Donation Guidelines
Qualifications for Consideration
For your organization to be considered for support from The Joseph M Ruffin Foundation, please ensure you meet the following criteria:
- 501(c)(3) Status: Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt organization.
- Virginia Incorporation: You must be incorporated within Virginia.
- IRS Documentation: Please provide your most recently filed IRS 990 return (or the IRS Determination Letter if a 990 is unavailable).
- Possible Visit: There is a possibility that our Foundation may request a visit to your organization for further review.
Foundation's Goal
Our primary goal is to honor our founder, Joseph M. Ruffin, Jr., by staying true to our mission statement: Improving Communities and Lives in Virginia. Our dedicated board of directors meticulously researches and vets charities that are presented to us for consideration. We strictly adhere to the IRS criteria for private foundation distribution without exception.
Impact of the Foundation
Since our inception, we have distributed $1,079,744 to 73 charities across various sectors. Here is a breakdown of our donations:
- Animal: $89,080
- Environmental: $59,881
- Health: $648,617
- Education: $100,763
- Arts and Culture: $181,403
Charities We Supported
Animal Charities
Richmond SPCA
Prevent A Litter Veterinary Hospital
Voices for Animals
Bandits Adoption & Rescue of K-9s
K-9 ALERT Search and Rescue
Operation Catnip of Richmond
Richmond Ruff House
Capital Area Rescue Effort
Richmond Animal League
Goochland Community Cats
Northern Neck Partners for Pets
Environmental Charities
James River Association
Friends of the Blueridge Parkway
Virginia Association of Parks
Virginia Capital Trail
Capital Trees
The Virginia Living Museum
Health Charities
Northern Neck Free Health Clinic
Northern Neck Food Bank
Sports backers
VA Home for Boys and Girls
Full Circle Grief Center
Journey 4 Autism
St. Mary’s Health Wagon
Gray Haven Project
Greater Richmond SCAN
Habitat for Humanity
2 End the Stigma
Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation
Signs of Fun Camp
Veterans and Athletes United
Art for the Journey
Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck
Smith Point Sea Rescue
ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation
Service Dogs of Virginia
St. Joseph’s Villa
Feed More
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond
Cover One Foundation
Goochland Cares
Hands Across Matthews
Health Harvest Food Bank
Journey House Recovery
Tri-Hope
Boys to Men Mentoring Virginia
Spur’n Up Hope Inc
Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad
Housing Families First
Children’s Home Society of Virginia
St. Francis – Manchester
Education Charities
Christchurch School Foundation
Drive Smart Virginia
READ RVA / The Read Center
Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School
Jacob’s Ladder, Inc
Math Science Innovation Center Foundation
Read to Them, Inc
Riverside School Inc
St. Andrew’s School
Elk Hill
Peter Paul Development Center
UP RVA
Arts & Culture Charities
Children’s Museum of Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
DAW Theater
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Rappahannock Art League
City Singers Children’s Choir
Character Works
Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts
Soundscapes Inc
Sons of the American Revolution
The Joseph M Ruffin Foundation is committed to positively impacting communities by supporting charities in Virginia that align with our mission of enhancing lives and fostering community development. We look forward to partnering with your organization to continue our philanthropic endeavors. For more information, connect with us today.
Dedicated to Supporting Charities in Virginia
The Joseph M Ruffin Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing communities and lives. Founded in honor of our visionary founder, Joseph M. Ruffin, Jr., we are committed to making a positive impact by supporting charities in Virginia that align with our mission.
Through rigorous vetting processes and adherence to IRS guidelines, we strive to uplift organizations dedicated to animal welfare, environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and arts and culture. Join us in our journey to create meaningful and lasting change in Virginia, one charitable contribution at a time.