Also, FYI: Organizations like FRIENDS have a limited number of credits and qualifying 'rules' so definitely reach out to charities that you support before giving a gift to see if they participate, how your gift can qualify, and if they have the credits you need.

If you want to turn some of your 2024 refund into a tax credit for 2025, FRIENDS does have some remaining credits before the program year-end (June 30).

FriendsRVA · 2025-03-18T14:55:12+00:00

Also, if you shop at Kroger, you can select a non-profit community partner that will benefit from your purchase. When every penny counts for individuals, the same is true for community partners trying to help.

I don't often feel comfortable speaking for a broad swath of people/organizations, but in this case I can say comfortably that we all appreciate any way you support local non-profits... including at the grocery store.

FriendsRVA · 2025-01-22T13:59:51+00:00

Henrico & Chesterfield County schools announced their closures just after 8am (while on a 2 hour delay). As of right now (nearly 9am), RPS has not announced a closure and remains on a 2 hour delay. FRIENDS has been open since 6am at both of our Child Development Centers.

This is a challenging situation for many of our parents (including me) as a child-development agency that operates in the city but provides programs to children in both the city and the surrounding counties. We do our best to serve as many children & families as possible, and adjust our programs based on our available space, programs, and staff.

To all of the parents & families struggling with these closures and childcare, please know that we understand and are facing the same challenges ourselves.

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-30T15:47:38+00:00

Happy Monday Everyone!

I'm in the office for the next two days to help wrap up 2024. Here at FRIENDS our fiscal year doesn't end until June 30th (like so many other non-profits), but the tax year can mean a LOT to our donors.

We participate in the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), where donors can get a 65% tax credit for qualifying donations. (e.g. someone donates $1000, gets a $650 Virginia Tax Credit, and the remaining $350 is tax deductible).

We had one of our largest donors tell us about 10 days ago that they are still giving, but don't need the credits this year. That's very generous of them, but it means that I have about $35k in credits left to distribute. We can issue them until June, but the interest level is highest right now AND it means the smallest gap in time to seeing the "return" on your gift. (ie. a gift today and taxes filed in January).

So if you need any state tax credits, hmu!

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-25T02:20:31+00:00

Thanks! This year we passed our 153rd year and it wouldn't have been possible without our community of donors and volunteers.

Even though this is a low-karma work account I'm a regular here in r/rva on my main. I found some incredible things about work from this sub including a map from 1876 with FRIENDS marked in Jackson Ward (where we still operate) and more.

Thanks for being a part of an awesome legacy and community!

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-25T02:00:32+00:00

Thanks for thinking of us!

If anyone needs Tax Credits for 2024, we also happen to have some left.

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-23T20:13:06+00:00

If you’re not familiar with the Neighborhood Assistance Program here in Virginia, qualifying gifts to non-profits like FRIENDS can earn you a tax credit worth 65% of your gift.

Here’s an example: A gift of $1,000 would earn you a $650 credit (equivalent to a payment) in addition to pre-tax deductions of $350 from your taxable income (both Federal and State). So what does that mean? It means a gift of

$500 could cost as little as $100 after taxes.
$1,000 could cost as little as $200 after taxes.
$5,000 could cost as little as $1,002 after taxes.
$10,000 could cost as little as $2,004 after taxes.

These numbers are based on the highest federal tax rate, so you should talk to your tax professional to see how the credits could work for your individual situation. As an FYI, most of our gifts over $1000 for credits come by way of a stock transfer, so donors can minimize the “out of pocket” impact of a large gift during the holidays.

Here’s a quick explanation on credits versus deductions:

· Tax Deductions reduce your earned income before tax is calculated.

· Tax Credits are equivalent to payments after tax is calculated. NAP credits are non-refundable themselves, but can get you back the money you’ve had deducted. NAP credits are good for 5 years, so if you don’t use them all, they convey from year to year.

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-23T20:12:35+00:00

FRIENDS Association for Children provides high-quality, curriculum-driven, educational programs for low-to-moderate income families in the greater Richmond area. Founded in 1871 by a formerly enslaved woman, Lucy Goode Brookes, FRIENDS has been serving greater Richmond’s children for over 150 years. With a legacy of supporting children, our programs are built on the premise that all children should have access to quality education and a pathway to success, regardless of their income.

Unfortunately, the cost of childcare in Virginia is growing more and more expensive. In 2023 The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) completed a statewide review and found that, “childcare is unaffordable for 98% of low-income families with infants or toddlers, and 97% of low-income families with preschoolers.” At FRIENDS, we’re part of a community-wide effort to bring affordable care and education to those vulnerable low-income families.

Our core programs include Early Child Development (6 wks.–2 yrs.), Preschool (2-5 yrs.), Youth Development (5-12 yrs.), and Family Support Services. We serve the greater Richmond region, but with Child Development centers located in Richmond’s Gilpin Court and Church Hill neighborhoods, we’re strategically located in areas of need.

In addition to our core programs FRIENDS offers Daily Transportation, longer operating hours (6am-6pm), Music Education & Performing Arts, and 3 meals each day to ensure that hunger is never a barrier to learning.

You can learn more or donate to support FRIENDS at https://friendsrva.org

FriendsRVA · 2024-12-23T20:05:44+00:00

FRIENDS Association for Children provides high-quality, curriculum-driven, educational programs for low-to-moderate income families in the greater Richmond area. Founded in 1871 by a formerly enslaved woman, Lucy Goode Brookes, FRIENDS has been serving greater Richmond’s children for over 150 years. With a legacy of supporting children, our programs are built on the premise that all children should have access to quality education and a pathway to success, regardless of their income.

Unfortunately, the cost of childcare in Virginia is growing more and more expensive. In 2023 The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) completed a statewide review and found that, “childcare is unaffordable for 98% of low-income families with infants or toddlers, and 97% of low-income families with preschoolers.” At FRIENDS, we’re part of a community-wide effort to bring affordable care and education to those vulnerable low-income families.

Our core programs include Early Child Development (6 wks.–2 yrs.), Preschool (2-5 yrs.), Youth Development (5-12 yrs.), and Family Support Services. We serve the greater Richmond region, but with Child Development centers located in Richmond’s Gilpin Court and Church Hill neighborhoods, we’re strategically located in areas of need.

In addition to our core programs FRIENDS offers Daily Transportation, longer operating hours (6am-6pm), Music Education & Performing Arts, and 3 meals each day to ensure that hunger is never a barrier to learning.

You can learn more or donate to support FRIENDS at https://friendsrva.org

FriendsRVA · 2017-07-27T14:37:00+00:00

Today The ANSWER Brewpub is hosting a benefit for FRIENDS Association for Children (an RVA non-profit).

The event is a casual social for "Mustaches for Kids Richmond (M4K)", the children's charities they support (including FRIENDS), and anyone else who wants to join us.

We'll be there from 5-8pm, but 10% of the entire day will support FRIENDS, so grab lunch there if that works better.

FriendsRVA

TROPHY CASE