Thrive Virginia Receives $175,000 Grant as Virginia Natural Gas Marks 175 Years
The third and final anniversary gift honors Thrive Virginia’s decades of work empowering families and strengthening communities.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – December 11, 2025 – Virginia Natural Gas is celebrating 175 years of service and community partnership with a series of major contributions to organizations that strengthen Virginia communities. The company’s latest gift, a $175,000 grant to Thrive Virginia, marks the third and final donation in its anniversary campaign to honor community champions.
The gift recognizes Thrive Virginia, a nonprofit founded in 1970 that has spent more than five decades helping families overcome barriers and build brighter futures. Thrive Virginia uses a Whole Family Approach that looks at the needs of every family member and works together to solve problems, access resources and strengthen skills. Its programs focus on early childhood development, economic empowerment, health and well-being and education and social capital to create opportunities for families to thrive.
The $175,000 grant will help expand programs such as home visits for positive parenting, financial and housing education, domestic violence intervention services and resources for students transitioning to post-secondary education.
“Celebrating 175 years of Virginia Natural Gas’ service to our customers and communities has given us a special opportunity to amplify the impact of organizations working to make life better for families,” said Shannon O. Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas. “Thrive Virginia has been serving our communities for decades, meeting families where they are and helping them move forward. We are proud to support their work because when families thrive, communities flourish.”
Gillian K. Barney, CEO of Thrive Virginia, added:
“Thrive Virginia is dedicated to supporting and uplifting communities, using a Whole Family Approach to help persons fighting poverty overcome barriers to their success. This generous gift from Virginia Natural Gas amplifies our impact and opens new doors for families who need support. Partnerships like these help us drive sustainable outcomes, build healthy relationships and strengthen the infrastructure needed to serve our communities for generations to come.
Earlier this year, Virginia Natural Gas honored Peake Childhood Development Center and The Union Mission Ministries with similar $175,000 grants, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fueling resiliency and supporting families across the Commonwealth.
Virginia Natural Gas remains committed to investing in the people and organizations that make Virginia stronger. Alongside Thrive Virginia and other community partners, Virginia Natural Gas is fueling the future together.
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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, and was named 2024 LDC of the Year by the VA Dept of Energy and VA Oil & Gas Association. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also invests in interstate pipelines, provides asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and owns and operates natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit http://www.southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html