touching thousands of lives in the region ,” says Giovannitti . “ The foundation recognizes that philanthropic dollars should be flexible and attracted to visionary work . Over 80 years , we have helped support small ideas as well as big audacious initiatives because , as Michael Benedum wrote in his codicil , ‘ We know not where a seed may sprout .’ We commit ourselves , our structure and our grantmaking to honor our founding charge to support the greatest good for the greatest number of people .”
Using the codicil as a framework for decision-making , the Benedum Foundation evolves with the current needs in the areas it serves . When it was founded , efforts were focused on war relief and poverty . Throughout the years , initiatives have grown to include health , education and economic and community development .
“ While the foundation has always championed systemic change in key areas that support the development of strong and vibrant communities , we continue to adapt to meet the evolving and emerging needs of those we serve ,” says Melanie Claxton , senior program officer of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation . “ For example , within our education portfolio this means tackling issues like early literacy development and increasing access to career pathways in new economy jobs .”
In education , the foundation seeks to improve the system and foster learning environments that will propel West Virginia forward . Recently , a substantial grant was awarded toward recruiting and retaining teachers in the state .
Within the sector of economic development , the foundation supports countless initiatives , such as improving
outdoor recreation and advancing agriculture . These projects aim to capitalize on the strength of their target areas .
The Benedum Foundation has a wide reach within the state , and its dedication to the health and well-being of residents impacts the lives of many . For example , schoolbased health clinics have been created in almost every county . Healthy residents mean thriving communities , and thriving communities mean the collective well-being of West Virginia . The foundation recognizes this and works toward providing the resources necessary to make this goal a reality .
However , thriving communities are created through more than just the health of individual residents . The Benedum Foundation also works to develop leadership , programs , improvement strategies and engagement in communities statewide .
Grants aim to improve these four main areas of focus and are done with great thoughtfulness .
“ Benedum focuses on maximizing its program officers who engage with people and projects in the field to advance a portfolio of grants ,” says Giovannitti . “ We have a history of providing among the first dollars for innovative and bold ideas but have also invested in projects that have taken years to come to fruition . Some of our funding has helped leverage millions of additional dollars from other funding sources , and some of our grants have nurtured nascent initiatives as they grew and became sustainable .”
With exceptional consideration , foundation leadership undertakes the responsibility of deciding which projects to invest in .
After the death of Michael Benedum in 1959 , a board was appointed to ensure the mission and values of the
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STAFF , 50TH ANNIVERSARY
1956
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
38 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE