Frequently Asked Questions: Introduction to Virginia Counselors Association Foundation (VCAF)

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Intro to the VCA Foundation:  Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the VCA Foundation?  The VCA Foundation is a non-profit, charitable, philanthropic endowment fund.  The primary purposes of this fund are to:
    ● Promote and foster professional education and development in the field of counseling in Virginia;
    ● Acknowledge and support individuals engaged in professional pursuits in the counseling field in Virginia. 
    • The vision of the Virginia Counseling Association Foundation is to provide financial resources to promote and enhance the counseling profession in Virginia. 
    • The mission of the VCA Foundation is to create fundraising, philanthropic, and other opportunities which will generate financial resources that will support the purpose of the Foundation.
  2. Who leads the VCA Foundation?  At the present time, the VCA Foundation Board consists of 13 members (9 Directors and 4 Officers), 3 ex-officio members (VCA President, Past President and President-elect),  and 3 Emeritus Members (Honorary).  Additionally, the VCA Executive Director is currently a vacancy in VCA, and therefore on the VCA Foundation Board. 
  3. How is VCAF connected to the Virginia Counselors Association? VCAF was established by the VCA Board in May1991. VCAF collaborates with VCA and provides financial support to a number of activities sponsored by VCA, which are consistent with the purpose and mission of VCAF. The VCA President, Immediate Past President, and President Elect are Ex-Officio members of the VCAF BoardVCAF was chartered by the VCA Board in 1991. It collaborates with VCA and provides financial support to a number of activities sponsored by VCA, which are consistent with the purpose and mission of VCAF. The VCA President, Immediate Past President, and President Elect are Ex-Officio members of the VCAF Board
  4. Who are current VCAF Board Members?  You can find brief bios and email links for the members of the current VCAF Board at https://vcafoundation.org/vcaf-board/ Feel free to contact any members of the Board, if you have any questions. 
  5. What are the VCA Foundation Board Bylaws and where can they  be found? The VCAF Bylaws provide the framework for the VCA Foundation, and can be found at this web page:  https://vcafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/VCAF_Bylaws_May29_2020-1.pdf.  
  6. Does the VCA Foundation have a website? The VCAF website is located at https://vcafoundation.org/  People who are new to of the VCAF Board can learn more about the VCA Foundation by going to the Frequently asked questions page.  
  7. How many VCAF meetings per your are scheduled and where? Usually the VCAF schedules 4-5 meetings per year, each 2-3 hours, to conduct the business of the Foundation.  The meetings are usually online, though they can be scheduled virtually, as they have been during the entire pandemic time period. Board members are expected to attend, in person or virtually. The location of meeting rotates between Richmond, Charlottesvill, Fredericksburg
  8. Are there any other responsibilities for Board members?  Much of the work of the Foundation is done through Committees, available for members to choose.  Through Committee work, Board members become involved in activities that are consistent with their interest and special skills. 
  9. What special skills are required of Board members?  The most important personal skill asked of Board members is a willingness and commitment of time to meet the purpose and mission of the VCA Foundation.  The Foundation Board includes a collection of individuals who bring varied skills and interests to contribute to the functioning of the Board, including but not limited to: 
  • Business Management (including Marketing, Investments, Financial, and Accounting )
  • Writing
  • Administrative and Organizational Leadership 
  • Technology (including Web Editing and Development; Social Media; Photography)
  • Mentoring
  • Other skills which will contribute to a dynamic, creative group.

10. How is VCAF connected to “GivingTuesday”. In 2017, the VCAF decided to affiliate with GivingTuesday. a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. VCAF aligns some of its donor campaigns with the GivingTuesday movement, and also encourages Foundation supporters to consider GivingTuesday as a model for themselves and their organization.

Let us know if you have other questions we should add to this section.

vcaf@vcafoundation.org