Preston County Endowments Grow
Preston County Endowments Grow
January 20, 2016 –
Tucker Community Foundation (TCF) is experiencing strong donor support for a number of endowed funds that benefit the Preston community, one of eight counties served by the organization. Of the one hundred and ten funds managed by the Foundation, a growing number are benefiting Preston County.
Three new funds are providing and enhancing educational opportunities: the After School Explorers Fund for after-school programming, the Kingwood Elementary School Fund that provides perpetual support of educational services at the school, and a yet-to-be named fund that the Preston County Board of Education has announced it plans to establish.
The Terra Alta Economic Development Association Fund was created by the disbanded Terra Alta Economic Development Corporation (TA EDC) in August of 2011 for the purpose of the charitable economic development of the Terra Alta area. In addition to providing additional resources for the community, the fund can continue to grow with donor support from the general public.
In 2011, the TCF Board of Directors issued a match challenge to create the Preston Community Fund. To help establish the fund, TCF matched every donation to the fund $1 for $1 up to $5,000. The area fund is the first of its kind for the Foundation and its success is serving as a model for other counties. The Preston Community Fund provides unrestricted grants to benefit Preston County students and nonprofits. The first grant from the fund was awarded in 2015 based on the recommendation of an advisory committee whose members are Preston County residents and donors to the fund.
The U.S. Army JROTC Fund, established in 2013, provides support for the Preston High School Army JROTC program. Grants will be issued upon request of the Senior Army Instructor to support expenses related to equipment, travel to competitive events, and other program support. The initial funding came from members of The American Legion, George D. Jackson Post 56, of Kingwood. The program focuses on building character, developing self-esteem, raising achievement scores, and improving academic performance.
The Preston High School American Legion Scholarship Fund was also established by the George D. Jackson Post 56 of Kingwood in 2013 to provide an annual scholarship for a graduating senior at Preston High School who has completed 2 years of training in the PHS Junior ROTC Program, or has a parent who is on active duty, a reservist, or guard member of the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, or US Coast Guard.
The Joyce Colbert Veterinary Scholarship Fund was established by family and friends to provide financial support for students who plan to follow a career in Rural Veterinary Medicine from Tucker and Preston Counties, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. Dr. Joyce Colbert, DVM, a longtime resident of Deer Park MD, was a dedicated veterinarian to the livestock of the many farmers and ranchers in the area. The fund honors her memory.
The Crimson Shamrock Fund was established by Dr. David Dunstan Moran and Ms. Lori Leigh Wall, residents of Eglon who own and operate the Crimson Shamrock Ranch. The fund provides support for post-graduate college students from Tucker and Preston Counties in West Virginia and Garrett County, MD. The individual or individuals must be working towards a master’s, doctorate or professional degree. Any individual may apply each year as financial need arises.
The P.L. & Elizabeth Cook Milkint Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by the Milkint estate administered by members of the Hope, Love and Charity Foundation and Our Lady of Pines. The fund provides an annual scholarship to a Tucker or Preston County college student. Applicants should demonstrate good work ethics and be well-rounded students who are involved with school, community, and church. Peter Louis Milkint and his wife, the former Elizabeth Cook, both natives of Thomas, were involved in numerous businesses including the Fairfax Sand and Stone Plant, and Silver Lake.
The Knights of Pythias Brown Lodge #32 Scholarship Fund was established to provide assistance to a graduating Preston County High School senior pursuing a college education. The fund was established in 2014 when the organization ceased operations and donated assets to continue its legacy of helping youth.
The Mindy Pierce Historical Preservation Fund was established in 2013 to honor the memory of General Carleton C. Pierce, Sr., Mary Buckner Pierce, and Carleton C. Pierce, Jr. The fund provides a sustainable source of funding for “bricks and mortar” work performed on historic Preston County buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled in whole or in part by the Preston County Historical Society, the Society of Preservation of the McGrew House, and the Old Hemlock Foundation
Many other funds managed by the Foundation are not restricted geographically and may have an impact in Preston County: the Carl DelSignore Fund for the creative arts, the Ellis Boury III Fund for education and development of creative or technical writing, the Crimson Shamrock Literacy Fund supporting literacy programs and projects, the Lindsey & Addie Reed Scholarship Fund for WVU undergrad Ag students, the Enos, Delbert H. & Shirley W. Carr Scholarship Fund for WVU, Marshall, or D&E College students, the Dr. Mary Alice Klein Scholarship Fund for students planning a career in education, and the White Grass Culinary Pass-Through Scholarship for students pursuing culinary arts education. Other unrestricted funds of the Foundation benefit any county within the TCF service area.
Teams representing the After School Explorers and Kingwood Elementary School are very active in the Foundation’s annual Run For It program and continue to build their endowed funds with strategic fund raising to leverage additional support through the program.
Endowed funds allow the donor to name the fund, determine the distribution guidelines, and the geographic area served. Endowments are invested for growth and income, preserving the historical value of the initial donation and generating annual grants for perpetuity. Fund descriptions are online at www.tuckerfoundation.net.
For more information how to support or endow a fund for Preston County contact the Foundation Development Office at 259-5008.
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