FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2025
Fredericksburg, VA – December 2, 2025 – Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) today announced a transformational corporate gift, the largest in the organization’s 40-year history, to advance its mission of protecting and restoring the Rappahannock River.
The gift, made by STACK Infrastructure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), represents a major investment in the long-term health and resilience of the Rappahannock watershed and the communities it sustains. The unrestricted funds will support education and restoration initiatives across the region and strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to emerging environmental challenges.
“This gift is a catalyst,” said Daria Christian, Executive Director of Friends of the Rappahannock. “It allows us to expand our impact while maintaining our core values. Every decision we make is guided by our mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River.”
Before accepting the contribution, FOR’s executive leadership and Board of Directors conducted a thorough review process consistent with the organization’s Corporate Gift Acceptance Policy. The policy ensures no contributions influence the integrity of FOR’s mission and preserves its independence. A written agreement with the donors affirms that the funds are unrestricted and carry no conditions or influence over FOR’s advocacy, programmatic work, or decision-making.
“We recognize that corporate giving can raise important questions,” said FOR Board Chair Tamara Muldrow. “That’s why transparency and accountability guided every step of our process. This gift strengthens our capacity to serve our community, educate future river stewards, and protect the natural resources that make this region so special.”
The one-million-dollar contribution will be given over the span of 3 years and support FOR’s capital campaign and programs that promote clean water, habitat restoration, environmental education, and community resilience throughout the 2,700-square-mile Rappahannock watershed.
“Friends of the Rappahannock has always worked to meet people where they are, whether that’s students learning about the river for the first time or industries seeking to invest in the communities in which they operate,” said Christian. “This investment is a step toward FOR’s goals of diversifying funding sources and maintaining a sustainable organization.”
For more information about Friends of the Rappahannock, its mission, and its corporate gift acceptance policy, visit https://riverfriends.org/corporate-gift-policy/
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For press inquiries, please contact:
Carleigh Starkston
Communications Manager, Friends of the Rappahannock
info@riverfriends.org
(540) 373.3448 x 116