Friends of Reston outlines fundraising events, scholarships and proposed budget timing

Kathleen Driscoll, chair of the Friends of Reston, gave the board an update on the nonprofit group’s activities and fundraising plans during the Aug. 27 meeting.

Driscoll described Friends of Reston as a separate 501(c)(3) organization that augments Reston Association programs. She recounted a successful inaugural Evening of Friends event, an active fundraising committee, and plans for recurring events including an annual fall 5K (Oct. 5), the Michael Lyons Jazz Festival (Sept. 21 at Lake Anne Plaza), winter festival activities, a commemorative bench program, and youth scholarships.

The group plans to award scholarships tied to graduating year amounts (for example, the class of 2026 scholarship would be $2,026) and anticipates funding three slots for South Lakes High School, Herndon High School and home‑schooled/virtual school students. Friends of Reston also intends to expand tree donations (80 trees planned for 2025 pending budget) and other youth programming.

Driscoll said it is industry best practice for nonprofits to hold reserves equal to six months to two years of operating costs and that Friends currently hold roughly two years of operating expenses in their reserve. She discussed potential use of reserves for matching funds programs that could leverage donations and noted a tax‑exempt purchasing advantage (6 percent savings) for purchases made through the Friends’ tax ID.

On timing, Driscoll said Friends expect to have a draft budget by November for a December approval timeline. She invited board members to volunteer and to join fundraising events.

Why it matters: Friends of Reston is a donor‑facing nonprofit that raises funds for programs that supplement RA offerings and can affect programming available to residents, youth scholarships and event operations.