Since 1963, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has championed possibility across the region by connecting generous people to the area’s greatest needs and opportunities. Today, that mission continues as we work to strengthen local nonprofits, steward charitable resources, and serve as a trusted leader in philanthropy.
By supporting our Community Sponsors campaign, you’re helping sustain the day-to-day work that makes long-term impact possible. Your annual gift directly supports the Foundation’s operational needs — ensuring our team can continue responding to community challenges and providing expert services. Thank you for partnering with us to build a stronger, more vibrant future for our region.
After James A. “Jim” Rader passed away in May 2022, his siblings, Susan White, Jessie Spero, and Fred Rader chose to honor his memory through the creation of two endowment funds with the Little Kanawha Area Community Foundation.
Son of the late Raymond and Carolyn Sims Rader, Jim was a life-long resident of Wirt County who was a 1974 Wirt County High School graduate and a graduate of West Virginia Institute of Technology. He was a math teacher at Wirt County High School, an avid supporter of Wirt County Schools and Tiger sports teams, and served on the Wirt County Board of Education. Devoted to local history and genealogy, particularly maintaining the Sims family history, Jim was also a faithful member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church.
The new Elizabeth Baptist Church Endowment Fund will provide permanent annual unrestricted support to the Church. The Two Runs Baptist Church Cemetery Maintenance Fund will provide a perpetual fund for cemetery maintenance and upkeep.
Although the family initiated these endowment funds to honor Jim, they hope that others who wish to support either of these causes will consider donating.
“My family and I started these funds to honor our brother and to encourage other concerned citizens to include a donation to these funds through their estate plans,” said Fred Rader. “By doing so, they are ensuring that the Elizabeth Baptist Church and Two Runs Baptist Church Cemetery are taken care of long after we’ve passed away.”
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) West Virginia is part of the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC has clubs in all 50 states and 15 foreign countries.
The object of GFWC West Virginia shall be to bring into communication and to unite the women’s clubs and like organizations throughout our state for the purpose of mutual benefit and for the promotion of their common interest in education, industrial, philanthropic, literary, artistic, and scientific culture as interpreted and implemented by established policy.
The organization’s slogan is LIVING THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT while enhancing the lives or others through community service.
GFWC West Virginia has clubs throughout the state, divided into seven districts.
The GFWC West Virginia Scholarship Fund is the oldest continuing project of GFWC West Virginia, established in 1915. It began as a loan fund and was converted to a scholarship in 2000.
The most important factor in reviewing applications is the student’s Community Service. Another important criterion is financial need.
Students must attend a West Virginia College or University unless their major is not offered in West Virginia.
Craig D. Richards was born the son of John W. Richards and Paula J. Brasseur on September 27, 1961.
As a 1983 graduate of the West Virginia Institute of Technology School of Engineering, Craig began his long and dedicated career as a licensed PE in the state of West Virginia.
In 1988, Craig became an employee of Burgess and Niple, beginning his 34-year tenure with the firm. In that time, he became a valued and loyal employee dedicating his passions to servicing areas of West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia. His service led to many successes and accolades amongst the engineering community by and large. Craig was the director of the Engineering Section of the firm’s Parkersburg, WV office and earned shared ownership with the company. He was the immediate Past-President of the West Virginia Water Environment Association, Chairman of the Vienna Planning Commission, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Northern Panhandle Watershed Council, to name a few. Most recently, Craig played a pivotal role in the development of the West Virginia Infrastructure Report Card- a report that aided Senator Manchin and the US Senate to pass the US infrastructure Bill of 2022.
Craig was the dedicated husband of Vickie, his wife. They were blessed with 37 beautiful years of marriage. Craig and Vickie also raised two daughters- Megan (Lee) Weiss of Marietta, and Katlyn Richards of Parkersburg; and they were blessed with two fun-filled grandsons, Henry and Harvey Aston of Marietta.
Craig was passionate about engineering, cars, and being the handyman extraordinaire. Friends and family of Craig would often find him tinkering on one of his beloved Mustangs or taking the car for a drive with his wife, daughters, and grandsons. He was also an active member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, sharing a faith that provided him with the comfort and strength he needed in the final days of his life. Those who knew Craig would describe him as diligent, dedicated, compassionate, and honorable.
After a valiant struggle with cancer, Craig passed away on February 19, 2023. He died at home surrounded by his beloved friends and family.
Craig’s family and friends created a memorial scholarship fund in his honor to support students who are pursuing a degree or certification in civil engineering.
James G. "Jim" Midkiff and Dottie L. Midkiff of Vienna, WV, shared a deep and enduring love that spanned decades. Together, they built a life filled with mutual devotion, community service, and cherished memories.
Jim was born on February 1, 1943, in Parkersburg, WV, the son of the late Charles C. Midkiff and Marguerite Carney Midkiff. A graduate of Parkersburg High School (Class of 1961), he pursued higher education, earning an associate degree in law enforcement from Parkersburg Community College and a bachelor's degree from Glenville State College. Jim proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam Era, becoming a life member of the Third Marine Division Association, Post 1212 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of American Legion Post 15 and The Marine Corps League. His dedication to public service defined his career, culminating in his role as the City of Parkersburg's 32nd Chief of Police. Throughout his years in law enforcement, he held numerous leadership positions, including serving on the Governor's Commission on Crime, Delinquency and Corrections, and various local advisory boards. Jim was a lifelong sports enthusiast and an avid fan of WVU football and basketball, enjoying racquetball and golf in his later years. Jim passed away peacefully at his residence on February 1, 2024
Dottie was born on October 7, 1943, in Parkersburg, WV, to the late Cledith H. and Darla J. Cantwell. She was also a proud graduate of Parkersburg High School's Class of 1961 and had a fulfilling career as a legal secretary. Dottie's life was centered on her beloved husband, Jim, who she described as her greatest source of love, care, and happiness. During her illness, Jim devoted himself to her well-being, embodying the unconditional love they shared. Dottie’s warmth and kindness were deeply felt by her family and friends. Dottie passed away on October 2, 2017.
Jim and Dottie rest together at Parkersburg Memorial Gardens. Their enduring love and commitment to each other and their community remain an inspiration to all who knew them.
The James and Dottie Midkiff Charitable Fund supports the region in a variety of important ways. The fund focuses on three important fields:
1) Provides unrestricted grantmaking support allowing the Foundation the support our community's need and opportunities.
2) Supports animal welfare programs through the Foundation's service area.
3) Funds environmental programs/causes. (ie. land and water conservation, protection of native animals, plants, natural ecosystems, parks, and similar such programs/causes in the Foundation's service area.)