$100,950 Awarded to Area Nonprofits

– November 8, 2015 – Grants supporting youth, historic preservation, the arts, senior citizens, education, health, libraries, and literacy programs were approved at the fall board meeting of the Tucker Community Foundation. The awards benefit nonprofits throughout the region and were awarded based on a competitive application process. Funds were provided by endowed and unrestricted funds of the Foundation.

Sixty three applicants applied during our fall grant cycle with requests exceeding $334,000. We were able to fund half of those applications in full or at least partially. The grants committee goes through a lengthy review process to determine which projects will provide the greatest impact. Many of our endowed funds are restricted and have to be awarded according to the distribution guidelines established by the donor. Our donors determine the geographic area they want their donation to benefit. David Cooper, President   

Randolph County received $2,000 for the Harman School “Other Side” project, $350 for Harman EMS, and $1,300 for operational support of the Kump Education Center.

Pocahontas County Senior Citizens received $2,000 for the senior meal program.

Preston County received $2,500 for the Preston County Literacy Volunteer Each One Teach One program, $5,000 for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Kids program, and $2,000 for the Century Transportation Museum event center.

Garrett County Community Action received $2,000 for free income tax preparation and financial education services; and Garrett Community College received $1,000 for their Students In Need program.

The Five Rivers Public Library in Parsons received $3,950 for shelving and a printer.

Blackwater Ministerial Association was awarded $5,000 for the food pantry and clothes closet;  North Central Community Action received $5,000 for disaster relief, home improvement, and community collaborations;  the Hinkle House Food Pantry of the First United Methodist Church in Parsons was awarded $13,000; the Parsons Ministerial Association received $4,500 for emergency assistance;  and Tucker County Family Resource Network received $5,000 for the Back Pack Buddies program and Kids Corner baby pantry.

A $4,750 grant will grow the Tucker County High School (TCHS) art program; $500 will provide transportation, equipment and operational support for the TCHS Outdoor Club; $400 was awarded to Christine Ward’s 4th Grade class at Tucker Valley for the Rocket Scientist program; and $450 will support playground seating at the Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School Annex.

Youth projects receiving grants: $850 for a Troop #22 Eagle Scout project; $2,500 for Tucker County 4-H Junior Equestrian Team; $500 for the Mountain Laurel Learning Co-op ski program; $4,000 for Tucker County 4-H Camp; $600 for ski activities for Tucker County students; and $2,000 for a cattle wash station at the Tucker County fairground.

The largest grant awarded was $15,000 to the Cortland Foundation for a Mountain Top Radiology project.  Canaan Valley Volunteer Fire Department received $1,050 for emergency medical supplies and services; and Mon General Foundation was awarded $2,000 for the regional health fair it hosts in Canaan Valley every year.

New Historic Thomas received $1,650 for a downtown beautification project; St. George Academy Preservation Society was awarded $500 for a roof repair project; and a grant for $2,550 to the Alpine Heritage Preservation board supports a movie night project at Cottrill’s Opera House.

ArtSpring received $1,950 for a marketing partnership; and the Tell Me A Story project received $1,000.

The City of Parsons was awarded $2,500 for equipment at the Wellness Center; and the Tucker Boulder Park project received $1,600.

A list of endowed funds and the distribution guidelines providing support for these awards can be viewed at https://www.tuckerfoundation.net/endowed-funds/grants/.

In addition to the Fall Grant program, the Foundation has a year round mini-grant program for projects needing $500 or less.   Applications are available for download at www.tuckerfoundation.net.  The Spring Scholarship cycle opens in February.

Tucker Community Foundation serves communities in Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Preston, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. For more information on how to endow a fund, or apply for a grant or scholarship, call 304-478-2930 or 304-259-5008.

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