ACT's 20th Anniversary - ACT for Alexandria : ACT for Alexandria

Since we began, ACT has brought people to the table to catalyze positive social change. Equipped with trusting relationships, resources, and connections we champion the collective of Alexandra. Together, we build Alexandria’s future as a just, vibrant, equitable place where all who live and work here thrive and feel like they belong.

We are excited to share stories from yesterday and today, and the stories we will create tomorrow.

20 Years of ACT's Achievements

$33 million

distributed to nonprofit organizations through grant programs

$23 million

in donations to Alexandria nonprofits through its online giving day, Spring2ACTion

Over 200

Alexandria-serving nonprofit organizations supported through grants, trainings and workshops, and convenings

Our Story

ACT Then

ACT was created by local philanthropists to increase their effectiveness and efficiency through centralized giving. Quickly, ACT became one of the first communities to host an online giving day—you know it as Spring2ACTion. With the City, we started the Center for Alexandria’s Children to assist kids suffering abuse and trauma. We also helped establish the Early Care and Education Working Group, maximizing the efforts of experts in the childcare and education fields. We’re proud to say the group achieved launch as the standalone nonprofit, Kids First Years.

ACT Now

Beginning in 2020, our efforts during the COVID pandemic allowed ACT to secure itself as an essential institution in Alexandria that addresses the well-being of our community. We engage 130 philanthropic families helping them achieve greater impact with their giving. And we strengthen the entire network of local nonprofits. One signature achievement is our work with Alexandria’s youth. The Youth Support Network has grown into Alexandria Beyond the Classroom, representing 100+ youth-serving organizations for high-quality K12 programming. The Youth Employment & CTE Working Group channels employers, schools, government, and nonprofits to create pathways to fulfilling careers. And the Youth Council gives high school students the ability to flex their leadership muscles by researching issues of importance and presenting solutions to the City’s key decision makers.

ACT Next

ACT sees a just, equitable, vibrant community where everyone who lives and works in Alexandria thrives and feels like they belong. How do we achieve it? By deepening our commitment to the economic well-being of Alexandrians. Specifically, we seek to address racial disparities and help low-income families and individuals navigate economic crisis, move up the ladder, and secure affordable housing. We will expand the generosity of current and future private and corporate donors who take advantage of our philanthropic advisory services and charitable fund offerings. We’d love for you to join us.

Celebrating Community: Stories of Impact

ACT’s impact is best defined by the stories of our partners and collaborators. For example, the story of a nonprofit that is stronger and delivering high impact or the story of a donor who sees their values come to life through their philanthropy – these are the stories that measure our success.

ACT’s 20th Anniversary