Friends and colleagues,

The Arras Foundation and our community celebrated some big milestones in 2025 - a 30th anniversary, a 10th anniversary of our internship program and of Give Local, and a new pilot experience for nonprofit leadership development in our area with Together SC.

With 2026 around the corner, we are all reflecting on the year we shared. Over our 30 years of service, healthy people and communities remain our North Star at the Arras Foundation.

We measure the vibrancy of our region through health, natural environment, education and economic vitality, and through our social and cultural connectedness. The fiber of community can be tested by changing conditions, but remains resilient when these indicator areas are strong. This year brought many new challenges, but you pulled together to support each other, to create hope, and to forge positive partnerships. 

As we enter our fourth decade of service to our community, we are grateful for all those who work on behalf of a healthy community for all.

Susan DeVenny

President & CEO

The Give Local 2025 campaign came to a close on Giving Tuesday, December 2. This special campaign, the 10th anniversary of Give Local in our community, raised a whopping $1.5M - a 109% increase from 2024.

This year's campaign featured 100+ local nonprofits, 20 local student artworks on display around Lancaster, a large community event (Toast to 10 Years), and wonderful local business support.

Read more at the press release on our website.

This month, two of our three local Community Heart & Soul towns gathered to learn about Kershaw's Heart & Soul experience and successes. The Great Falls team met with the Kershaw team and visited the Kershaw Community Park Council, Marion Boan YMCA, Clyburn Early Childhood Center, and KARE/The Exchange. 

Since 2018, the Arras Foundation has partnered with the national organization (Community Heart & Soul) to bring resident-centered planning and action to our small towns. Lifting up resident voices to inform town development, revitalization, and action is key to thoughtful planning.