YCF Participates in National Effort to Highlight Local Impact of Philanthropy

RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS

NOVEMBER 12–18, 2017

YCF Participates in National Effort to Highlight Local Impact of Philanthropy

November 9, 2017

North Central West Virginia ─ During the week of November 12-18, 2017, Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (YCF) will join more than 780 community foundations across America celebrating Community Foundation Week.  For 28 years, the effort has raised awareness about the increasingly important role of these philanthropic organizations in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.

“Community foundations impact lives, solve problems, and improve futures,” said Patty Showers Ryan, president of YCF.  “Strong community foundations partner with residents, nonprofits, schools, government, foundations and corporations to find innovative and effective solutions for some of our most challenging social problems.”

Local residents with philanthropic interests can easily and effectively support issues they care about immediately, or through their wills.  Donors establish charitable funds with a specific purpose, or give unrestricted funds for the greatest need of the community.

Community foundations are independent, public charities created by and for the people of our community to manage multi-generational endowments.  Established in 2011, YCF was formed by the merger of the Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (CFNCWV) and the Greater Morgantown Community Trust (GMCT) to serve Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties.  YCF’s asset base is $14 million comprised of more than 140 separate funds, most of which are permanently endowed for the long-term benefit of the community.

Through its donated and invested resources, YCF extends many forms of assistance to qualified people, programs and projects.  YCF’s underlying goal is always to enhance the quality of life in North Central West Virginia.

During calendar year 2016, YCF awarded $333,000 from 31 scholarship funds to graduating high school students.  In addition, YCF distributed more than $700,000 in grants through component funds established by local citizens and organizations.  “For a 6-year-old organization to be able to contribute more than $1 million to the community speaks volumes about the desire to give back in North Central West Virginia,” said Ryan.

Community foundations represent one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy.  Every state in the United States is home to at least one community foundation—large and small, urban and rural—working to advance solutions on a wide range of social issues.

Governor Jim Justice has issued over 20 proclamations to Community Foundations across West Virginia to declare National Community Foundation Week.  The recognition helps emphasize the important work performed in our communities.

“There is a saying… If you’ve seen one community foundation, you’ve seen one community foundation,” said Ryan.  “This is the beauty of community foundations across West Virginia and the country.  Each is able to tailor its efforts to specific community needs and adapt over time.  For example, one year there may be a community effort for flood recovery, another year the focus may turn to education, or eliminating hunger, or emphasizing the arts.”

Community foundations stress the importance of endowment funds.  The assets are invested and the annual earnings are used to benefit the community – forever.

Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush, recognizes the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community problems.

YCF’s vision is to be a leader advocating for programs, services and policies for the residents of North Central West Virginia.  To learn more email info@ycfwv.org, call (304) 296-3433, or visit www.ycfwv.org.

 

Patty Showers Ryan Headshot (002)

Patty S. Ryan