Three Spring Mills High School teachers recently received mini-grants from the Community Foundation. Tina Rantanen (left to right) was awarded a grant for her Fun in Mythology program, Craig Arch received a Creating Opportunities for Job Readiness grant, and Kelsey Corder was awarded a grant for a program entitled Automata Prints and More. A total of $41,624 in grants was awarded to 101 teachers from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.
The Eastern WV Community Foundation (EWVCF) joined a nationwide celebration, November 12-18, 2019, to recognize the increasingly important role these philanthropic organizations play in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.
For more than a century, community foundations have been a trusted partner and resource for other nonprofit organizations serving specific geographic regions. The overall effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work.
“Our community foundation works with donors to support charitable causes, resulting in a brighter future for the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia,” said Lisa Welch, EWVCF Board President. “In addition to awarding grants, we strive to bring our community partners together to find innovative and effective solutions for some of the most challenging problems in our community.”
EWVCF recently awarded $41,624 in mini-grants to public school teachers from Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties, and will give nearly $1 million to support local charitable causes this year. Since its inception in 1995, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants to area nonprofit organizations and scholarships to deserving students.
“We GATHER contributions from generous donors, GROW those gifts through prudent investing, and GRANT a portion of the annual gains to address critical needs and to strengthen charitable organizations in our community,” said EWVCF
Executive Director Michael Whalton. “Our community foundation has experienced tremendous growth during the past 24 years and with nearly $28 million in assets, we provide meaningful financial support to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire, and Hardy counties.”
There are nearly 800 community foundations in the United States, each serving its own geographic region. They represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy.
As community foundations find solutions for communities large and small, urban and rural – it is the collective work of these organizations that will have the most profound impact. Next year, community foundations nationwide will gather for the 2020 CF United Conference to focus on the power of place. This immersive experience will provide participants support to address unique challenges, leverage tools for innovation and convene forward-thinking conversations.
Community Foundation Week was created in 1989 by former President
George H.W. Bush to recognize the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community problems. To learn more about the Eastern WV Community Foundation visit their website at www.EWVCF.org or call the office in Martinsburg at 304-264-0353