On any given day, a local nonprofit might be juggling far more than its mission. A staff member could be troubleshooting a website issue in the morning, drafting donor materials after lunch, and squeezing in strategic planning long after the doors close. For many organizations, the work never stops, but the capacity to strengthen operations often falls to the bottom of the list. Grants help keep the critical programs running, but what nonprofits really need is year-round support that builds long-term resilience.
That’s why Dominion Energy is partnering with Catchafire to provide capacity building support to nonprofits across the communities it serves. This collaboration underscores Dominion Energy’s commitment to going beyond the grant, ensuring that local organizations have the tools, expertise, and strategic support needed to thrive and create lasting change.
Year-round support that builds long-term resilience beyond the grant
Through this initiative, Dominion Energy’s grantees and partners gain free access to Catchafire’s network of skilled professional volunteers. Nonprofits can connect with experts to complete more than 150 types of projects, from website development and strategic planning to marketing, finance, operations, and storytelling, at no cost to the organizations.
“Catchafire gives nonprofits access to the kind of specialized support that can transform their work. It helps organizations grow their capacity, strengthen their operations, and stay focused on what matters most – their mission.”
— Kelly Thomasson, Executive Director, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
This partnership strengthens the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation’s mission to support basic human needs, community vitality, education, and environmental stewardship. In 2025 alone, the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation invested $13.6 million in its communities, but recognized that funding alone isn’t enough. Many nonprofits lack the budget for specialized staff or consultants, leaving mission-critical needs unmet.
By leveraging Catchafire’s platform, Dominion Energy is providing a scalable, data-driven solution that enhances the long-term impact of its philanthropic investments. The program saves nonprofits thousands in professional service fees while helping build stronger, more resilient organizations.
The impact of skills-based volunteering on nonprofits
Virtual, skills-based volunteers are off to a fast start supporting nonprofits. At Heart Math Tutoring, an organization helping students build confidence and strong math foundations, the staff recently connected with a volunteer content specialist in Philadelphia. That volunteer donated her time to help the organization elevate its donor materials, transforming a storytelling challenge into a powerful fundraising asset.
The project not only saved Heart Math Tutoring thousands of dollars, but it also empowered the organization to share its mission more effectively, secure vital funding, and expand its impact. It’s a clear demonstration of how going “beyond the grant” can help nonprofits grow in ways that are both strategic and sustainable.
