For nearly three decades, Building Goodness Foundation has quietly reshaped what community support can look like--one project, one partnership, and one carefully considered build at a time. Founded in Charlottesville by a group of local builders, the organization grew from a simple idea: use professional skills in construction, design, and engineering to give back in meaningful, lasting ways.
“Building Goodness Foundation has been around for 26 years… almost 27,” said Kathy Garstang, Operations and Local Projects Director. “We were founded right here in Charlottesville by some local builders who wanted a way to give back to the community. They knew how to build things, and that’s what they had to offer.” In its early years, that offering extended largely to international projects, particularly in Haiti, supported in a variety of ways, including pro bono design time and engineering expertise. Those experiences eventually circled back home, shaping how the organization approached local needs in Central Virginia.
That local focus expanded significantly in 2020. When international travel paused, Building Goodness Foundation launched C’ville Builds, a program dedicated entirely to supporting the Charlottesville area. Since then, the impact has been striking. Over the past six years, the organization has raised more than $200,000 annually, growing from 25 local projects in its first year to more than 90 completed last year alone. The work centers on helping elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners remain safe and independent in their homes, while also supporting nonprofits and small businesses--particularly minority-owned businesses--with essential construction and facility improvements.
“Our mission is to build community and improve lives,” Garstang explained. That mission guides everything from safety-focused home repairs to upgrades that allow nonprofits to better serve their populations. While C’ville Builds has strengthened local roots, Building Goodness Foundation has also returned to international work, expanding beyond Haiti into the Caribbean and Central America, including school construction projects in Guatemala. These efforts rely on local leadership and labor, with in-country teams managing projects on the ground.
Lauren Gallander, Communications Manager, highlighted the collaborative nature of that global work. “Internationally, there’s a lot of coordination from staff in Charlottesville with staff in Guatemala and Haiti,” she said. “Electricians, plumbers, architects go down and work alongside the local crews…learning from each other, making a connection, and being able to give back for the volunteers is really great.” The approach not only strengthens infrastructure but also provides training opportunities and livable wages for local workers.
Closer to home, Building Goodness’ local portfolio spans nearly every corner of the community. “If there’s a nonprofit in this town, we’ve probably done work for them,” Garstang said. Recent projects include a multi-year refresh at The Haven, improvements to the historic Barrett Early Learning Center serving preschool students, ongoing work at Camp Holiday Trails, and support for small businesses like Scrappy Elephant. The organization has also helped All Blessings Flow expand from one warehouse to five, extending the life of medical supplies and equipment that might otherwise end up in landfills.
None of this work happens without volunteers. Building Goodness Foundation relies on a robust network of tradespeople and professionals connected through long-standing relationships with organizations like the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and UVA Facilities Management. “They’re running their business,” Garstang said, “but to be able to give back to the community is very meaningful to them.”
Sustainability is a cornerstone of every project. Rather than arriving with predetermined solutions, the team prioritizes listening and collaboration. “We try not to come with preconceived notions of what’s needed,” Garstang noted. By bringing together diverse skill sets and perspectives, Building Goodness Foundation designs solutions that address the highest needs while remaining practical and enduring. Follow-up is just as important, with ongoing relationships ensuring projects continue to function as intended years later.
Looking ahead, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The organization is wrapping up work at The Haven, beginning a project with the Salvation Army to support its family shelter, and managing a pipeline of more than 40 projects currently in planning stages. While staff help assemble project teams, Garstang emphasized that volunteers are at the heart of execution. “It’s really, truly the volunteers that are running these projects.”
For those inspired to get involved, the invitation is open. Whether through volunteering, donating, or joining the Builder Society--a multi-year giving commitment that helps sustain long-term impact--there are many ways to support the work. “Come out, help us out, give us whatever skill you have,” Garstang said. “And if you don’t have a skill, we’ll teach you.”
At its core, Building Goodness Foundation isn’t just about construction. It’s about strengthening the places people call home--locally and globally--through care, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community.
“If there’s a nonprofit in this town, we’ve probably done work for them."
At its core, Building Goodness Foundation isn’t just about construction. It’s about strengthening the places people call home--locally and globally--through care, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community.