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Alexander Berkeley Carrington Jr. & Ruth Simpson Carrington Charitable Trust

Annual Giving
$1.3M

Alexander Berkeley Carrington Jr. & Ruth Simpson Carrington Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,332,007 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
  • Decision Time: By trustee discretion
  • Grant Range: Varies by project (scholarships to major capital gifts)
  • Geographic Focus: Danville, VA and surrounding region
  • Total Assets: $18.2 million (2024)

Contact Details

Trust Administrator: Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management 628 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 Phone: (434) 773-3320 General Wealth Management: (888) 263-3545 Website: www.aubwm.com

Note: The trust is administered by Atlantic Union Bank (formerly American National Bank & Trust Company), with former American National CEO Jeff Haley serving as adviser to make recommendations on charitable distributions.

Overview

Established in 1985, the Alexander Berkeley Carrington Jr. & Ruth Simpson Carrington Charitable Trust is a private foundation with $18.2 million in assets that distributes approximately $1.3 million annually to cultural and educational institutions in the Danville, VA area. The trust honors the legacy of Alexander Berkeley Carrington Jr. (1895-1970), a prominent Danville businessman who served as president of Dibrell Brothers tobacco company and chairman of American National Bank & Trust Company from 1949 to 1970. The trust focuses primarily on supporting higher education scholarships, capital improvements at local universities, and community development initiatives. Major beneficiaries include Averett University (which named its Carrington Academic Center in honor of the trust), Danville Community College (through endowed scholarships), and the Tom Tom Cities Rising Summit for regional leadership development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust does not have formally named grant programs but has demonstrated consistent support in several areas:

Educational Scholarships

  • Endowed scholarships at Danville Community College for full-time students with financial need who demonstrate commitment to timely degree completion (requires 2.0+ GPA)
  • Endowed scholarships at Averett University, including the Alexander Berkeley Carrington, Jr. Scholarship—Honors Program

Capital Projects

  • Major gifts for building and facility development (e.g., Carrington Academic Center at Averett University, opened October 2016)
  • Infrastructure improvements at educational institutions

Community Development

  • Support for regional leadership initiatives like Tom Tom Cities Rising NextGen cohort
  • Cultural and civic organizations in the Danville area

Priority Areas

Based on historical giving patterns, the trust prioritizes:

  • Higher education institutions in Danville (Averett University, Danville Community College)
  • Educational access and student success (particularly for students with financial need)
  • Cultural and community development initiatives in the Dan River region
  • Capital improvements that create lasting impact
  • Programs that strengthen the Danville/Pittsylvania County area

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust's giving history suggests limitations:

  • Organizations outside the Danville/Dan River region
  • Programs without direct educational or cultural benefit
  • Individual requests (except through established scholarship programs)
  • General operating support (emphasis appears to be on capital and endowment gifts)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Atlantic Union Bank (corporate trustee)
  • Charles H. Majors
  • Edward F. Hodges Jr.
  • William S. Woods

Trust Adviser: Jeff Haley, former CEO of American National Bank & Trust Company, serves as the bank's adviser to the trust, making recommendations on charitable distributions to support various organizations.

The trust operates under the traditional private foundation model established by Alexander Berkeley Carrington Jr. and his wife Ruth Simpson Carrington. Alexander Berkley Carrington Jr. was born January 26, 1895, to Col. Alexander Berkley Carrington and Mary Taylor. He followed his father into the tobacco business, beginning as a factory foreman at Dibrell Brothers in his twenties and working his way up to president of the company. After retiring as president in 1951, he served as chairman of the board until 1968. He also served as chairman of American National Bank & Trust Company from 1949 to 1970, having been on the board since 1926.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This trust does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on recommendations from the trust adviser and the bank's wealth management team. The trust identifies and supports beneficiaries through:

  • Pre-existing relationships with Danville-area institutions
  • Trustee-initiated giving decisions
  • Recommendations from the trust adviser (Jeff Haley) and Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management
  • Responses to specific institutional requests that align with the founders' legacy

Organizations do not submit formal grant applications through a portal or competitive process. Instead, grants appear to flow to established beneficiaries and institutions with long-standing connections to the Carrington family legacy and Danville community.

Getting on Their Radar

Important Note: The information below reflects general approaches for engaging with private foundations managed by trustee discretion. No specific, funder-unique information about the Carrington Trust's preferences for unsolicited contact is publicly available.

For organizations that may be a fit with the trust's mission:

  1. Build Institutional Credibility in Danville: The trust has shown consistent support for established educational and cultural institutions in the Danville area. Organizations with a demonstrated track record of serving the community may be considered.

  2. Contact Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management: While there is no guarantee of consideration, organizations may contact the trust administrator at Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management (434-773-3320) to inquire whether the trust might be interested in learning about programs that align with educational and cultural priorities in the Danville region.

  3. Leverage Board and Community Connections: The trustees and trust adviser are deeply connected to the Danville business and civic community. Organizations with board members or supporters who have relationships in the local banking, business, or civic sectors may be able to facilitate introductions.

  4. Focus on Enduring Impact: Based on giving patterns, the trust appears to favor gifts that create lasting legacies—endowed scholarships, named facilities, and capital improvements rather than annual operating support.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable—the trust operates on trustee discretion without published grant cycles or deadlines. Decisions are made throughout the year as opportunities arise and as the trustees and adviser identify appropriate beneficiaries.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable—there is no formal application or reapplication process. Established beneficiaries (such as Danville Community College and Averett University) appear to receive ongoing support for scholarships and projects that align with the trust's mission.

Application Success Factors

Because the Carrington Trust does not accept formal applications, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, organizations that have benefited from the trust share common characteristics:

Strong Danville Roots: All identified beneficiaries are deeply rooted in the Danville community and serve the local population. The trust honors the Carrington family's legacy of civic leadership in Danville.

Educational Mission: The overwhelming majority of grants support higher education—particularly through scholarships for students with financial need and capital improvements at local colleges and universities.

Institutional Stability: Beneficiaries tend to be established institutions with long track records, not new or emerging organizations. Both Averett University and Danville Community College have received support over many years.

Named Recognition: Major gifts (such as the Carrington Academic Center at Averett) preserve the Carrington family name and legacy, suggesting that the trustees value opportunities for lasting recognition.

Financial Need Focus: The trust's scholarship programs specifically target students with demonstrated financial need, reflecting a commitment to educational access and opportunity.

Community Development: Support for initiatives like Tom Tom Cities Rising demonstrates interest in programs that strengthen regional leadership and economic development in the Dan River area.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This trust operates by trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited proposals through a formal process. Traditional grant seeking strategies will not apply.

  • Geography is Critical: All giving focuses on the Danville, VA area. Organizations outside this region should not pursue this funder.

  • Education is the Priority: Higher education scholarships and capital projects at Averett University and Danville Community College constitute the core of the trust's giving.

  • Legacy Matters: Opportunities that preserve and honor the Carrington family name appear to resonate with trustees, particularly capital projects and endowed programs.

  • Relationship-Driven: Without a public application process, relationships with the trust administrator (Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management), trustees, or community leaders who can facilitate introductions are essential.

  • Patient Approach: Organizations seeking support should think in terms of years, not months. Building credibility in the Danville community and establishing institutional relationships takes time.

  • Enduring Impact: The trust favors investments that create lasting change—endowments, capital improvements, and programs that will serve the community for generations.

References

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