October 28, 2025, Williamsburg, VA – The Williamsburg Community Foundation recently recognized two extraordinary local philanthropists with its Founders Award for Vision and Excellence.

This year’s recipients, Linda T. Baker and John R. Curtis, Jr., were each selected for their respective contributions to the community, as well as their thoughtful leadership and dedication to the Williamsburg Community Foundation from its earliest days.

“Thank you for including me among those visionaries who have loved our community,” said Linda Baker as she accepted the award. “I stand on their shoulders and have endeavored to follow the path they forged.”

The Founders Award for Vision and Excellence was created in 2014 to honor individuals whose involvement with the Williamsburg Community Foundation shows a commitment to supporting the Foundation’s mission and vision for greater Williamsburg.

“When the Community Foundation was created, we had a vision of the variety of ways it could help local residents. I am pleased to have taken part over the last 25 years in its growth and evolution into a philanthropic leader,” noted John Curtis.

Founders Award for Vision and Excellence honorees Linda T. Baker (left, with WCF Board Chair Alison Lennarz) and John R. Curtis, Jr., (right) were recognized by the Williamsburg Community Foundation for their extraordinary leadership and generosity. Their support reflects the Community Foundation’s work to strengthen the community through scholarships for local students and grants that improve health, education, the arts, and more.

“The Founders Award celebrates leaders whose generosity and vision inspire others and improve our community in meaningful ways,” said Alison Lennarz, Chair of the Board of WCF. “We are proud to honor Linda and John for their dedication to making Williamsburg a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”

Past recipients of the Founders Award include John C. Jamison, Mildred “Millie” B. West, and Hope and Bobby Beck, all of whom have provided significant financial support to the Community Foundation for programs that touch the lives of Williamsburg residents, including scholarships for local students and grants that improve health, education, the arts, and more.

The Founders Award is not given on a regular schedule; it is reserved for those whose extraordinary contributions embody the Williamsburg Community Foundation’s mission and make a significant, visible, lasting impact in Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. 

About Williamsburg Community Foundation

The Williamsburg Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1999 as the Greater Williamsburg Community Trust to connect people who care with causes that matter. With assets of over $38 million, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $1.3 million last year in the areas of education, arts and culture, children and young adults, environment and conservation, health & community wellness and economic mobility, and senior services. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $13.6 million to students and nonprofit organizations in Williamsburg, James City County and York County thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org or call (757) 259-1660.