The Dave Matthews Band’s Bama Works Fund has awarded $10 million in 2025 to support local organizations addressing housing, food insecurity, arts education, clean air, and other community needs in Charlottesville and surrounding counties.
Housed at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the fund distributed grants to 141 organizations across Charlottesville, Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange counties through its fall grants round.
“This funding represents more than financial support — it represents partnership and a shared vision for a stronger community,” said Leslie Lynn Smith, president and CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.
Key gifts include:
- $5.5 million for the redevelopment of public housing at CRHA sites on 6th Street and South First Street, part of a broader effort that has raised nearly $30 million to date.
- $1 million to The Fountain Fund, providing low-interest loans and financial coaching to formerly incarcerated residents.
- $1 million to the Salvation Army Center of Hope capital campaign to expand shelter capacity and services.
- $1 million challenge grant to the Music Resource Center’s capital campaign to support its transition to a new space.
- $300,000 to New Hill Development to support the BEACON kitchen and regional food entrepreneurship programs.
- $100,000 to Twice Is Nice, a donation-based thrift store that funnels proceeds back into local nonprofits.
- $500,000 to combat food insecurity, providing holiday meals for nearly 2,000 families and supporting emergency food programs.
In addition to regional support, the band has planted one million trees annually through The Nature Conservancy, aiming to reach seven million by the end of 2026.
The Bama Works Fund’s contributions reflect the band’s long-standing commitment to its hometown community and its belief that thriving nonprofits are essential to thriving communities.
For a full list of 2025 grantees, visit the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s website.
