United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia Founded in 1974 Total Grantmaking in 2019 : $ 2,344,211
The United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia , Inc . was created by the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church as a separate and distinct legal entity in 1974 . Known then as United Methodist Charities , the foundation was a permanent charitable vehicle that could solicit and manage gifts . It has always had a special focus on United Methodist churches and causes .
Renamed the United Methodist Foundation in 1992 , the organization ’ s mission has always been to create a culture of generosity that transforms the world .
“ We expand and enhance the ministries of the church ,” says President Jeff Taylor . “ Every community in West Virginia has at least one United Methodist Church , and each church has its own administrative overhead and ministries that require funding . Our funding can help them reach beyond the walls of the church and deeper into the community . Our funds impact communities through addiction recovery ministries , food and clothing pantries , community cultural events , backpack programs and scholarships . Theologian Frederick Buechner once wrote that ‘ the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world ’ s deep hunger meet .’ There is certainly a deep need in West Virginia for charitable dollars across many areas .”
The foundation has funded several standout ministries , including a response to the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in 2010 .
“ After the mine disaster in Montcoal , we became the administrator of funds raised by the West Virginia Council of Churches to help the families of the miners who were killed or seriously injured ,” says Taylor . “ Thousands of gifts came from all over the country from people who felt the need to respond in some way , ranging in size from cents to tens of thousands of dollars . On the six-month anniversary , we distributed nearly $ 1 million to those 29 families . It could in no way make up for the terrible personal losses , but at least they knew they were not alone . They were being thought about , prayed for and cared for . It was a great feeling to have some small part in being present with others in their suffering .”
Until recently , the foundation did not have the luxury of undesignated funds . However , as unencumbered donations continue to rise , Taylor ’ s goal is to be a good steward .
“ I see the foundation taking the initiative in funding more projects and programs ,” he says . “ I also hope to see the foundation partner more with other funders and work collaboratively to address societal needs . We have discovered we can do so much more by working with others .”
Parkersburg Area Community Foundation & Regional Affiliates Founded in 1963 Total Grantmaking in 2019 : $ 2,298,314
In 1963 , five local citizens met in Parkersburg , WV , to discuss insufficient funding for their local nonprofit organizations . Determined to build a better future , they started the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation & Regional Affiliates ( PACF ), electing Edwin Dils , a local store owner , as the first governing board chair .
“ Nearly 60 years later , while much has changed , much work remains to be done ,” says Executive Director Judy Sjostedt Ritchie . “ Between 1963 and today , PACF ’ s annual grants to the community have grown from $ 2,000 per year to more than $ 2.75 million in Fiscal Year 2020 . The fact that PACF does so much good today is due in large part to the good people who came before , stepped up and did their part for the causes for which they cared .”
PACF ’ s main function is to build permanent charitable resources , but it also delivers leadership initiatives for the broad benefit of its service area .
“ PACF ’ s Civic Leaders Fellowship is a home-grown initiative that has been operating for nearly a decade ,” says Ritchie . “ This program of summer employment and leadership activities for college-aged students boasts impressive results . For every dollar a donor invests , Ohio University researchers estimate this initiative returns nearly $ 33 in social value for the Mid-Ohio Valley region . Approximately 75 % of those who have completed their tenure as fellows are now employed within a three-hour drive of Parkersburg . This initiative embodies what a community foundation is — one generation taking care of the next generation .”
Another key project , Give Local MOV , was launched in 2014 and allows locals to make donations to support their favorite nonprofits online . Since its inception , it has raised more than $ 2 million , with community interest growing annually .
“ Give Local MOV has come to symbolize a way for PACF , our region ’ s nonprofits and all our donors to work together to increase the resources available for the common good ,” says Ritchie . “ On May 4 , 2021 , $ 505,000 was raised in just 24 hours to support the 59 participating causes .” In 2020 , PACF ’ s total grantmaking totaled $ 2,753,236 . “ Building community philanthropy in West Virginia is critical ,” says Ritchie . “ We don ’ t know what the future holds for West Virginia , but we do know the communities of our region will be better equipped to deal with the challenges they will face because of the generous support people are giving to PACF today .”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE