About the Foundation
Our Story
Through our partnership with citizens of Smyth County, area non-profits, and our local governments, Smyth County Community Foundation is able to support our students as they build their skills to be successful, caring citizens and able to support area non-profits as they work to improve our community, one project at a time.
We are on a Mission to partner to build pathways for a stronger community by creating opportunities and giving hope for a brighter future.
Our Shared Purpose is to build a community where all people can lead healthy, successful lives and are inspired to help one another.
Our Foundation is based on the following Core Values:
Integrity
Accountability
Impactful
Wise Stewardship
Compassion
Caring, addressing needs, inclusivity.
Meet Our Board
Michael M. Robinson, Ph.D., Chair
Emily Bralley, D.O.
Dennis G. Carter, Ed.D.
Brian Cregger
Paul Holcombe, Esq., Vice Chair
Dave Fields
Sarah Gillespie
John H. Graham, Esq.
Chelsea Hamman, M.D.
Sandra Catalan, Secretary/Treasurer
Dickie Kegley
David Kiser, M.D.
Brian C. Thompson, D.MD.
Merrelle Ward
Our History
Smyth County Community Foundation was established in 1998 to support Smyth County Community Hospital (SCCH) and enhance the health of local residents. Over the years, it changed ownership and mission. In 1999, funds from the hospital’s partial sale were transferred to the Foundation, which used them to build the Lifetime Wellness Center. In 2005, the Foundation re-acquired an interest in SCCH, followed by its majority acquisition by Mountain States Health Alliance (now Ballad Health).
In 2021, Ballad Health purchased the Foundation’s remaining interest in SCCH. Faced with this change, the Foundation decided to adopt a two-entity model. Smyth County Charitable Fund continues the tradition of grant-making for non-profits in health, wellness, and education. Smyth County Community Foundation promotes philanthropy across the county by encouraging endowments for scholarships and grants. Through collaboration with citizens, non-profits, and local governments, the Foundation supports students and area projects to improve the community.
Support Smyth County Community Foundation
If you would like to send a check instead, address it to Smyth County Community Foundation and include the scholarship or endowment name on the “For” line. Please mail your check to 1 Health Way, Marion, VA 24354.