Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation

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2024 Two Rivers Giving Circle Grants

A NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:

This year, we have also begun using a new grant application program! Now, applicants will visit our GoApply website and create a profile before submitting applications. That website can be found here: https://goapply2.akoyago.com/ewvcf

Once you create your profile and log in, you will see a list of our current grant opportunities, including the TRGC grants. Once you hit “View” next to the application name, you will be taken to a page where you can read the grant guidelines. From there, you can click “Apply” and begin filling out your application! Your progress is saved as you fill out the application – no need for Save and Continue emails anymore!

The Two Rivers Giving Circle is one of the few local sources of grants for Eastern Panhandle nonprofit groups that are engaged in historic preservation and natural resource conservation.

Our members come from Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties, and we confine our grantmaking to those counties. The Two Rivers Giving Circle will consider grants for:

  •  Safeguarding Habitat: Protection of habitat is critical to the preservation of biodiversity. Focus is placed on buffer zones, wildlife areas, watersheds, and functioning ecosystems.
  • Children and Nature: Education and involvement of the next generation are extremely important. Programs that address youth activism, knowledge, hands-on activity, and physical movement.
  • Saving Panhandle Treasures: We all have a deep care for our countryside and heritage. Initiatives that provide increased protection of historic, cultural, and pastoral places in the Panhandle.
  • Waste and Recycling: Efforts that catalyze underserved recycling efforts, promote effective household waste treatment, and deter non-point source pollution in the Panhandle.
  • Energy Conservation: Initiatives that promote increased energy conservation and decreased consumption behaviors in our Panhandle community.
  • Growing the Movement: Programs that engage, organize, and empower new constituencies who add to the advancement of programs through volunteerism and leadership that lead to new ways of thinking and acting.

Application Deadlines, Reviews, and Reports

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • An already existing nonprofit, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(13) organization in good standing with the IRS, or
  • An existing government/quasi-governmental agency, or public school applying for a project that is not funded by tax revenue, or
  • A religious organization requesting funding for a non-sectarian charitable purpose, or
  • A civic group that is not a 501(c)(3) organization requesting funding for a charitable community cause.
Required Financial Information for 501(c)(3) Organizations
Applications must include financial information for the organization as a whole, and in addition:
  • Applicants with charitable contributions over $300,000 but less than $500,000 must provide the most recent financial review performed by an independent certified public accountant.
  • Applicants with charitable contributions over $500,000 must provide the most recent audit performed by an independent certified public accountant.

In addition, 501(c)(3) organizations must be in good standing with:

Applications will open on AUGUST 23rd, 2024 and close on SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2024. Two Rivers Giving Circle representatives may contact applicants for a phone or face-to-face interview and site visit. Grants will be announced by November.

Grant Size, Payment, and Final Reporting

Trust-Based Philanthropy Reporting Requirements: In general, grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are generally awarded up front. A final report, including outcomes of the funded program, and a summary of your grant expenses must be submitted by the end of August of the year following receipt of the grant. All grantees will be asked to attend a Zoom meeting to update members of the Two Rivers Giving Circle shortly after final reports are submitted. Under unusual circumstances, the Community Foundation may consider an extension.

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2024 Berkeley County Industrial Park Development Fund Grants

A NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:

This grant cycle marks our first time utilizing our new application process! Now, applicants will visit our GoApply website and create a profile before submitting applications. That website can be found here: https://goapply2.akoyago.com/ewvcf

Once you create your profile and log in, you will see a list of our current grant opportunities, including the BCIPD grants. Once you hit “View” next to the application name, you will be taken to a page where you can read the grant guidelines. From there, you can click “Apply” and begin filling out your application! Your progress is saved as you fill out the application – no need for Save and Continue emails anymore!

Grant Guidelines & Application

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation will consider grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies serving Berkeley County. Projects and programs receiving funding should focus on, provide, or address any or all of the following:
  • Economic development
  • Business recruitment and/or creation
  • Workforce development
  • Job creation
  • Career training and job skills development
Application Deadline, Reviews, and Reports
All grant applications must be submitted no later than July 31 to be considered. Our representatives may contact applicants for phone or Zoom interviews. Grants will be announced in August.
Grant Size, Payment, and Final Reports
Grants will generally range from $2,000 to $12,000. A final report, including a summary of grant expenses, must be provided to the Community Foundation the following year. Extensions may be allowed with prior approval.
Organizations Eligible to Apply
Charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, technical institutes, colleges, and universities serving Berkeley County are eligible to apply.  Also eligible are Berkeley County-based units of government and quasi-governmental agencies so long as funded programs meet the grant guidelines and benefit the public good.
Grantmaking Priorities
Grantseekers are encouraged to submit proposals for specific projects and programs rather than for general support or operations. Programs that have already been completed are unlikely to be funded. No grants to individuals will be made.
Trust-Based Philanthropy Reporting Requirements
In an effort to streamline the grants process for nonprofit organizations, the Community Foundation has adopted trust-based philanthropy and will award and pay the Berkeley County Industrial Park Development Fund grants upfront. A final report, including a summary of grant expenses, must be provided to the Community Foundation, and grantees agree to attend a Zoom meeting to discuss their grant. Extensions to complete the grant funded program may be allowed with prior approval; however, grantees receiving an extension should still file an interim report and attend the Zoom meeting.
We hope to see your applications soon!

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Philanthropy: A team sport

At first glance, you may think of charitable giving as mostly an individual act. Certainly, most of the time, the actual money or asset that constitutes the charitable donation comes from a single person, couple, or entity. Beyond that, though, it likely makes sense to think of charitable giving as a collaborative endeavor.

Here are three examples:

–Serving on the board of directors of a charitable organization is a rewarding activity for many people. And, many people complement their board service with financial support. Dialogue among board members, leveraging board members’ talents, and collective board oversight are important components of a well-run nonprofit organization. Charities are counting on board members’ objective voices in the boardroom, board members’ constructive questions, and the board’s dedication to ensuring that public trust in the charity is maintained.

–For many people, involving other family members in charitable giving is one of the most rewarding ways to instill philanthropic values and transfer these values across generations. Whether you’re teaching young children about the importance of helping people in need, or joining with siblings to develop a grant-making strategy for a family donor-advised fund at the community foundation, you’re experiencing the joy of working together to make a difference in the lives of others.

–Working with the community foundation is itself a collaborative activity. When you organize your giving through a donor-advised or other type of fund, you are working with multiple professionals on our team to help you plan your annual gifts, evaluate impact, structure tax-savvy contributions of appreciated stock, and so much more. Plus, the community foundation team often works alongside your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor to ensure that both your financial and community goals are top of mind.

Thank you for the opportunity to work together to make our region a better place for everyone, now and in the future. If you’re not yet working with the community foundation, we look forward to exploring the options! It would be an honor and pleasure to work alongside you and your family on your charitable giving journey.

The team at the community foundation is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.

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Introducing the Hardy County Community Foundation 2024 Scholarship Recipients

 

Pictured L to R – Quincy Combs, Sterling Kump, Morgan Wagner, Kevin Molen, Jace Thompson, Gage Sherman, Madalyn Clayton, Seth Doman, Brianna Walker, Marissa Ward, Mckenna Crites, and Jaden Cullers

At its recent Donors & Scholars event at Moorefield High School, hosted and catered by Moorefield Hospitality Services, the Hardy County Community Foundation announced scholarship awards totaling $37,500.

Scholarships ranged from $200 Achievement Awards given in recognition of student accomplishments up to $2,500 for students planning to pursue or currently pursuing higher education. Recipients include:

Glen and Charlotte Bradfield Scholarship
Jace Thompson

Bill and Stella Halterman Crane Scholarship
Bradley Williamson

East Hardy Vo-Tech Training Scholarship
Seth Doman

Shelton Gay Scholarship
Jace Thompson

Oscar H. Bean, Bill Clark, Clarence “Hink” Fisher, and Tom Hawse II Scholarship
Kevin Molen (renewed scholarship)

Stanley and Naomi Moyer Scholarship
Megan Good

Phillip P. and Elda G. Painter Scholarship
Wade Hershberger
Grant Sherman

John and Alvina Chalmers Pappas Scholarship
Brianna Walker

John and Alvina Chalmers Pappas Achievement Award
Jordan McGee
Mason Wilkins

Lost River Pride Scholarship
Evie Groves

Rissler Sisters Scholarship
Quincy Combs

Wardensville Area Scholarship
Megan Good
Wade Hershberger
Bryce Miller
Jace Thompson
Brianna Walker

Vernon and Myrtle Webster Scholarship
Quincy Combs

Kaylee Grace Whetzel Scholarship
McKenna Crites

Bob and Betty Wilson Family Scholarship
Jaden Cullers
Morgan Wagner
Madalynn Clayton (renewed scholarship)
Sydney Hardy (renewed scholarship)
Victoria Humphries (renewed scholarship)
Sterling Kump (renewed scholarship)
Marissa Ward (renewed scholarship)

In addition to awarding scholarships from our endowed funds, students who attended the event or who had R.S.V.P.’d were entered in a drawing to receive a $250 bonus scholarship. Kevin Molen and McKenna Crites were randomly selected to receive these awards.

We are grateful to the donors who have placed their trust in the community foundation and have given us the privilege of serving as a steward for their charitable gifts and intentions, and we are honored to recognize and support the accomplishments and educational pursuits of our scholarship recipients.

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Hampshire County Community Foundation Celebrates Donors, Grantees & Scholars

Scholarship Recipients L to R: Ralph Wojtowicz, Case Cartwright, Jordan Gray, Carlina Sardo, Taylor Treadway, Evie Groves, Jocelyn Hartman (recipients Vanessa Hicks and Milleny Cotto-Santos were unable to attend).

The Hampshire County Community Foundation celebrated donors and this year’s grant and scholarship recipients at a reception on May 14th at the South Branch Inn.

Grants and scholarships totaled just over $35,000, and were made possible through distributions from fourteen individually named endowment funds and other gifts from generous corporate and individual donors.

“We appreciate the trust you have placed in the community foundation and the privilege you have given us to serve as a steward for your charitable gifts and intentions”, said Michael Cheshire, a HCCF board member when thanking the foundation’s donors. “Whether contributing to an existing fund, creating your own fund, or making provisions for charitable giving, we are honored to be a conduit for your philanthropy.”

He went on to announce grants awarded earlier this year, noting the foundation’s unique opportunity to learn about the many different organizations throughout the county doing extraordinary work. He said, “Our county is blessed to have so many diverse organizations with dedicated staff and volunteers working to make our lives and the lives of our neighbors better or more enriched.”

A few of the foundation’s grantees were showcased at the event. Misty Stambler, the director for Hampshire County Pathways spoke about their Music and Sound Therapy program and a new partnership with The Cat and the Fiddle in Capon Bridge, which will help broaden the original scope of the program. Anna Poland, the Hampshire County Public Library director, spoke about the many different programs offered by the library, including a food and hygiene pantry. Kristie Long, Health Sciences Education teacher at Hampshire High School spoke about her vision for high quality health care in our community and how the Health Sciences program and HOSA can help inspire and prepare Hampshire County youth to be a part of that vision. The Hampshire County Youth Football Cheer Squad coach, Amy Delaplain described the explosive growth of this new youth football league and the recent addition of cheer squads, which are expected to grow just as fast.

After hearing about grants, HCCF board member Emily Milleson and Susan Caperton, the new executive director for the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (HCCF’s lead foundation), presented scholarship awards describing them as “expression of hope and encouragement for each recipient.”

Scholarship awards went to Ralph Wojtowicz (Deborah, Leslie, and Christopher Bright Scholarship), Milleny Cotto-Santos (David A. “Hawk” Hawkens Scholarship), Jordan Gray (R.L. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship), Evie Groves (Lost River Pride Scholarship), Vanessa Hicks (Rae Ellen Scanlon McKee Scholarship), Jocelyn Hartman (Wanda McCulley Scholarship), Carlina Sardo (Wilda Michael Memorial Scholarship), Case Cartwright and Taylor Treadway (Joy Tutwiler Snyder Memorial Scholarship), Jocelyn Hartman and Taylor Treadway (Rissler Sisters Scholarship).

The program ended with a raffle led by Susan Caperton and Paula Tingler which gave guests the opportunity to be a grant maker and award a bonus $500 grant to a 2024 grantee. Winner Kiersten King selected Hampshire High School HOSA (pictured with HHS Health Science Education teacher Kristie Long), Ralph Wojtowicz, Sr. selected Hampshire County Committee on Aging, and Jordan Gray selected Children’s Home Society.

HCCF Director, Amy Pancake wrapped up with an additional thanks to the foundation’s corporate sponsors and to the Hampshire High School Pro-Start program for the excellent catering services provided by Kiersten King, Carlina Sardo, and Alyssa Combs (pictured) under the direction of HHS Pro Start teacher, Ann Nesbit.

 

 

Special thanks to Tina and Sarah Ladd for the pictures!

Martinsburg Office
127 Crimson Circle
Martinsburg, WV 25403
[email protected]
304.264.0353

Romney Office
Post Office Box 40
91 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
[email protected]
304.822.7200

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Vision

To build vibrant communities that provide opportunities for everyone living in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Mission

To inspire philanthropy, serve donors, strengthen communities, and improve the quality of life in Eastern West Virginia now and for future generations.

Values

We honor the philanthropic vision of our donors and value their generosity. We respect the work of nonprofit organizations and the passion they bring to carrying out their missions. We earn the trust of our grantees, donors, and partners through our commitment to excellence in our stewardship and our dedication to accountability, integrity, professionalism, and transparency in all our actions. In all our work, we actively embrace accessibility, inclusion, racial and social equity, and the unity that comes from diversity.