February 2021
Women's Giving Circle - 2021 Grants Announced
The Women's Giving Circle recently selected recipients of 2021 grant funding!

This year, 11 organizations serving women and girls in all corners of the
CFOV service area will benefit from WGC's support, which totals $45,450.

This brings the cumulative WGC grantmaking amount to $400,641!

Want to join the WGC in making a difference in the lives of women and girls in the Ohio Valley?
Donor Advised Funds - A Powerful Giving Tool
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One of the most commonly established funds within a community foundation is the donor advised fund (DAF). A DAF extends incredible charitable flexibility by offering a tool for advisors to make grants to qualified organizations. This flexibility makes responsive grantmaking possible and fully customized.

However, DAFs are not without criticism and are viewed, at times, as leaving money on the proverbial table when distributions are not regularly made. Fortunately, that's not a cause for concern at CFOV as our policies purposefully promote regular activity. Our portfolio includes over 60 DAFs - that's a lot of grantmaking power!

In fact, in our current fiscal year (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021), CFOV DAFs have granted over $690,000!

This article helps demonstrate the power of DAFs and makes it clear they are a fantastic way to make good things happen in our communities!

If you think a DAF could be a good fit for your charitable giving,
reach out to us and we'll help you explore the options!
Emergency Impact Fund Winds Down
That's a wrap! Grants made through CFOV's Emergency Impact Fund totaled
$306,588 and supported 61 organizations serving the Ohio Valley!

Thanks to contributions from our donors, partners and friends in philanthropy,
CFOV was able to offer this resource. Emergency Impact Fund grants allowed many organizations
to continue and expand needed services during the ongoing and evolving COVID-19 crisis.

Although the time has come to sunset this program, we will continue to
serve as a resource for area organizations.

We are committed to being an informed partner - community is key!
SWN Mini-Grants - Deadline Approaching!
We continue to navigate incredibly unusual times in all aspects of our lives. Education - both teaching and learning - has been particularly challenging for all involved.

Challenging times shouldn't limit opportunities and that's
why we're excited to share the return of the SWN mini-grant program.

You can check out the details by visiting here.
But, don't wait too long to get started - the deadline to submit applications is March 1.
Know a teacher who may be interested? Send them here!

We extend our gratitude to Southwestern Energy for making this possible!

Questions? Reach out to Debbie!
WV Neighborhood Investment Program - Up for Renewal
The West Virginia Neighborhood Investment Program is up for renewal this year –
read on to learn more about the partnership between
Philanthropy WV and the WV Nonprofit Association and how you can lend your voice to these efforts!

From a media release:
Grappling with growing community needs and lost fundraising opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 150 nonprofits, charities, foundations and United Ways across West Virginia
have sent a joint letter to Governor Jim Justice and the Legislature asking for the
renewal and expansion of a critical charitable giving incentive program
The West Virginia Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) was established in 1996 to encourage donations to local nonprofit organizations. The tax credit program of $3 million each year allows 501(c)3 designated charities to apply for tax credit vouchers which are distributed to businesses and individuals who contribute to their organizations. Those charitable contributors support their communities while earning credits to reduce certain West Virginia business and personal taxes. Approximately 24,500 donations from individuals and businesses have been received throughout the life of the program. The NIP is set to end on June 30, 2021.

If a bill to renew the program does not pass during the 2021 legislative session,
the tax credits will expire and leave hundreds of West Virginia organizations without an
important tool to secure donations at a critical time for nonprofits that are
central to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Has the NIP enhanced the work of your organization? 
Mirror, Mirror - Nonprofit Style!
Leading a nonprofit is hard work, there's no doubt about it!

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day and let planning and big-picture thinking go by the wayside.
Nonprofit pro, Joan Garry, offers a fantastic guide that can help you and your team take a "temp check" of your organization. This is a deep dive worth taking - the opportunities to learn and refine are endless!
Highmark Foundation Grants
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The Highmark Foundation continues to accept applications to its
2021-2022 School Grant and Awards Program!

With multiple tracks to consider, this robust grant program is certainly worth a close look!

Tracks include: school grants (not limited to public schools), school nursing awards
and supportive services health grants.

The deadline to apply is March 31!
A Look Ahead
Dates to Remember
Ongoing - Belmont County COVID-19 Emergency Fund applications
February 17 - deadline for most CFOV scholarships
March 1 - deadline for SWN mini-grants