The Foundation was incorporated on July 21, 1981 in Irvington, Virginia, to encourage and enrich educational opportunities for children from birth through third grade in Virginia’s lower Northern Neck, particularly Lancaster County. It is a 501(c)3 organization.
The board of directors considers letters of request for programs and projects in April and October. The board reviews scholarship and grant loan applications in July. The directors are local professionals, many who worked with Nettie Lokey Wiley to implement her vision during her lifetime: Gloria C. Conley, Leslie A. Franklin, William Hubbard, Catharine B. Moore, and Phillip Williams. Over the last 40 years, the Foundation has awarded over $9 million in grants, scholarships, and loans.