Celebrating Future Community Impact Makers: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

At Atlantic Union Bank, strengthening the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do. That commitment is reflected in our support of the Future Community Impact Makers Paid Internship Grant Program, an initiative designed to expand opportunities for young professionals while empowering nonprofit organizations across our footprint. This year, we’re proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone: 60 internship grants awarded across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, an increase from 50 grants last year, totaling a $240,000 investment in our communities. Since the program began in 2023, Atlantic Union Bank has awarded $620,000, impacting 155 students.

Expanding Opportunities Through Meaningful, Paid Internships

Each grant provides:

• $3,600 in wages for a paid intern
• $400 for recruitment and professional development within the host organization

These funds help nonprofit partners offer high‑quality internship experiences, supporting talent development, providing career exposure and easing the financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in internships.

This investment is more than financial, it represents our shared belief that the next generation of leaders deserves access to equitable, hands‑on learning experiences that prepare them for rewarding careers.

Supporting Professional Growth with Bank‑Led Development Sessions

As part of the program, interns will also participate in exclusive development sessions hosted by Atlantic Union Bank, where they will build essential workplace skills, gain insight into career pathways and connect with professionals who can offer mentorship and guidance.

These sessions complement the work interns will do within their host organizations, helping them develop confidence, professional readiness and a deeper understanding of career opportunities across multiple industries.

Celebrating Our 2026 Grant Recipients

This year’s 60 nonprofit grant recipients represent a diverse and inspiring group of organizations making a difference in housing, education, food security, youth development, the arts and more. From Richmond to Rockville, Norfolk to Washington, D.C., these partners embody the spirit of service that strengthens our region. 

Access Housing, Washington, D.C.
ANCHOR (Affordable North Carolina Housing Servies and Management Corporation), Winston-Salem, NC
Anna Sudha Community Kitchens, Sterling, VA
Better Housing Coalition, Richmond, VA
Big Homies Inc, Portsmouth, VA
Blue Sky Fund, Richmond, VA
Boaz & Ruth Inc., Richmond, VA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Washington, D.C.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Richmond, VA
Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, Bridgewater, VA
CodeVA, Richmond, VA
Community Investment Collaborative, Charlottesville, VA
Economic Action MD, Baltimore, MD
Envision Lead Grow, Inc., Portsmouth, VA
Family Lifeline, Richmond, VA
Feed More Inc., Henrico, VA
Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA
Frederick Rescue Mission, Inc., Frederick, MD
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids Inc, Richmond, VA
Greater Richmond Partnership, Richmond, VA
Groundwork RVA Inc, Richmond, VA
Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity, Mechanicsville, VA
HeartSmiles, Baltimore, MD
Hero Kids Foundation, Suffolk, VA
Homeward, Richmond, VA
Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers, Washington, DC
Little Hands Virginia, Richmond, VA
Maryland Community Connection, Lanham, MD
MBL Foundation, Richmond, VA
National Coalition for the Homeless, Washington, DC
New Hope CDC, Wilmington, NC
Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, Reston, VA
Northern Virginia Family Service, Manassas, VA
Nourish Now, Rockville, MD
Partnership for the Future Inc, Glen Allen, VA
Plenty! Farm and Food Bank, Floyd, VA
Project GROWS, Staunton, VA
Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Fredericksburg, VA
RESET Inc., Chesapeake, VA
Richmond Region Tourism Foundation, Richmond, VA
Richmond Symphony, Richmond, VA
Sitar Arts Center, Washington, DC
SOAR365, Richmond, VA
Sunnyside Ministry, Winston-Salem, NC
The Community Coalition of Sussex, Virginia, Jarratt, VA
The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, Fredericksburg, VA
The Richmond Night Market Foundation, Richmond, VA
Third Chance, Danville, VA
THRIVE Peninsula, Newport News, VA
United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley Harrisonburg, VA
United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Danville VA
United Way of South Hampton Roads, Norfolk, VA
Versability Resources, Hampton, VA
Volunteer Hampton Roads, Norfolk, VA
Wesley Housing Development Corporation, Alexandria, VA
Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS), Winchester, VA
Young Investors Group, Norfolk, VA
YWCA Richmond, Richmond, VA

Building Stronger Communities—Together

The Future Community Impact Makers Paid Internship Grant Program demonstrates what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We’re honored to support this initiative and excited to witness the positive impact these interns will make in the months ahead.

To every nonprofit participating in this year’s program: thank you for the vital work you do.

To the interns stepping into these roles: we’re cheering you on as you grow, learn and lead.

And to our Teammates who help bring programs like this to life: your dedication continues to make a difference.

Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities, and investing in the leaders who will shape their futures.