Susan Caperton, EWVCF/President/CEO
In our very own community, too many neighbors go to bed hungry, without a bed to call their own. They don’t have a book to read, or access to the arts. Too many of our seniors need compassionate care. Our first responders and paramedics need updated equipment and training. Our historic buildings and beautiful landscapes need preserving for future generations. Donors, who recognize these needs, want to help. They want to make their community a better place for all. To assist in that effort, our Community Foundation was created. To date, EWVCF and its affiliates have granted more than $19 million into our local community.
It has been said that community foundations are the place where the dreamers and the doers come together. In your community, donors who care about the future of their home and the well-being of their neighbors, step up and take action. With the community foundation as their partner, donors are empowered to support the causes and organizations that matter most to them.
The week of November 12-18 marks Community Foundation Week, a time when community foundations across the country come together to celebrate the power of philanthropy and the impact of their work.
Community Foundation Week is an opportunity to recognize the important role that community foundations play in building stronger, more vibrant communities. It is a time to thank the donors, volunteers, and partners who make this work possible. And it is a time to inspire others to join in this important work.
As we celebrate Community Foundation Week, we reflect on the impact that our donors have had on our community.
Foundations work to support the efforts of local nonprofits that are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. It is our goal to make giving easy and impactful. In our 30th year, the EWVCF holds more than 300 endowed funds that support the arts, education, health and human services, historic preservation, land conservation, and more. When donors establish a fund, they can choose to support a specific cause or organization, or they can create a flexible fund that allows the foundation to respond to the changing needs of the community.
EWVCF and its affiliates have awarded grants to support a wide range of programs and projects, including after-school programs, senior centers, food pantries, animal shelters, and more. They have also provided scholarships to help students pursue their educational dreams.
As we enter the giving season, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of philanthropy. Together, we can make a difference in our community. We encourage our donors to invite a friend to learn more about the work of the community foundation. We ask our nonprofit partners to share their stories of impact. And we invite everyone in the community to consider how they can give back.
For more information about the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, visit our website at EWVCF.org or call 304-264-0353.
