Union Kempsville 

The Union Kempsville Foundation exists to strengthen Union Baptist Church and serve the surrounding community through charitable partnerships, historic preservation, education, and community development. Together, we are building a legacy that honors our past while investing in future generations. 

Our Story

The Union Kempsville Foundation was established to preserve the rich legacy of Union Baptist Church while creating new opportunities to serve future generations. As our congregation reflected on both our history and our calling, it became clear that many opportunities to strengthen our church and community extended beyond the traditional ministry structure of the church. The Foundation was created to serve as a dedicated charitable organization that can build partnerships, receive grants and charitable contributions, coordinate volunteers, and develop programs that expand our impact.

The Foundation exists to complement—not replace—the ministry of Union Baptist Church. While the Church continues its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and serving God's people, the Foundation focuses on charitable, educational, historical, and community initiatives that strengthen both the congregation and the surrounding community.

Our work is rooted in stewardship. We believe that God has entrusted us with a remarkable history, valuable resources, gifted people, and meaningful relationships. It is our responsibility to preserve that legacy while investing wisely in the future.

Whether preserving our historic cemetery, supporting community outreach, promoting financial literacy, providing scholarships, improving church facilities, or building partnerships with businesses and charitable organizations, every initiative reflects our commitment to honor God through faithful service and responsible leadership.

We believe that when faith, service, stewardship, and community come together, lives are transformed and generations are blessed.

Our Mission

The Union Kempsville Foundation exists to strengthen Union Baptist Church and serve the surrounding community by developing charitable partnerships, preserving our history, supporting educational opportunities, promoting community development, and responsibly stewarding resources that create lasting impact for future generations.

Our Vision

To become a trusted catalyst for transformational community impact by preserving our heritage, empowering people, strengthening families, and building partnerships that improve lives while advancing the legacy and ministry of Union Baptist Church for generations to come.

Our Core Values

Faith

We acknowledge God as the source of our purpose and strive to honor Him through every decision, partnership, and act of service.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord..." — Colossians 3:23

Stewardship

We are committed to managing every dollar, resource, relationship, and opportunity with integrity, wisdom, accountability, and transparency.

Service

We believe leadership begins with serving others. Every project exists to improve the lives of individuals, families, and our community.

Integrity

We conduct ourselves honestly, ethically, and professionally, earning the trust of our congregation, donors, volunteers, partners, and community.

Excellence

We pursue excellence in planning, execution, governance, and continuous improvement, believing that our community deserves our very best.

Collaboration

We accomplish more together than we ever could alone. We actively seek partnerships with churches, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community leaders.

Legacy

We honor those who came before us by preserving our history while investing in opportunities that will bless generations yet to come.

Compassion

We seek to meet people where they are by responding with kindness, dignity, respect, and practical support.

Our History

Union Baptist Church has faithfully served the Kempsville community for generations through worship, discipleship, fellowship, and compassionate outreach. Throughout its history, the church has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel while meeting the spiritual and practical needs of its members and neighbors.

Recognizing both the opportunities and challenges facing churches in the twenty-first century, church leadership began exploring ways to expand the church's capacity to pursue charitable initiatives, preserve its historic legacy, and develop sustainable partnerships that would benefit both the congregation and the broader community.

Those conversations led to the creation of the Union Kempsville Foundation as a separate charitable organization dedicated to supporting the long-term mission of Union Baptist Church through education, historic preservation, community development, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and strategic partnerships.

In 2026, the Foundation received recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the church's history. This milestone allows the Foundation to pursue grants, receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, develop collaborative community initiatives, and preserve the legacy of Union Baptist Church for future generations.

Today, the Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to sound governance, financial accountability, transparency, and servant leadership. Together with our church family, community partners, volunteers, and supporters, we are building a foundation that honors our past while preparing for an even greater future.

Our story is still being written. Every volunteer, donor, partner, and supporter becomes part of that story as we work together to preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.