Rachel Hill Harrell passed away in January of 2013 at the age of 45. She was a loving and protective mother, daughter, sister, wife, and friend. Devoted and beautiful both inside and out, Rachel was a compassionate, accepting, and tireless advocate for the underdog. Appropriately, she is pictured here at a charity event in Norfolk. The Rachel Harrell Memorial Fund is designed to honor her by helping those less fortunate, focusing particularly but not exclusively on single mothers.

Learn more about Rachel

 

Rachel Harrell Memorial Fund: Q & A

 

What is the Fund’s purpose?

The purpose of the Fund is to provide direct grants to support programs benefiting single mothers and their children, victims of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, child and youth development, children’s health, and other causes that help improve the lives of women and children.

Are donations to the Fund tax-deductible?

Yes.  Donations are now tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Does the Fund have oversight?

Yes.  The Fund exists as a pass-through “donor advised fund” under the umbrella of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a 501(c)(3) charity.  The Foundation’s board of directors is responsible to ensure that the Fund makes grants only to legitimate 501(c)(3) charities.  CFNOVA allows grants anywhere in the U.S., but the Fund will concentrate mostly on Rachel’s beloved Hampton Roads area.

Who decides where the money goes?

As founding donor, Rod Harrell advises CFNOVA of the intent to offer a grant to a chosen 501(c)(3) charity.  CFNOVA vets the charity and then directs a disbursement.  It is important to note that the Rachel Harrell Memorial Fund is controlled by CFNOVA.  The donor-advisor can only legally make recommendations; however, CFNOVA attempts to honor the wishes of donor-advisors to the maximum extent possible.  It is in their interest to do so.

Why did you choose to establish this type of relationship with its attendant restrictions?

The process to become a stand-alone 501(c)(3) would have been prohibitively expensive and time consuming.  Many charities wait for more than a year to receive their tax-exempt status.  The IRS also requires each prospective 501(c)(3) to establish a board of directors charged with fiduciary responsibility.  CFNOVA bears this burden for us.  Thus, donations to the Rachel Harrell Memorial Fund are immediately tax-deductable to the fullest extent of the law.

Does CFNOVA charge the Fund for this service?

Yes.  CFNOVA takes 1.25% of the Fund’s balance annually (assessed quarterly in arrears) to cover expenses.  Should the Fund’s balance ever exceed $1,000,000, the rate would drop to 1%.

How will charities be selected to receive funds?

Rod intends to consult family, research candidate charities, and when practical, personally visit charities that appear to be compatible with the Fund’s purpose.

How can I donate?

By mail:

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Attn: The RACHEL HARRELL MEMORIAL FUND

3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 660

Fairfax, VA 22030

 

On-line:

Press “Donate” button on this site’s front page, or

click on the following link:  https://www.cfnova.org/donate/rachel-harrell-memorial-fund