2012-03-20
The National Standards Board of the Council on Foundations, after a thorough review process, has certified Your
Community Foundation (YCF) for national accreditation.
“This distinction places YCF among the most respected philanthropic organizations in the nation while demonstrating our work for — and our commitment to — the citizens of North Central West Virginia,” said Beth Fuller, president of YCF.
“We’re very excited to receive this letter of accreditation and the prestige that comes with it,” she said. “Both
of the organizations that merged into YCF – the Greater Morgantown Community Trust (GMCT) and the Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (CFNCWV) – were accredited separately, and now the merged organization has been recognized with the same level of national acceptance.”
The National Standards Board said YCF fully met the requirements for compliance under the rigorous standards
established by the national organization. It noted that professional advisors and prospective donors recognize national certification as an indication of YCF’s integrity and demonstrated excellence.
The application for accreditation included documentation of the organization’s bylaws, strategic plan, budget and
financial statements as well as other policies and procedures. The accreditation is effective for five years and can be renewed after that time.
GMCT was established in 2001 by a committee of local leaders to accomplish large community projects and provide a vehicle for individuals and businesses to invest in the future of the greater Morgantown area. CFNCWV was launched in 2005 with three small funds worth about $30,000, and quickly grew to more than 20 endowment funds and approximately $2 million in assets and pledged donations.
“Together, as YCF, we have continued to grow both in the number of funds and the value of our assets,” Fuller said. “I know this national recognition will be greatly appreciated by our generous donors, prospective donors and our recipient individuals and organizations.”
YCF is a charitable, non-profit organization that encourages, develops and manages endowment funds and uses the
net proceeds to support a long list of community programs and scholarships. The foundation manages assets and pledged assets of approximately $8 million and administers more than 150 separate funds.
YCF has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarship assistance to students in the North Central West Virginia region and distributed more than $5 million in annual grants to deserving organizations as designated by its donors.
Any individual, organization or business can establish a fund through YCF or make tax-deductible donations to any existing endowment fund. All donations are invested to increase their value and the net income from those investments is
paid out in annual scholarships and grants.
Information about YCF and a description of its endowment funds is available at www.ycfwv.org or by calling (304) 296-3433.
The Council on Foundations, based in Arlington, Va., is a national non-profit membership association whose members’ collective assets exceed $3 billion. It provides its members with services and support that emphasize the value of philanthropy in the lives of people everywhere.
The council’s web site is located at www.cof.org.