Our Story
The Vanni Foundation was born out of a desire to extend a legacy of service and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Founded by the Nesso Group, our mission stems from two clear objectives:
- To extend the reach of servant-minded professionals, a group of committed and talented individuals who are ready to share their skills with grace and humility to benefit the community.
- To honor the legacy of Terry and Eileen Bongiovanni, two of Nesso Group’s founding members whose communities were shaped with their selfless service to others.
A Legacy of Service
Terry and Eileen Bongiovanni exemplify what it means to lead with compassion and purpose. Their unwavering commitment to others, through both their professional careers and philanthropic endeavors, has left an indelible mark on those who know them. Their passion for uplifting others and fostering stability in the community inspired the creation of the Vanni Foundation, which proudly carries their mission forward.
Our Mission
Guided by this legacy, the Vanni Foundation works to bring financial clarity and equip individuals, families, and nonprofits with the tools to build long-term stability. Through innovative programs, operational support, and educational initiatives, we empower organizations to focus on what they do best: serving their communities.
The Eileen Bongiovanni Philanthropy Award
To continue Eileen’s legacy of service and compassion, the Vanni Foundation established the Eileen Bongiovanni Philanthropy Award, presented annually at our Giving Grace Fundraiser. This award recognizes individuals who embody Eileen’s spirit of giving and demonstrate extraordinary leadership in making a difference in their communities.
- The 2023 recipient, Leah Broadwell, co-chaired two fundraising events with Eileen in 2018 and 2019. Now the Vanni Foundation’s head of marketing and Giving Grace Fundraiser event chair, Leah continues to honor Eileen’s legacy through her philanthropic leadership and commitment to creating positive change.
- The 2024 recipient, Tyler Johnson, is a dedicated Vanni Foundation board member who lead the charge for the “Cornhole for a Cause” fundraiser, and exemplified the power of community-driven philanthropy, embodying everything this award stands for.
The Eileen Bongiovanni Philanthropy Award serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have and continues to inspire others to give with grace and purpose. As we grow, we are proud to walk alongside individuals and organizations who share our vision of building stronger, more sustainable communities for generations to come.
