Here are some of the ways our firm has made a lasting impact across the Mid-Atlantic through strategic partnerships and substantial investments in healthcare, education, the arts, and innovation that leverage both our financial resources and legal expertise:
Virginia MOCA at Virginia Wesleyan University
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) is relocating from its longtime home near the Virginia Beach oceanfront to a new, state-of-the-art facility on the Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) campus, with the opening planned for early 2026. This transformative partnership, backed by major philanthropic support, will provide expanded gallery and education spaces, positioning the museum for greater visibility, accessibility, and long-term growth.
The move will significantly strengthen VWU’s arts program by integrating a premier contemporary art museum directly into the academic and cultural life of the campus. Students will gain enhanced access to exhibitions, artists, and educational programming, fostering collaboration between artists, educators, and the community. More broadly, the relocation makes the arts more central within Hampton Roads—creating a vibrant hub that connects higher education, cultural engagement, and regional innovation, and ensuring that contemporary art continues to thrive as a defining part of the region’s identity.
Children’s Hospital of the Kings’ Daughters “Lighting the Way” Campaign
In 2021, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) launched the “Lighting the Way” campaign, with the goal of raising money for a new pediatric mental health hospital and outpatient center. The facility was established in response to the growing need for more pediatric mental health care in Virginia, and now offers critical psychiatric care, counseling, and early intervention services to children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other behavioral health challenges.
Kaufman & Canoles, a recurring corporate sponsor and legal advisor for CHKD, has demonstrated a lasting commitment to the organization’s mission. The firm and its attorneys contributed $250,000 to the “Lighting the Way” campaign, which was instrumental in the development of the facility. The 12th floor multipurpose space in the mental health hospital bears the name of Kaufman & Canoles. This partnership reflects the firm’s belief in utilizing its resources to enhance the health and well-being of children and families in the community.
ACCESS College Foundation’s Greater ACCESS Campaign
Kaufman & Canoles is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities through its partnership with the ACCESS College Foundation’s Great Access Campaign. This initiative works to eliminate the barriers to postsecondary education and increase college attainment for underrepresented and low-income students. With a contribution of $25,000, Kaufman & Canoles has helped fund scholarships that empower students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Beyond financial support, attorney and managing director of Kaufman & Canoles’ Virginia Beach office, Alfred “Ran” Randolph Jr. serves on the Board of Directors of ACCESS. Together, the firm and the foundation are helping to build brighter futures by ensuring more students have the opportunity to succeed in college and beyond.
Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Light Studio
The Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Light Studio uniquely contributes to arts in the Hampton Roads area. In 2013, Kaufman & Canoles proudly supported the Chrysler Museum through a large transformative donation for the creation of its Glass Light Studio hot shop, a facility dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of glassmaking. An additional donation was made to aid in the 2025 expansion of the studio. Through these donations, The Chrysler Museum of Art is able to provide free glassblowing demonstrations, exposing the community to a unique form of art. Jason Davis, President & CEO of Kaufman & Canoles also serves on the Museum’s board, as well as many K&C attorneys over the years including Vince Mastracco, Bill Van Buren, and Lewis Webb - exemplifying the firm’s commitment to fostering the arts.
Elizabeth River Trail
Kaufman & Canoles is a dedicated partner in supporting the Elizabeth River Trail, a treasured urban waterfront pathway in Norfolk, that connects neighborhoods, historic sites, and business districts while promoting outdoor recreation and sustainable living. In past years, the firm has donated $25,000 to the organization. Kaufman & Canoles’ donation helped establish and now maintain the beauty and functionality of the Elizabeth River Trail, and funds future expansions and amenities for the trail, such a kayak launches, outdoor equipment, and educational signage. The firm’s impact extends beyond financial giving, with deep leadership ties to the organization. K&C attorney Chuck McPhillips was a founding member of the Elizabeth River Trail and a former Board member. Currently, Kaufman and Canoles’ Chief Executive Officer, Jason Davis, serves on the Board, where he actively contributes to shaping initiatives that prioritize the Elizabeth River Trail’s mission.
Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation - Priority Toyota Cancer Center
Kaufman & Canoles has a dedicated history of providing legal counseling and knowledge to healthcare entities and professionals. As a client of the firm, Kaufman & Canoles has supported and sponsored Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation’s (CRHF) events and fundraising efforts. This includes the campaign for the Priority Toyota Cancer Center, which CRHF constructed to provide advanced, patient-centered cancer care to the Hampton Roads community. By investing both the firm’s resources and expertise, Kaufman & Canoles has helped strengthen the foundation’s ability to provide lifesaving treatment, expand research opportunities, and deliver compassionate care to patients battling cancer.
Arts Alliance
Arts Alliance is an organization that aims to provide leadership, advocacy, services, and resources to the South Hampton Roads arts community. By collecting and distributing donations from businesses and foundations to fund local non-profit arts organizations through grants, they have committed to bringing arts advocacy and new ideas to the region. Kaufman & Canoles has played a pivotal role in advancing the arts in Hampton Roads through its philanthropic and professional support of Arts Alliance. Since its inception, Kaufman & Canoles has been committed to donating annually to Arts Alliance. These annual donations contribute to the organization’s overall mission and provide services for individual artists, art groups, and arts employees. K&C attorneys David Kamer and Vince Mastracco serve on the Board and Advisory Council, respectively and Lewis Webb III is the president of Arts Alliance. Here, the Kaufman & Canoles attorneys use their legal and business knowledge to work alongside other community leaders to expand partnerships and champion the role of the arts through civic engagement.
Norfolk Innovation Corridor
The Norfolk Innovation Corridor (NIC) is a designated technology zone in the City of Norfolk created to attract and support innovation-driven businesses focused on resilience, technology, and entrepreneurship. Stretching from Old Dominion University to Norfolk State University and including key anchors like EVMS, Sentara, and Downtown Norfolk, the Corridor brings together higher education, research institutions, and private enterprise to drive regional economic growth. Companies located within the NIC can qualify for local tax incentives and benefit from access to world-class talent, infrastructure improvements such as a high-speed fiber ring, and a growing ecosystem of startups, investors, and innovators.
Kaufman & Canoles and Chuck McPhillips played a pivotal role in helping to establish the Norfolk Innovation Corridor and remains deeply engaged in its continued growth and success. As a trusted legal and business partner, the firm has provided guidance on governance, partnerships, and regulatory frameworks that shaped the Corridor’s foundation. Today, Kaufman & Canoles continues to support the NIC through active involvement with its leadership including Nicole Harrell serving as current Chair of Board, ongoing advisory work for member companies, and participation in programs that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development across the Hampton Roads region.
