Snowshoe Foundation
Photo by Hinton Area Foundation .
By Dave Black , Executive Director , Snowshoe Foundation
The Snowshoe Foundation ’ s grants have funded infrastructure improvements to community centers , town parks , libraries , 4-H camps and school academic and athletic facilities . The foundation also works closely with and helps fund many of the social service organizations that are vital to the health of the community — family resource networks , senior services , food and clothing pantries and health and wellness programs . One of the areas of recent focus that the foundation is most proud of is the support of organizations that provide learning opportunities and experiences for children they likely would not have otherwise . By expanding kids ’ access to education , the arts and outdoor fitness and recreation , the foundation is investing in the future of the community and state .
Much of the foundation ’ s grantmaking is hyper-local and goes to smaller organizations , so tangible results happen quickly . When a library is remodeled to be more ADA accessible , a family resource network adds a Cribs for Kids program or a high school physics lab upgrades its equipment , immediate impacts are being made . The foundation tracks longer term metrics to gauge the impact of its grants , but seeing positive change happen in real time is one of the most gratifying aspects of the work it does .
Photo by Tucker Community Foundation .
enabling the foundation to fund more projects and initiatives . Human resources managers have expressed employees feel more engaged and motivated when their company is involved in meaningful community work .
Summers County ’ s potential is vast and untapped . The natural beauty and strong roots ground people and inspire the HAF to work for a better future . The successes seen so far are a great start , but the foundation ’ s leadership also knows the future is incredibly bright . Business leaders like Allman and Ziegler grew up in Summers County and understand that doing business there is not just about the money . It ’ s about a passion for moving the county forward through quality employment , cultural opportunities , recreation and education . These folks challenge the belief that hardships are insurmountable and are working everyday
Photo by Snowshoe Foundation .
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SUMMER 2024 45