The Little Kanawha Area Community Foundation (LKACF) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of charitable giving to support the needs of the area. Created by local civic-minded citizens in 2004 to serve Wirt and Calhoun counties, the LKACF service area later expanded to include Gilmer County. Over the years, the LKACF, a 501c3 nonprofit, has helped concerned residents create endowments that support a variety of charitable needs, including providing scholarships for area youth and grants for other area nonprofits.

An endowment managed by the LKACF is a fund that is invested to provide long-term support for a particular nonprofit organization or cause in perpetuity. A portion of the fund is made available, annually, in the form of grants and scholarships, while the remaining assets are retained in the fund to provide for growth over time.

The LKACF is a regional affiliate of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF). Through its affiliate relationship, the LKACF’s Advisory Board can focus on developing and deploying resources for the unique needs of the area, while gaining administrative support and trusted investment services from the PACF. The PACF was founded in 1963 and provides grantmaking and philanthropic services for 11 local counties. The PACF’s charitable giving expertise and positive state-wide reputation has been instrumental in the growth of the LKACF’s capacity.

What started as a single grantmaking fund in 2004 has now grown to a collection of 18 named funds dedicated to the betterment of Calhoun, Gilmer, and Wirt counties. Since 2007, the LKACF has awarded nearly $350,000 in grants and scholarships throughout its three-county service area, including recent grants to support the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Grantsville, and Two Runs Community Association.

These grants and scholarships were made possible thanks to the generous and continuous support of the community and the Foundation’s donors. Gifts to the LKACF are tax-deductible and can be directed to support one of its 18 named funds or to create your own named fund.

Two decades ago, a group of concerned residents took action that led to the formation of the LKACF. Since then, many people from throughout the region have worked tirelessly to build upon their effort. The LKACF is proud to celebrate 20 years of service for the Calhoun, Gilmer, and Wirt communities and looks forward to continuing to improve the lives of those who call our region home.

The LKACF is planning a summer anniversary celebration to provide an opportunity for the public to meet its Advisory Board, celebrate the work of the LKACF, hear from recent grantees, and share suggestions on community needs. For additional information about the LKACF or its summer anniversary celebration, please contact the PACF’s Senior Development and Stewardship Officer, Julie Posey, at 304-428-4438 or visit www.pacfwv.com/lccf.