Matching Funds Challenge

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation is partnering with area nonprofit organizations to help grow their endowed funds at the Community Foundation. Participating charities are soliciting donations to add to twenty-two endowments that support their programs. The goal is for each organization to raise $2,000 which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation.

According to EWVCF Executive Director Michael Whalton, the funds were established either by the nonprofit or by a donor who was passionate about their mission. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity for local charities to grow their Funds here at the Community Foundation,” Whalton said. 

The following organizations will build their endowments during the Matching Funds Challenge:

• JUMP (Junior Mentoring Program)
• Berkeley County Meals on Wheels
• Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle
• Berkeley Senior Services
• Hospice of the Panhandle
• Good Samaritan Free Healthcare
• CCAP/Loaves and Fishes
• Panhandle Home Health
• Senior Life Services of Morgan County
• Potomac Valley Audubon Society
• Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle
• The River House
• Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission
• United Way of the Eastern Panhandle
• Morgan County Starting Points
• Town of Wardensville
• Eastern Panhandle Young Life
• Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle
• Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission
• Eastern WVCTC Foundation
• Rotary Club of Romney

The ultimate goal is to grow the funds so that the annual distributions will provide meaningful support to each organization. As Dianne Waldron of Berkeley County Meals on Wheels puts it, “[Enhancing] our existing endowment demonstrates the value we place on our future.” Meals on Wheels has been serving the area for 51 years and is currently distributing 1,000 meals per week to homebound seniors and disabled individuals. Waldron knows that the contributions to their endowment will ensure that their lifesaving services will continue for years to come.

Panhandle Home Health Care has already begun reaching out to donors, one of whom contributed her birthday fundraiser proceeds. Executive Director Lisa Bivens emphasized that growing their endowment fund will ensure the long-term success of their programs. “Being able to provide home health care to our patients, regardless of their ability to pay, allows our agency to be responsive to the healthcare needs of our community,” she said. Audrey Morris of Morgan County Starting Points is excited to build the Starting Points legacy with contributions to the Glenna Merica Grove Fund. Starting Points is well on its way to meeting the $2,000 goal thanks to a blessing from a former VISTA volunteer. 

Building endowments can greatly ease the day-to-day financial burdens of these nonprofits serving so many in our area. Robin Kees of Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle was excited by the prospect of being able to easily pay utilities for the year. While only the first $2,000 will be matched by the Foundation during this challenge, donors are certainly encouraged to contribute above and beyond that amount to their favorite nonprofit. “We hope to encourage donors to contribute today, as well as to make a planned gift to the endowed fund of their favorite nonprofit so every charitable organization in the Eastern Panhandle will eventually have a substantial endowment at the Community Foundation,” Whalton said. 

To learn more about the Matching Funds Challenge visit www.EWVCF.org or call Michael Whalton at 304.264.0353.

Two Rivers Giving Circle Grant Applications being Accepted through September 15

The Two Rivers Giving Circle is one of the few local sources of grants for Eastern Panhandle nonprofit groups that are engaged in historic preservation and natural resources conservation. In general, grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are generally awarded up front.

Our members come from Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties, and we confine our grantmaking to those counties. The Two Rivers Giving Circle will consider grants for:

•  Safeguarding Habitat: Protection of habitat is critical to the preservation of biodiversity. Focus is placed on buffer zones, wildlife areas, watersheds, and functioning ecosystems.
• Children and Nature: Education and involvement of the next generation is extremely important. Programs that address youth activism, knowledge, hands-on activity, and physical movement.
• Saving Panhandle Treasures: We all have a deep care for our countryside and heritage. Initiatives that provide increased protection of historic, cultural, and pastoral places in the Panhandle.
• Waste and Recycling: Efforts that catalyze underserved recycling efforts, promote effective household waste treatment, and deter non-point source pollution in the Panhandle.
• Energy Conservation: Initiatives that promote increased energy conservation and decreased consumption behaviors in our Panhandle community.
• Growing the Movement: Programs that engage, organize and empower new constituencies who add to the advancement of programs through volunteerism and leadership that lead to new ways of thinking and acting.