What We Do

The Capital District Kiwanis Foundation works in partnership with Capital District Kiwanis International to make a difference in the life of a child. We do this annually through grants to area Kiwanis clubs for community service projects, donations to our nine Pediatric Trauma Centers, and matching scholarships awarded to deserving students that the Capital District Circle K and Key Club organizations recognize.

Club Grants

Each year foundation grants to clubs in the Capital District. These grants help mothers in transitional housing, build playgrounds, pack meals for children without enough to eat, support public library and school music programs, fund student leadership and after-school programs, and advance literacy projects.

Click on the apply here to read the requirements and to submit an application.

Disaster Assistance

The Disaster Assistance Fund (DAF) assists Kiwanis clubs by providing help in the event of a natural or man-made disaster declared by the local, state, or Federal government, or the District Governor or Foundation President.

Assistance is available directly to a Kiwanian or a Kiwanis family, or to support club projects assisting with disaster relief efforts in the community.

View Guidelines

To apply for Assistance, submit the following:(incomplete applications will be returned without further action)

1. Completed Disaster Assistance Fund Application form;
2. Project budget and/or a quote or estimate of the costs involved.

Send to foundation@capitaldistrictkiwanis.org (preferred) or CDKF Executive Secretary, Nancy Simonelli, 1633 Sinking Creek Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

Pediatric Trauma Centers

Each year our Kiwanis Foundation supports those who care for the most traumatic injuries children in the Capital District suffer. These nine are:

• Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
• Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, MD
• University of Virginia Health Center, Charlottesville, VA
• Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA
• Children’s Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
• Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, Roanoke, VA
• Christiana Care Pediatric Trauma Unit, Wilmington, DE
• Niswonger Children’s Hospital, Johnson City, TN (for far southwest Virginia clubs)
• Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD

We fund these through 100% of the Ducky Derby and Caring Corner net income, 50% of annual club gift donations, additional contributions by clubs and individuals, and endowment income.

Scholarships

Our Kiwanis foundation funds scholarships awarded by the district’s Key Club and Circle K programs to deserving students. The foundation’s endowment funds these awards.

The annual Robert H. Turner, Jr. Scholarship is awarded at the Capital District Key Club Convention to a Key Club Member who exemplifies to the highest degree the basic principles of Key Club – caring and service – in their homes, schools, and communities. The recipient shall be of high moral character and should have achieved excellence in all their endeavors.

The Ellis Stroup Key Club Leadership Scholarship is awarded at the Kiwanis District Convention to a Key Club member for leadership achievement. The recipient shall show evidence of outstanding leadership in a Key Club in the Capital District, participate in at least 80% in club projects and fund-raisers, show involvement and accomplishments in non-school activities, be accepted to a college, university or post-secondary school, and be a graduating senior.

Teenager of the Year

The Capital District recognizes deserving teenagers each year for academic achievements, citizenship, service to school and community, growth and responsibility in his/her family, character and leadership performance. Nominees proceed through competition at club, division and ultimately district levels. The finalist wins $2,500 cash and a trip with their parents/guardians to the annual Kiwanis District Convention to receive the award.

Click here to find your Division Lt. Governor.