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CownGates Cares

Supporting Non-Profit Organizations Throughout Virginia Since 1977

At CowanGates, we are committed to excellence for our clients, but we also hold ourselves to a higher standard for all members of our community. We can proudly say that all of the attorneys at CowanGates and many members of our staff are personally involved in some form of volunteerism in Greater Richmond, Chesterfield County, Midlothian, and beyond. Over the years, CowanGates has provided thousands of hours of both pro bono legal services, counsel, and physical manpower to the organizations and community groups we cherish.

Collectively, our attorneys and our firm actively support organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary International, and more than 50 other selfless organizations focused on making our world a better place.

Since our founding in 1977, CowanGates has been involved in numerous community building activities as a firm. In recent years, we have hosted a semi-annual blood drive in Chesterfield County to support the American Red Cross. We also support the National MS Society by fundraising and entering a cycling team into the annual Colonial Crossroads Bike MS event, a two-day cycling tour throughout Southeastern Virginia that supports MS awareness and research funding.

Need Support? CowanGates Can Help!

We are always looking for new opportunities within our Midlothian community and Greater Richmond where we can offer our assistance. Whether it is volunteering at an event or providing pro bono legal services, CowanGates always welcomes the opportunity to discuss ways we could assist your organization, nonprofit, business, or agency. If we can be of service to you, please contact us today.

CowanGates supports the following charitable causes and nonprofit organizations:

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross
Brandon supports the American Red Cross and works to coordinate semi-annual blood drives.

American Red Cross

Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need through the American Red Cross. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Association of Legal Administrators

Maryann has served on the Board and has also served as a former chapter President.

Association of Legal Administrators

Formed in 1972, the Richmond Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators is the undisputed leader for the business of law, focused on the delivery of cutting-edge management and leadership products and services to the global legal community. The organization identifies and provides solutions to the most strategic and operational challenges its members and customers face today, while preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Boy Scouts of America
Scott is a Den Leader for the Tiger Cubs in Cub Scouts, Pack 876.

Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, providing programs for young people that builds character, training them in the responsibilities of participatory citizenship and developing personal fitness. For more than 100 years, Boy Scouts of America has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of C2Adopt
Brandon and his wife are very involved with C2Adopt.

C2Adopt

C2Adopt was founded in 1988 due to a system that failed to prepare children adequately for adoption and in which children lingered for years waiting to be adopted. Since that time, hundreds of older waiting children with special needs have found permanent families thanks to C2Adopt. The agency’s unique approach to adoption is reflected in the types of services they offer and the lifetime partnership they provide to adoptive and birth families and adoptees.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of CancerLINC
CowanGates’ provides pro bono support for CancerLINC.

CancerLINC: Legal Information Network for Cancer

CancerLINC is a Central Virginia based non-profit that eases the burden of cancer by connecting cancer patients and their families with assistance, education, and referral to legal resources, financial guidance, and community services.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
Melanie has accepted pro bono no-fault divorce cases.

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

Central Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS) provides free civil legal assistance to low income people who live in, or have legal problems arising in various cities in Virginia. Founded in 1971, CVLAS’ mission is the zealous legal representation without charge to low income or elderly clients in civil cases and to help the low income and elderly community through preventive community legal education.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
The firm is a member of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.

Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce is the most influential and effective business advocacy group in Chesterfield County, Virginia, representing more than 500 unique businesses from mom and pop shops to corporate centers. Established in 1999, the Chesterfield Chamber is still host to its founders and the next generation of local business and civic leaders.

Chesterfield County Bar Association

All CowanGates attorneys are members of the Chesterfield County Bar Association.

Chesterfield County Bar Association

Originally established in 1956 as the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Bar Association, the Chesterfield County Bar Association‘s main focus is to promote the legal profession in Chesterfield County and improve the practice of law within the county’s legal community.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Chesterfield Innovative Academy for Girls
Melanie is a member and has served on its Board of Directors.

Chesterfield Innovative Academy for Girls

Chesterfield Innovative Academy for Girls (CIA for Girls) provides a healthy, safe, and creative educational environment for girls who need an innovative means of instruction that incorporates academics with social, physical, and spiritual development. Founded in 2014, CIA for Girls inspires and empowers students to build confidence, resilience, and independence as they prepare to become leaders in their families, communities, and the world.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Christchurch School Alumni Council
Henry is on the Alumni Council for Christchurch School.

Christchurch School Alumni Council

Founded in 1921, Christchurch School is an Episcopal college-preparatory boarding school in Christchurch, Virginia, that aspires to engage in lifelong learning and the critical use of information, to lead lives of transformation, both for ourselves and for others, to have an integral sense of environmental stewardship and sustainability, to lead lives of physical, psychological, and creative integrity based on the awareness of and development of individual strengths.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Collaborative Professionals of Richmond
Melanie is a member and previously served on the Board as Secretary.

Collaborative Professionals of Richmond

Collaborative Professionals of Richmond is an organization composed of Richmond-area professionals dedicated to helping people create enduring, respectful solutions to their disputes. These professionals believe in the collaborative process which is a relatively new method of alternative dispute resolution. It is most commonly used in divorce situations but can be effectively used to resolve any dispute.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Crater Training Academy Foundation
Frank provides pro bono legal counsel for the Crater Training Academy Foundation.

Crater Training Academy Foundation

The Crater Training Academy Foundation (CTAF) exists to support the operations of Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy (CCJTA) serving Public Safety Agencies in the southeast portion of Virginia. CTAF brings together resources from all sectors of public safety — Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS — to advance the future goal of CCJTA becoming a Public Safety Training Academy.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Heath is a member and was named one of Virginia’s top 25 finest young professionals.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Electric Cooperative Bar Association
Frank is a member of the Electric Cooperative Bar Association.

Electric Cooperative Bar Association

The Electric Cooperative Bar Association (ECBA) provides a forum for attorneys to tap into the collective expertise of colleagues from all across the country. ECBA provides its members with an email discussion list, online library of legal documents, archives of NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) legal seminars, and networking opportunities in order to help attorneys represent their NRECA members effectively and efficiently.​​

CowanGates is a proud supporter of Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School
Henry volunteered as a speaker at Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School.

Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School

Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School, located in the Brookland District, is named for Miss Elizabeth Jane Holladay, a pioneer teacher who started the first public school in the Glen Allen area of Henrico County at her home in 1886. The present day Holladay Elementary School opened its doors and welcomed its first students for the 1968-69 school year. 

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Estate Planning Council of Richmond Virginia
Scott was a member of the Estate Planning Council of Richmond Virginia.

Estate Planning Council of Richmond Virginia

The Estate Planning Council of Richmond Virginia. The original founders stated, “The purpose of council shall be to promote the interests of the general public by developing among those engaged in the field of estate planning, including particularly life underwriters, trust officers, attorneys-at-law and certified public accountants, a better understanding of the services of each, and to broaden the scope and usefulness of these several fields of endeavor.”

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Frank is an active member and has provided board services for the organization.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high, and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering, and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Fork Union Military Academy
Frank served on the Board of Trustees and continues to support the organization.

Fork Union Military Academy

Fork Union Military Academy’s mission is to educate, develop, and inspire young men in a college preparatory, Christian, military environment. Cadets build character and learn leadership, independence, confidence, responsibility, and discipline in a setting that encourages mental, physical, and spiritual growth.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation
Melanie serves on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Foundation’s Triage Committee.

Greater Richmond Bar Foundation

The mission of the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation is to expand public access to the justice system in central Virginia by facilitating the delivery of pro bono legal services and service projects. GRBF serves as the hub of pro bono service and outreach to the community. Through strategic planning, centralized communications, and support, it helps the central Virginia region with its priority needs for pro bono services and helps lawyers connect with pro bono clients.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of Hampden-Sydney College
Neil, Heath, Drew and David participate in the Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Association.

Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Association

Neil is a member of the Richmond Alumni Club and is on the Board of Directors, and Heath is on the Board for the Circle Event and is a class ambassador. Drew and David are also members.

The objectives and purpose of the Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Association are to promote the general welfare of the College, and maintain the goodwill of all former students toward the College and their comradeship toward each other.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Henricus Foundation
Heath is a member of the Henricus Foundation.

Henricus Foundation

The mission of The Henricus Foundation is to provide educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities through preservation, reconstruction, and interpretation of early Virginia history beginning with 16th century Virginia Indians, the 1611 Citie of Henricus, and the Dutch Gap Conservation area.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Rotary Club

Huguenot Trail

Scott and David are both active members of the Huguenot Trail Rotary Club.

Huguenot Trail Rotary Club

Scott is the President of the Huguenot Trail Rotary Club and has provided past board services. David is a member of the Huguenot Trail Rotary Club and Neil is a founding member.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of I AM RVA
Heath is a supporter of the mission of I AM RVA.

I AM RVA

The mission of I AM RVA is to foster enthusiasm for bicycling in Richmond by encouraging a sense of community, promoting safety among riders and drivers, and creating pride in the city. I AM RVA is a nonprofit foundation with an aim to build solidarity and inclusion through a distinctive bike helmet, which will serve as a visually compelling symbol of unity and pride in its city.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the YMCA

Manchester

David is a member of the Manchester Family YMCA.

Manchester Family YMCA

The Manchester Family YMCA is a resource within your community of men, women and children committed to bringing about lasting personal and social change. With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y enables youth, adults, families and communities to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Midlothian Athletic Association

Midlothian Athletic Association

Scott is a coach for the Midlothian Athletic Association.

Midlothian Athletic Association

Midlothian Athletic Association is committed to the children in Midlothian by providing youth sports programs which promote strong, healthy bodies, while encouraging good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and reverence.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the YMCA

Midlothian

Neil served on the Midlothian Family YMCA’s Board of Directors.

Midlothian Family YMCA

The Midlothian Family YMCA is a resource within your community of men, women and children committed to bringing about lasting personal and social change. With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y enables youth, adults, families and communities to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Rotary Club

Midlothian

Drew is a member of the Midlothian Rotary Club.

Midlothian Rotary Club

Drew is a member of the Midlothian Rotary Club.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the National MS Society - Virginia/West Virginia Chapter
Brandon, Maryann, Melanie, and Frank have been huge supporters and members.

National MS Society - Virginia/West Virginia Chapter

The National MS Society’s Virginia/West Virginia Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS throughout Virginia and West Virginia, as well as three counties in northeastern North Carolina and seven counties in southeastern Kentucky, and raise funds for critical MS research.

Frank is a Life Member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Naval Academy Alumni Association

Naval Academy Alumni Association

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Overbrook Presbyterian Church
Frank provides pro bono legal counsel to Overbrook Presbyterian Church.

Overbrook Presbyterian Church

Christ has been the cornerstone of Overbrook Presbyterian Church’s ministry, from the second floor of Rady’s Drug Store, to the small building in Barton Heights, to the building that is now home to All Souls Presbyterian Church, and since 1955, at the present location on Dumbarton Road.

Powhatan Bar Association

Neil, David, Heath & Frank are all members of the Powhatan Bar Association.

Powhatan Bar Association

Frank is a Board Member of the Powhatan County Economic Development Authority.

Powhatan County Economic Development Authority

Powhatan County Economic Development Authority.

Providence Forge Fishing Club

Neil and David are members of the Providence Forge Fishing Club. Neil has also served on the Board of Directors for more than 10 years.

Providence Forge Fishing Club

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Relationship Foundation of Virginia

Relationship Foundation of Virginia

CowanGates sponsored a golf tournament for the Relationship Foundation of Virginia which is an organization that focuses on fatherhood, parenting and being a partner for men in Virginia.

Melanie is on the board of the Richmond Bar Association.

Richmond Bar Association

The Bar Association of the City of Richmond, the oldest bar organization in Virginia, continues to expand a great tradition of service to the bench, the bar, and the public in its third century. The Association’s objectives have remained constant since stated by the founders in 1885: to aid in maintaining the honor and dignity of the profession of law, to promote legal science and the administration of justice, and to cultivate social interaction among its members.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Richmond Hokie Club
Brandon is a representative of the Richmond Hokie Club and serves on its Board of Directors.

Richmond Hokie Club

The Richmond Hokie Club is a non-profit organization whose principal purpose is to raise funds to support the athletic programs of Virginia Tech. The group is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of the athletic programs and raising funds for the Hokie Club, also known as the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Rotary Club

Richmond

Brandon was a member, and Melanie is currently a board member and has helped sponsor the Annual Rotary Golf Tournament.

Rotary Club of Richmond

Rotary Club of Richmond is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women. The world’s Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Salisbury Men's Golf Association
Neil is the current President of Salisbury Country Club and has served three terms on the Board of Directors.

Salisbury Men's Golf Association

Salisbury Country Club is a private, member-owned country club located in Midlothian, Virginia. The Club features a premier golf facility comprised of 27 holes of golf and a state-of-the-art practice facility offering a unique short game practice area and double range.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Science Museum of Virginia
Scott served as the Treasurer for the Science Museum of Virginia and also provided board services.

Science Museum of Virginia

​The mission of the Science Museum of Virginia is to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science.  The Museum is a catalyst for inspiration, a place that sparks curiosity and generates ideas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Southside Opportunity Fund
Frank provides pro bono legal counsel for the Southside Opportunity Fund.

Southside Opportunity Fund

The Southside Opportunity Fund was created by SEC’s Board of Directors in 2016 to support the future academic endeavors of students whose parents or legal guardians are members of the Cooperative. The newly formed Southside Opportunity Fund will award $1,000 scholarships to students served by Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC).

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Heath is a member of the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church congregation.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church serves locally as a kind of modern village green for many in Richmond. From daily worship to a Saturday farmers market, weekly small groups to world-class guest speakers, providing fellowship and nurture to people at every stage of life, the church provides a gathering place where people come to love and be loved, to grow in faith and spirit, and to explore what matters most in life

The Richmond Assembly

Heath is the current President of The Richmond Assembly.

The Richmond Assembly

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Upward Basketball
Scott is a coach for an Upward Basketball Team.

Upward Basketball

Established in 1995, Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports provider. Upward Sports is the only organization that offers the 360 Progression™, a uniquely designed total sports experience that adapts and expands as players grow in their personal athletic journeys.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Virginia Bar Association
All of the attorneys at CowanGates are members of the Virginia Bar Association.

Virginia Bar Association

The Virginia Bar Association is the independent voice of the Virginia lawyer, advancing the highest ideals of the profession through advocacy and volunteer service.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation
Frank is the Chairman of the Board (2018 – 2020) for the Virginia War Memorial Foundation.

Virginia War Memorial Foundation

Chartered in 2000, the Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the nonprofit corporation that finances all of the educational and patriotic programs, historic exhibits, documentary films, and student-teacher outreach of the Memorial.

Walton Park Athletics

Scott was a Swim Team volunteer for Walton Park Athletics.

Walton Park Athletics

Frank is an active member and legal counsel (pro bono) at West End Assembly of God.

West End Assembly of God

West End Assembly of God

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the Rotary Club

Western Henrico

Frank is a former member of the Western Henrico Rotary Club.

Western Henrico Rotary Club

Western Henrico Rotary Club is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill. Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women.

CowanGates is a proud supporter of the YMCA

Greater Richmond

Heath and David are members of the YMCA of Greater Richmond.

YMCA of Greater Richmond

YMCA of Greater Richmond is a resource within your community of men, women and children committed to bringing about lasting personal and social change. With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y enables youth, adults, families and communities to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.