Category: Organization

Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

August 27, 2025

Downtown Onancock is buzzing with fresh energy, and it’s no accident. The Feel the Vibe project, partially funded by a $45,000 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Downtown Investment Grant, brought together a creative mix of initiatives to attract more people downtown, support entrepreneurs, and enhance the district’s visual appeal. Onancock Main Street (OMS) led the effort, … More Onancock “Feels the Vibe” with Downtown Investment Success

Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2

March 27, 2025

Strengthening Main Street’s Role – Funding, Partnerships, and Community Engagement How does a small town make the case for investing in Main Street? For Cape Charles, Virginia, the journey began with a simple but essential question: What value will this bring us? This second installment of a two-part series explores how Cape Charles Main Street’s … More Demonstrating the Value of Main Street: Part 2

Elevate Your Impact: VCDC Mission Elevation Program

November 25, 2024

The Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC) is helping nonprofit organizations and community-focused groups across Virginia elevate their impact through the Mission Elevation Program. This program provides local organizations with the tools, support, and guidance they need to tackle challenges and drive long-term growth—especially for Main Street communities looking to revitalize their downtown areas. What is … More Elevate Your Impact: VCDC Mission Elevation Program

Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

October 24, 2024

As a Virginia Main Street (VMS) program administrator, I’ve had the privilege of learning and implementing the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process within the communities I serve. This approach not only celebrates successes but also inspires collaborative visioning for the future—an ideal strategy and very good match for Main Street nonprofit organizations looking to enhance impact. … More Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Path to Strategic Planning for Main Street Organizations

Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

September 23, 2024

In the heart of the unincorporated town of Toano, on the western edge of James City County, lies a small nonprofit with a big vision: the Toano Historical Society (THS). Founded in 2018, THS seeks to inspire community spirit, promote local history, and preserve the small-town character of the Toano Commercial Historic District—a collection of … More Building Capacity: How Toano Historical Society is Revitalizing Through Human Capital Development

Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

July 22, 2024

If you go looking for problems, that’s what you’re going to see. But, what if you had tools to help you amplify what is going right in your organization, at any stage of development? I (Kyle Meyer) have the pleasure of working with the Town of Urbanna, which is currently a Virginia Main Street (VMS) … More Fostering Growth: Appreciative Inquiry in Urbanna’s Main Street Startup

VCDC’s Mission Elevation on Main Street

November 13, 2020

Our guest blogger is Raven Bates, Communications and Office Manager at the Virginia Community Development Corporation (VCDC). The Mission Elevation program is an extension of VCDC’s commitment to ensure communities are vibrant for all residents. To date, 27 organizations have participated in the program leading to remarkable and durable financial, programmatic and strategic impacts. Harrisonburg … More VCDC’s Mission Elevation on Main Street

Workshop Series: Getting Started with Community Heart and Soul

September 28, 2020

Learn how to get started with Community Heart & Soul, a powerful way to strengthen community. Created by the Orton Family Foundation, Community Heart & Soul is a unique community development model that brings people together to build stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns based on what matters most to everyone. … More Workshop Series: Getting Started with Community Heart and Soul