The Ritchie Community Foundation (RCCF) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of charitable giving to support the needs of the area. Since 1999, the RCCF, 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 RCCF 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 RCCF is a regional affiliate of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF). Through its affiliate relationship, the RCCF’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 RCCF’s capacity.

What started as a single grantmaking fund in 1999 has now grown to a collection of 38 named funds dedicated to the betterment of Ritchie County. Since 2005, the RCCF has awarded nearly $733,000 in grants and scholarships throughout the area, including recent grants to support the Ritchie County Humane Society, Cairo Volunteer Fire Department, and City of Pennsboro.

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 RCCF are tax-deductible and can be directed to support one of its 38 named funds or to create your own named fund.

More than two decades ago, a group of concerned residents took action that led to the formation of the RCCF. Since then, many people from throughout the region have worked tirelessly to build upon their effort. The RCCF is proud to celebrate 25 years of service for Ritchie County communities and looks forward to continuing to improve the lives of those who call our region home.

The RCCF is planning a summer anniversary celebration to provide an opportunity for the public to meet its Advisory Board, celebrate the work of the RCCF, hear from recent grantees, and share suggestions on community needs. For additional information about the RCCF 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/rccf.