Josh Epperson, co-founder of FeastRVA, lives each day by a quote by Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

It was during what he calls his transition from “can’t to can” in 2011 that FeastRVA was born.

The nonprofit pairs people who have great ideas with people who can help fund them. Specifically, people pitch their ideas to a group of about 250 people at a community dinner. The diners then vote on the idea or program that impresses them the most, with the winner receiving a grant of either $500 or $1,000 to help bring the idea to life. The dinners are held quarterly. About 250 tickets — at $25 each — are sold to diners, with proceeds from the “feast” funding the various projects.

Through FeastRVA, Mr. Epperson says, “We’re changing the entire fabric of society by giving people a taste of ‘can’ through funding ideas running the gamut — from kids programs, a project fighting sex trafficking and teaching kindergarteners yoga to relax, which is hilarious and heart- warming.”

FeastRVA has awarded 21 grants totaling $10,000 in the last six years.

The organization’s next feast will be 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Glave Kocen Gallery, 1620 W. Main St. Tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-rva-september-17th-2017-tickets-37139361831 or at the door.

“We like to say that we fund the small steps that make big ideas happen,” Mr. Epperson says. “Unlike many other grant-giving organizations in Richmond, we focus on giving individuals small amounts of money through a democratic process.

“Our grants are intentionally small because we believe to get big things done, you have to take small steps. And, sometimes, great ideas don’t require a ton of cash. Our grants are an invitation to break your dreams down into actionable goals and then fund the steps along your path.”

Even if some presenters don’t win a grant, engagement with the community and practicing pitching an idea can be priceless, he says.

The 34-year old Maryland native who says he grew up as “a troubled child” in the Stonegate projects in Reston, Va., was inspired to start the Richmond nonprofit because of FEAST Brooklyn, which is no longer in operation.

In New York, “FEAST” was an acronym for “Funding Emerging Arts with Sustainable Tactics.”

“We loved the concept,” he says, “except we lost the acronym and just let feast stand for coming together over food. “We changed some things from the Brooklyn iteration, simplifying some things and dialing up others,” he explains. “But the concept is the same — bring people together, combine resources, share ideas and give away money to make a project come to life.”

Mr. Epperson believes Feast-RVA helps people recognize the “can” in their own abilities. Rejection or difficulty from the outside then becomes less important because of personal confidence, he says.

“These are ‘can’ people who have come alive and don’t ask what the world needs, but give what the world needs.” Meet this week’s Personality, inspiring community activist and dream funder, Josh Epperson:

Occupation: Writer for Prophet, an international branding firm, and freelance writer for projects through my company, PWT, which stands for “Putting Words Together.”

Top volunteer role: Co-founder of FeastRVA.

Date and place of birth: May 18 in Bethesda, Md.

Current residence: Randolph in Richmond’s West End.

Education: Northern Virginia Community College; bachelor’s degree in psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: Parents, Tyrone Epperson and Shannon DeVall, and sister, Buffy Epperson.

When FeastRVA was founded: Feast RVA was founded in 2011.

How many recipients have received grants since founding: We have officially given away 21 grants through Feast RVA. Two were awarded at the first event. However, there have been several events where an attendee liked an idea so much that they offered that presenter a grant even though they didn’t win based on votes. So we’ve probably funded closer to 25 or so projects in Richmond.

How FeastRVA is financed: FeastRVA currently receives no outside financing. However, we’re hoping to change that. Right now, all of the money for FeastRVA comes from ticket and beverage sales at our events. 

What community means to me: To me, community is actually very complicated. It is both one of the oldest, most human things to build, and yet the most difficult. Ever since we started creating civilization in Africa and in the Fertile Crescent, we’ve been trying to figure out how lots of us can congregate in a finite geographic area and make it work. I think that’s community when it’s at its greatest — different ideas and different people living together making it work. But we’re still experimenting with how to do that as a human species.

How I start the day: As a writer, I don’t have a definite structure every day and my outlook reflects that. I start every day with a level of curiosity and interest in exploring what potential there is in that day and how I can make the most of it. 

A perfect day for me is: A perfect day for me would be to wake up fully rested, have a leisurely breakfast, be somewhere where I can see the ocean and then have a combination of producing some writing that I love and learning something new. Plus sprinkle in some great conversations with some smart and beautiful people and maybe seeing a little art to top things off. 

How I unwind: I like to unwind by having a really nice cocktail in a cozy bar with mood lighting and a good friend or two.

Hobby: I love to learn, so I love going to museums or watching documentaries about history or art or culture. Plus, anytime that I can write for myself outside of the work stuff is fun.

Best late-night snack: Pie.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Don’t be a victim.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother influenced me a ton. She was a writer. She exposed me to art. She exposed me to language and has always been a huge supporter.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

What I’m reading now: “Our Kind of People” by Lawrence Otis Graham. 

My next goal: To see more of the world and to continue writing and increasing my skill.