The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) wants to remind our friends who are at least age 70½, that the US tax code allows funds to be transferred directly from their Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity. While this program has been around for a number of years, it was only made permanent beginning in 2016. Prior to that Congress often didn’t approve the qualified charitable distribution (QCD) until the very end of December so it was a bit more difficult for donors to plan ahead.

Although a QCD may not be made to a donor advised fund, virtually any other charitable fund held by the Community Foundation would qualify. In order to enjoy the tax advantages provided by this program, charitable contributions must be transferred directly from a Traditional IRA to the qualified charity.  In fact, several long time donors make contributions to EWVCF from their IRA every year.  Gifts of this kind allow the donor to support multiple charitable programs and offer several tax advantages.

Keep in mind that a 401(k), SEP-IRA, or SIMPLE IRA does not qualify, but assets from those can be rolled over to a Traditional IRA and then transferred to the Community Foundation. For example, a single individual with charitable intentions could arrange for a direct transfer of $110,000 from the IRA custodian (e.g., a trust bank or brokerage firm) to the Community Foundation or any qualified charity; the donor would never receive the funds. The maximum QCD allowed in any year is $100,000.

If you have questions about the tax ramifications and how the program might help you, the October 2016 issue of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) Journal has an excellent article about the tax advantages of using a QCD for charitable giving. http://www.aaii.com/journal/article/the-tax-advantages-of-qualified-charitable-distributions-from-iras.mobile

Of course you can always call Michael Whalton at 304.264.0353 or email us at the Community Foundation for more information.

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation is actively recruiting a Program Manager to handle day-to-day operations of the organization’s grant and scholarship programs. The Foundation has operated with a three person staff for nearly 10 years. Executive Director Michael Whalton and Finance & Admin Manager Felicia Fuller work in the Martinsburg office and Affiliate Director Amy Pancake works out of an office in Romney.  During the past 10 years the foundation has doubled in size and now awards between $500,000 and $1 million annually in grants and scholarships, and manages nearly $21 million in endowed assets.  Interested individuals should mail a cover letter and résumé by May 19th to EWVCF, 229 E. Martin St., Suite 4, Martinsburg, WV  25401.

PROGRAM MANAGER – Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Program Manager will be responsible for the review and analysis of the grant and scholarship process from application to evaluation. Duties include developing grant and scholarship program standards and assisting the Executive Director with other Community Foundation programs and special events. The Program Manager will work from the Community Foundation’s Martinsburg office and will…

• Manage all aspects of grantmaking for the Foundation. This includes working with all current and prospective grantees, reviewing proposals for technical compliance, conducting due diligence, entering data, preparing committee and board materials, developing and launching requests for grant applications, monitoring and evaluating current grants and reports, and providing grantee assistance.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage related strategic and/or collaborative grant making initiatives.
• Help to plan and implement educational and capacity building programs and workshops to benefit and advance the nonprofit sector in the region.
• Develop and maintain contact with broad cross section of nonprofit organizations in the community.
• Develop partnerships with other institutions to extend the impact of the Foundation’s grantmaking.
• Manage the Foundation’s scholarship program application processes and records.
• Work closely with Board-authorized Scholarship Committees to develop and distribute scholarship announcements and guidelines, and coordinate committee interviews with prospective awardees.
• Perform necessary due diligence, record keeping, and data entry for all scholarship recipients, including scholarship check requests for distribution.
• Annually review existing Grant and Scholarship policies and procedures and make recommendations for improvement.
• Work with the Executive Director to expand the Partners in Philanthropy sponsorships and develop a Corporate Giving Program.
• Assist the Executive Director in planning, logistics, marketing, and photography of EWVCF events; including but not limited to the Scholars & Donors Reception, the Partners in Philanthropy Mini-Grants to Teachers Celebration, the Emeritus Council and Nonprofit Leaders Luncheon, and the Community Workshops and Nonprofit Training programs.
• Monitor media (print/social/broadcast) and provide articles/photos for newsletters, the annual report, the website, social media, and all other communications, highlighting grants, scholarships, and other community foundation programs and events.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong interest in philanthropy or nonprofit sector/community work as evidenced through education, previous jobs, or volunteer experience.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, preferably with some experience in dealing with foundations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a range of groups, including donors and community leaders.

Every staff employed by the Community Foundation is expected to possess:

1. Integrity
2. High energy and a positive attitude
3. A dedication to quality and accuracy
4. An ability to work well with co-workers; especially in a small office
5. An ability to fulfill job requirements with minimal supervision
6. Good oral and written communication skills
7. Ability to work under pressure.
8. A commitment to confidentiality
9. Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Office software, MAC systems, and social media.

Benefits include a flexible work schedule, Simple IRA matching program, paid vacation, federal holidays and sick leave.

Salary Range $30,000 to $40,000 depending upon experience and education. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Due to the coming snowstorm, we’ve decided to extend our March 15th Grant Deadline until this Friday, March 17th. Grant applications may be postmarked or hand delivered to our office on Wednesday, March 15th,  Thursday, March 16th our Friday, March 17th between 9 AM and 5 PM.