November 8, 2019
North Central West Virginia ─ Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF) will join in a nationwide celebration, November 12-18, 2019, to recognize the increasingly important role community foundations play in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.
For more than a century, community foundations have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. During this time, community foundations come together to share and reflect on the stories of impact over the past year.
YCF’s annual grant award ceremony will be held on Friday, November 15, to coincide with Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day. During this event, local charitable organizations will be awarded grant funding to assist in their efforts to address community needs in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and social services, and recreation.
“Community foundations assist individuals, families, corporations and nonprofit agencies with long-term charitable plans,” said Patty Showers Ryan, YCF president. “They represent the fastest growing philanthropic sector in the U.S. today.”
Community foundations are independent, public charities created by and for the people of our community to manage multi-generational endowments. Established in 2011, YCF was formed by the merger of the Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (CFNCWV) and the Greater Morgantown Community Trust (GMCT) to serve Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties. YCF’s asset base is $15 million comprised of more than 140 separate funds, most of which are permanently endowed for the long-term benefit of the community.
Local residents with philanthropic interests can easily and effectively support issues they care about immediately, or through their wills. Donors establish charitable funds with a specific purpose, or give unrestricted funds for the greatest need of the community.
Through its donated and invested resources, YCF extends many forms of assistance to qualified people, programs and projects. YCF’s underlying goal is always to enhance the quality of life in North Central West Virginia.
During calendar year 2018, YCF awarded $221,700 from 34 scholarship funds to students pursuing higher education. In addition, YCF distributed more than $728,000 in grants through component funds established by local citizens and organizations. “For a 7-year-old organization to be able to contribute nearly $1 million to the community speaks volumes about local residents’ desire to give back in North Central West Virginia,” said Ryan.
Governor Jim Justice has issued proclamations to Community Foundations across West Virginia to declare National Community Foundation Week in the Mountain State. The recognition helps emphasize the important work performed in our communities.
Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush, recognizes the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community problems.
YCF’s vision is to be a leader advocating for programs, services and policies for the residents of North Central West Virginia. To learn more email info@ycfwv.org, call (304) 296-3433, or visit www.ycfwv.org.
