The Doddridge County Community Foundation (DCCF) recently awarded $3,000 to the Doddridge County 4-H Teen Leaders to beautify the Town of West Union through the installation of decorative banners. The grant was made possible in part by a gift from the EQT Foundation that the DCCF received earlier this year. The EQT Foundation gift provided resources for DCCF to support current community projects and to grow the DCCF's community endowment fund, the Doddridge County Grantmaking Fund. This Doddridge County Grantmaking Fund enables the DCCF to address community needs and invest in new opportunities for Doddridge County residents. The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) also supported the beautification project with an additional $500 grant, for total grant support of $3,500.
The Doddridge County 4-H Teen Leaders worked together to plan, design, and install seasonal banners along Main Street in West Union. "Doddridge County Teen Leaders wanted to make their community shine with the Welcome to West Union project," said Linsey Ferguson, Doddridge County Extension Agent in Training. "This project addresses community pride in West Union and allows 4-Hers to be involved civically in improving their town. This was a great project to undertake during COVID-19 and to remain connected to the community. The Doddridge County 4-H Teen Leaders hope that their beautification project will bring more people to Main Street and increase tourism and economic development."
"What a terrific initiative for the Teen Leaders to initiate, especially during such uncertain times," said Ellen Rossi, President of the EQT Foundation. "The street banners will be a welcomed addition to the efforts that have been going on in West Union for years. We are so happy with the DCCF's decision to fund such a worthwhile project."
The DCCF and PACF award grants twice a year through the Community Action Grants Program, which provides support to charitable organizations for capital improvement projects, program development, capacity building, and operating needs. The next grant application deadline is February 15. Grantmaking guidelines and the online application form are available on the Foundation's website, www.pacfwv.com.
About Doddridge County Community Foundation:
Celebrating 20 years of serving the community, the Doddridge County Community Foundation (DCCF) works with charitable individuals to make a positive and permanent commitment for the future of Doddridge County, West Virginia. DCCF is an affiliate of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF). The PACF is a single 501(c)(3) public charity that manages a philanthropic endowment of more than 375 funds amounting to more than $65 million in assets, each representing a unique giving partnership with an individual, a family, or a business, civic or nonprofit organization. The PACF works in partnership with local level organizations (affiliates) to provide leadership and develop philanthropic resources to meet the needs of our 11-county service district. Since 1999, DCCF has helped local citizens support the causes that are most important to them and touch every aspect of life in our communities in a wide variety of significant and lasting ways. For more information about the PACF and its affiliate, DCCF, or to learn more about creating your own charitable fund, visit www.pacfwv.com or call 304-428-4438.
