United Way of Greater Charlottesville (UWGC) is excited to announce the recipients of this year’s 7th Annual Caring for Community Awards!
UWGC created the Caring for Community Awards to shine a light on the outstanding individuals and organizations in our community who are going above and beyond to help others. Honorees are receiving their awards at the 2026 Day of Caring Kickoff Breakfast at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
The Caring for Community Awards are given out based on public nominations and voting taking place over the summer–making them 100% community-driven. We couldn’t be more excited to congratulate this year’s Caring for Community Award honorees:
- Community Philanthropy Award: Raylaja Waller & Chaniya Brown
This award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to giving their time, talent, and/or treasure to strengthen the community, unite partners around a shared vision, and create a greater collective impact. - Early Learning Impact Award: Jasmyne Johnson, YMCA Early Learning Center
This award recognizes individuals, such as childcare workers or teachers, and childcare centers who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and impact in the field of early education, significantly enhancing the learning and development of young children. - Financial Empowerment Award: Janasha Bradford, Mahogany and Friends
This award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated dedication to promoting financial literacy, stability and have significantly contributed to helping individuals and families achieve financial independence and security through innovative programs, advocacy, education, and support services. - Community Health Advocate Award: Jackie Martin, GOOD Foundation Cville
This award recognizes a healthcare professional or some who advocates for the health of other, who demonstrates dedication, compassion, and excellence in patient care. This award recognizes those who go beyond their standard duties to significantly improve the health and well-being of patients and the community. - Business for Good Award: Charlottesville Inclusive Media Project
This award recognizes a business that demonstrates a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. This award honors companies that go beyond standard business practices to positively impact their employees, customers, and the wider community - Service Organization Impact Award: Jefferson School Foundation
This award recognizes a nonprofit organization, faith-based organization, congregation, or ministry that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in serving the community. This award honors organizations that go above and beyond in their mission to address critical community needs, improve lives, strengthen connections, and create positive change.
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2026 Caring for Community Awards, who help make it possible to celebrate the unsung heroes in our region:
- University of Virginia
- Sentara
- Woodard Properties
- C-VILLE Weekly