BECKLEY AREA FOUNDATION - LOCAL GIVING. LASTING LEGACIES.
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • About US
    • Our Funds >
      • Our Funds
      • All Funds A
      • All Funds B
      • All Funds C
      • All Funds D
      • All Funds E & F
      • All Funds G
      • All Funds H
      • All Funds I & J
      • All Funds K
      • All Funds L
      • All Funds M
      • All Funds N & O
      • All Funds P & Q
      • All Funds R
      • All Funds S
      • All Funds T
      • All Funds U & V
      • All Funds W
      • All Funds X, Y & Z
    • Board
    • Staff
    • Job Opportunities
    • Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists
    • News
    • Documents
    • FAQ
  • DONATING
    • HOW TO DONATE
    • Bill Withers Project
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Memorial Gifts
    • New Building
    • Start a Fund
  • Grants
    • Community Grant Program
    • Field of Interest Grant Opportunities
    • Students First Grants
    • Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant
    • COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Grant Opportunity
    • Grantee Toolkit
    • BAF Grant Portal
  • Scholarships
    • Scholarships >
      • Scholarships A
      • Scholarships B
      • Scholarships C
      • Scholarships D
      • Scholarships E & F
      • Scholarships G
      • Scholarships H
      • Scholarships I & J
      • Scholarships K
      • Scholarships L
      • Scholarships M
      • Scholarships N & O
      • Scholarships P & Q
      • Scholarships R
      • Scholarships S
      • Scholarships T
      • Scholarships U & V
      • Scholarships W
      • Scholarships XYZ
    • How to Apply
    • Renewable Scholarships
    • BAF Scholarship Portal
  • Contact
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • About US
    • Our Funds >
      • Our Funds
      • All Funds A
      • All Funds B
      • All Funds C
      • All Funds D
      • All Funds E & F
      • All Funds G
      • All Funds H
      • All Funds I & J
      • All Funds K
      • All Funds L
      • All Funds M
      • All Funds N & O
      • All Funds P & Q
      • All Funds R
      • All Funds S
      • All Funds T
      • All Funds U & V
      • All Funds W
      • All Funds X, Y & Z
    • Board
    • Staff
    • Job Opportunities
    • Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists
    • News
    • Documents
    • FAQ
  • DONATING
    • HOW TO DONATE
    • Bill Withers Project
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Memorial Gifts
    • New Building
    • Start a Fund
  • Grants
    • Community Grant Program
    • Field of Interest Grant Opportunities
    • Students First Grants
    • Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant
    • COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Grant Opportunity
    • Grantee Toolkit
    • BAF Grant Portal
  • Scholarships
    • Scholarships >
      • Scholarships A
      • Scholarships B
      • Scholarships C
      • Scholarships D
      • Scholarships E & F
      • Scholarships G
      • Scholarships H
      • Scholarships I & J
      • Scholarships K
      • Scholarships L
      • Scholarships M
      • Scholarships N & O
      • Scholarships P & Q
      • Scholarships R
      • Scholarships S
      • Scholarships T
      • Scholarships U & V
      • Scholarships W
      • Scholarships XYZ
    • How to Apply
    • Renewable Scholarships
    • BAF Scholarship Portal
  • Contact

Beckley Area Foundation Receives National Recognition

5/13/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Beckley, WV—Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) recently received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
 “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates BAF demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.”
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With over 800 community foundations already accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Dena Cushman, BAF Executive Director. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely and honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order.”
BAF works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, including animal services, the arts, civic beautification, economic development, education, health & human services, and public recreation.
BAF offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, or provide flexible support for community needs. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates BAF’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“Grantmaking is a lot like investing,” said Douglas Ramsden, BAF Board President. “BAF needs to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. With our National Standards accreditation, you can be assured that we’re doing just that.”
0 Comments

New Vaught BAF Fund Supports Social Entrepreneurship

5/5/2022

0 Comments

 
Organizations seeking to solve community challenges may have access to additional support, thanks to a new donor-advised fund established with the Beckley Area Foundation.

The Vaught Fund for Social Entrepreneurship was established by Raleigh County natives Chris and Debbie Vaught. As the term implies, social entrepreneurship is a movement that seeks to solve society’s problems by applying creative, out-of-the-box thinking often embraced by entrepreneurs.
“The fund’s goal is to promote and support innovation and entrepreneurship for addressing community needs.” For example, grants from the fund can help new organizations design and implement solutions for recently identified problems. Existing organizations might also expand their offerings or add a social component. “We are most excited about collaboration among groups to create efficiencies and leverage combined strengths.”
— Chris Vaught
“It is a pleasure to help generous people like Chris and Debbie achieve their unique philanthropic goals and realize their ability to make lasting change. Charitable giving allows you to create your own legacy and teaches the value of philanthropy to future generations.”
— Dena Cushman | BAF, Executive Director
Vaught is a serial entrepreneur, having launched six Raleigh County-based businesses and organizations in the last 14 years. He serves on the board of directors for several community organizations.
“Through my work with Beckley Area Foundation and WV Hive, which supports local entrepreneurs, I see how non-profit organizations can fit in a collaborative entrepreneurship ecosystem. Debbie and I hope this fund will help organizations create equitable, sustainable solutions for our community’s greater good.”
— Chris Vaught
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Vaught Family” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a donor advised fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.
Support The Vaught Fund for Social Entrepreneurship
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Designated Fund for Delta Kappa Gamma XI Chapter

4/25/2022

0 Comments

 
The designated “Delta Kappa Gamma XI Chapter Legacy Fund” was established by Gerald & Glenda Wait to support the Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) XI Chapter. DKG Society promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. 
Picture
Charlotte Hutchens, Peggy White & Linda Ramsey attending a DKG Chat and Chew Workshop to promote community awareness.
"We are very appreciative of Dr. Glenda Wait and her husband Gerry Wait for their generous contribution to the future of DKG Chapter XI. Glenda's effective leadership at the local, state, and international level contributes to the personal and professional growth of her DKG sisters. Her leadership is truly an inspiration! With this funding, DKG can continue to grow and develop their leadership skills through training and other leadership development opportunities."
— Brenda Epling | DKG XI Chapter, President 
The local chapters are the beating heart of DKG. The support from the DKG Legacy fund will help XI Chapter cover a small part of travel expenses for state and international conventions and conferences. These experiences will enrich the members and community. XI Chapter has almost 40 members and are always seeking new members of all ages to support the outreach of XI Chapter. 
Picture
Mary Thomas, Patty Meadows, Ceil Weldon & Libby Baker working on a DKG community service project “Wreaths for our Veterans”.
Our budget priorities are often directed at helping youth and adults in the local community; these funds will provide opportunities for our own chapter members as well. Through Gerald and Glenda’s support, our members will receive financial assistance to attend personal and professional training for many years to come.
— Dr. Linda M. Kutilek | DGK XI Chapter, Finance Committee Chair 
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “DKG XI Chapter” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org. 
Support the DKG XI Chapter Legacy Fund
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Bequest in Memory of Frederick A. Farris

4/22/2022

0 Comments

 
The unrestricted “Frederick A. Farris Memorial Fund” was created upon the death of Mr. Farris. Thanks to the flexibility of these endowed funds, this endowment will help BAF respond to the emerging needs of our community. Gifts received today will support our community in ways we can only imagine in the future. 
Picture
“Fred was proud to be a long-time Raleigh County Educator. Opportunity and fair representation for everyone supported his positive approach towards a better life experience. His desire to establish an unrestricted fund indicates his confidence in BAF’s ability to make life better for his community.”
​— Michael Farris
 
Frederick A. Farris was born February 12, 1953, in Beckley, WV. He was the eldest child of the late Dr. Frederick and Evelyn June Farris. Fred was a 1971 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and he received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from WVU in 1976. After a brief career in retail sales, he returned to Concord University (formerly Concord College) to complete a teacher certification in Elementary Education. He completed a Master's degree in Speech Communication from WVU. 
 
Fred taught fifth grade at Lester Elementary School where he was named Teacher of the Year for the school before transferring to Independence Middle School to teach Sixth Grade during Raleigh County Schools’ inaugural year of the middle school concept. Fred retired from Raleigh County Schools in June 2018, after 35 years of service. 
 

Fred loved collecting antique cars as well as model cars, reading, art, landscaping, cooking, and cats. He had collections of thousands of books and die cast model cars. He was a member of the WV Education Association, serving in a variety of capacities for the organization at the local, state, and national levels; was a Friend of the Raleigh County Library and a member of the Whitewater Antique Automobile Club of America. He was a life-long member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Fred died April 9, 2021, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. 
 
Leaving a bequest can have a significant impact over time and make a difference to an organization or your local community. Some people think they must choose between leaving a gift to their family or their favorite nonprofit organization. You can do both, and some charitable gifts may save your family money by decreasing inheritance taxes. A simple gift provision in your Will can make a difference in many lives. 
 

Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Frederick Farris” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting an unrestricted fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Scholarship Fund in Honor of Coach Joel Hicks

4/15/2022

0 Comments

 
Woodrow Wilson High School alumni who played under Coach Hicks from 1969-1976 established the Coach Joel Hicks Scholarship Fund to honor Joel Hicks and to provide scholarships for Woodrow Wilson High School matriculating seniors who played football. If the preference for football is not met, other sports are also included for scholarship eligibility.
Picture
Coach Joel Hicks | Credit: The Roanoke Times
“Coach Hicks had a tremendous impact on the players that he coached during his tenure as Head Football Coach at Woodrow Wilson High School, and at other schools. The toughness, work ethic, and focus on flawless execution – emphasized by coach – raised the standard by which we measured ourselves, with each of us who were coached by him.”
— Jim Riffe | WWHS Alumni
Picture
Coach Joel Hicks | Credit: The Roanoke Times
Hicks was an outstanding athlete in Richwood, WV, where he was named All-State honorable mention in three sports -- football, basketball, and baseball. He made the All-State team in football one year. Following his graduation from Richwood High School, he received a football scholarship to West Virginia University where he played running back and defensive back from 1960 to 1964.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in physical education, Hicks accepted a job as head football coach at Big Creek High School. After five years, he accepted the head football coaching position at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia. He coached the Flying Eagles for seven years until he was offered the opportunity to return to WVU, where he served as Assistant Coach under Frank Cignetti for 3 years. Hick’s last coaching stop was at Pulaski High School in Pulaski, Virginia where he served as Head Coach until his retirement in 2002. At Pulaski, he won Virginia Coach of the Year 3 times and retired with a career high school head coaching record of 301-96-1. Pulaski honored Coach Hicks by naming its football stadium after him. 

Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Coach Joel Hicks” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.  
Support the Coach Joel Hicks Scholarship Fund
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Donor Advised Fund in Memory of Robert S. Kiss

4/13/2022

0 Comments

 
The Robert S. Kiss Memorial Fund was established by the family and friends of Bob Kiss. Donor advised funds allow the donor to have the satisfaction of shaping well-considered philanthropic programs that reflect their special interests and concerns. BAF has more than 50 donor advised funds that have granted over $900,000 to Raleigh County and its surrounding communities.
Picture
“I am so pleased to be able to establish this fund in memory of Bob. He genuinely loved the Beckley area, so I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor his memory. I will always remember his acceptance speech for the Spirit of Beckley award in 2005, because he talked about growing up all over the country and how he felt about his arrival in Beckley. To illustrate what he thought the “spirit” of Beckley was, Bob quoted Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” It is my hope that the establishment of this memorial fund will help BAF continue to make significant contributions to the Beckley area and the wonderful people that are fortunate enough to call this area home.”
— Melinda Ashworth Kiss
Bob was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Matthew Joseph Kiss, Sr., and Catherine Elizabeth Schnarr. As a military family, Bob's family resided in many places during his youth. Bob moved to WV upon graduation from law school in 1982 and remained a proud West Virginian by choice for the remainder of his life. 

Bob was a devoted father and husband. If you knew Bob, you knew that his twin sons were the light of his life and he always put them before any professional or political responsibility. Bob was a Catholic and a member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Charleston, WV. 

Bob received his B.A. Degree in Economics from The Ohio State University in 1979 and his J.D. degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1982. An attorney with the law firm Bowles Rice, LLP since 2003, Bob focused his legal practice on the areas of tax, estate planning, and commercial law. Prior to that, he was employed as an attorney with the Beckley law firm of Gorman Sheatsley & Company from 1982 to 2003. 

Bob was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for 18 years, where he served as House Finance Chairman from 1993 to 1996 and Speaker of the House from 1997 to 2006. Pursuant to his legislative duties, he was involved in major economic and fiscal legislation that has made permanent and significant positive impacts for West Virginia. 

From 2013 to 2016, Bob served as Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue as part of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's administration. He provided oversight to key governmental revenue producing agencies in that capacity.

Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Robert S. Kiss” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a donor advised fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email   info@bafwv.org. 
Support the Robert S. Kiss Memorial Fund
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Scholarship Fund in Memory of Katharine Elizabeth Anderson

4/7/2022

0 Comments

 
Friends and Family of Katharine established the Katharine Elizabeth Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund in her memory to support scholarships for Woodrow Wilson High School matriculating seniors studying creative and/or performing arts at WVU in Morgantown, WV.

Kathy was born on April 8th, 1961, and raised in Beckley, WV. She was a 1979 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University in 1984. She was a proud Mountaineer. Kathy worked in retail sales but derived the most pleasure from organizing the Class of 1979 and Silver Eagles class reunions. Kathy also created and maintained a WWHS Fallen Eagles list. 
Picture
Katharine Elizabeth Anderson
“I have been overwhelmed by the expressions of kindness from Kathy’s friends. This scholarship keeps Kathy’s love for her friends alive, most of them from Woodrow Wilson High School and WVU. My family and I will be forever grateful to everyone that supports the BAF scholarship in memory of Kathy. Bless you all."  — Libby Anderson | Kathy's Mother
Kathy enjoyed genealogical research making many fascinating discoveries about her Italian heritage. She never met a stranger, had friends of all ages, and her loss will be felt by everyone who was touched by her artistic ability and her loving & loyal nature. Many of her art books are being sent to WWHS art department to be placed into their class library for the art students. 

​
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Katharine E. Anderson” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org. 
Support the Katharine Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund
0 Comments

SLYP Shamrock 5K Raises Money for Raleigh County

4/6/2022

0 Comments

 
On Saturday, March 19th, BAF Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) hosted the Shamrock 5k Run/Walk at Woodrow Wilson High School with support from their lead sponsor Raleigh General Hospital. The St. Patrick's Day themed run/walk took place on an all-pavement course for adult runners and included a fun run for kids.

The Shamrock 5K raised over $8,000 for the Raleigh County community and SLYP will now use these funds to review grant applications and award money to nonprofit organizations in our community. Over 100 people registered for the event and the 5K had 25 sponsors supporting the cause.
Picture
“The 5k was an outstanding learning experience for the students. They were able to plan, organize, and administer a fundraising event. They have realized the importance of giving back to the community and understand the work it takes to help those in need.” 
​
— Brandon Bennett, SLYP Coordinator | BAF
SLYP is a group of high school juniors and seniors who are engaged directly in the role of community philanthropy. The purpose of this program is to provide an intensive hands-on learning experience through which they are taught the art, the science and business of philanthropy. Part of this experience is for the Senior Cohort to plan a fundraiser campaign, which will then help the Junior Cohort solicit and evaluate grant proposals for nonprofit funding.
“SLYP will help me down the road after acquiring nonprofit business management skills. I have learned how to handle monetary donations, as well as professionally contact and communicate with nonprofit business owners and sponsors. I will use my knowledge from SLYP functions and meetings to do further volunteer work in the future and help my community in any way that I can. Being involved with Beckley Area Foundation is something I can see myself continue doing down the road.” 
​
— Tayler Poe, Senior Cohort Member | SLYP
Applications for the latest round of SLYP grants are currently being reviewed by the Junior Cohort and will be awarded in May 2022. The focus of this year’s grant program is to address Raleigh County youth experiencing poverty.

Anyone interested in donating to the Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists Fund may mail contributions with “SLYP Fund” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting an unrestricted fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.
Support the SLYP Fund
0 Comments

Beckley Area Foundation Has Moved!

3/31/2022

0 Comments

 
BAF has officially relocated to 1210 S. Kanawha St. in Beckley! This move reinforces BAF’s long-term commitment to the area.

The Carter Family Foundation’s generosity made this vision become a reality when their board made the unanimous decision to award a grant to BAF for the purchase of the building. BAF's move to a new permanent, central location will heighten the foundation’s visibility and encourage more community participation.
Picture
The new building will serve as a hub for charitable collaboration:
  • The space will be designed to provide a unique opportunity to bring  individuals, families and businesses to philanthropy, and help fulfill their philanthropic goals.
  •  It will serve as a place to support nonprofit partners; a place to meet, think and plan.
  • A place where we work toward one common goal – to improve the lives of friends and neighbors in Raleigh County & the surrounding area.

​As BAF continues to unpack and settle in, we still have a way to go before we reach our campaign's goal to support the renovation costs. Numerous giving levels exist to show your support including several naming opportunities.
Support BAF's Building for the Future Campaign
Thank you to the Beckley Water Company who helped us move all of our filing cabinets and many many boxes!
0 Comments

BAF Announces New Fund - ALS Fund Est. by Ray and Bobbie Richmond

3/29/2022

0 Comments

 
The ALS Fund was established by Ray and Bobbie Richmond in 2022, in memory of their son Michael D. Richmond. This donor designated fund is to be used by Hospice of Southern West Virginia to provide patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with equipment, transportation, and caregiver services.

Pictured: Michael Douglas Richmond (1966-2019)
Picture
“This funding will allow Hospice of Southern West Virginia to further our mission of delivering quality end-of-life care to those with ALS. With this generous gift, we will be able to provide communication assistance devices and other specialized equipment to meet the needs of these individuals. On behalf of the board of directors, employees, volunteers, and the patients we serve, we offer deep appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Richmond for this funding in memory of their son, Michael.” 
— Janett Green, CEO | Hospice of Southern West Virginia
Michael was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1984, where he was an active member of both the football and tennis teams. He went on to attend WVU and graduated in 1989, with a B.S. in Business Administration. He returned to Beckley in 1991, to work alongside his father Ray and become the owner of Richmond Insurance Center in 2001. 

Mike was a fixture in the community as an Allstate Insurance Agent and he was incredibly passionate about helping the people of West Virginia. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America with his son Creek and enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed support.  

Mike loved hiking with his dogs and could easily spend a day sitting outside and taking in the West Virginia scenery. In his leisure time, Mike enjoyed riding motorcycles with several of his closest friends. During the past 2 years while having ALS, Mike continued to be an inspiration to those around him with his courageous approach to life, sense of humor and his unforgettable smile.
“Michael was a blessing as a son. He was a respectful, compassionate, caring person and a true gentleman. He was a joy to know. In his honor, we hope this fund will be of assistance to others who suffer from ALS as Hospice was a great comfort to him.” 
— Ray & Bobbie Richmond
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “ALS Fund” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a donor designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email   info@bafwv.org. 
Support the ALS Fund
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    September 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Address

1210 South Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801

Telephone

304-253-3806

Fax

681-207-7242
Privacy Policy
Picture
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
Picture
Picture
Picture