3/12/2026 – For Immediate Release
Richmond, Va. – Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia is celebrating 40 years preventing and treating family violence and protecting children. Established in 1986 by the Virginia General Assembly as a public-private partnership, FACT has distributed nearly $6 million in grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations. FACT remains the only organization in Virginia dedicated to addressing family violence and trauma across the lifespan – from child abuse and neglect to domestic violence and elder abuse.
Over four decades, FACT has evolved to meet emerging challenges while strengthening prevention efforts statewide. Milestones include the creation of the FACT and KIDS FIRST specialty license plates and participation in Virginia’s State Income Tax Check-Off Program to generate public support. FACT expanded its leadership role in 2012 when the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect was transferred to the organization.
In recent years, FACT has led groundbreaking initiatives, including becoming the first state funder of Trauma-Informed Community Networks, launching an issue brief series on trauma, developing statewide guidance and training on problematic sexual behavior in young children, publishing a Foundational State Plan for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse, supporting LEAP, the only evidence-based sexual assault prevention training specifically for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and releasing research and case studies on child fatalities in Virginia. FACT also established an Emergency Funds Project to help fill critical funding gaps and began receiving a portion of the Gaming Proceeds Fund to support prevention efforts.
“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Virginia comes together to protect children and families,” said Nicole Poulin, FACT executive director. “For 40 years, FACT has identified emerging challenges and invested in solutions that strengthen communities and prevent violence before it begins. I’m thankful for the board members, partners and advocates who have shaped this work and energized by the opportunities ahead to build a safer future for every generation.”
FACT is marking its 40th anniversary with events throughout the year. In February, the organization hosted a legislative coffee hour to provide lawmakers an opportunity to learn more about its initiatives.
Later this year, FACT will recognize four community champions for their contributions to preventing family violence across Virginia.
About the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia
For 40 years, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia (FACT) has advanced the prevention and treatment of family violence across the Commonwealth. As the only organization in Virginia addressing trauma and violence across the lifespan, FACT supports initiatives focused on child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and related forms of family trauma.
As a public-private partnership that does not receive general state or federal tax dollars, FACT has the flexibility to invest in innovative solutions and direct its resources where they are needed most. Through grantmaking, research, convening and statewide leadership, FACT strengthens communities and works to prevent family violence before it begins.
For more information, visit www.fact.virginia.gov
Media Contact
Lori Crouch, APR
(757) 577- 2503
lori.crouch@integrityinsights.com
