March 2021
On the Menu Returns!
It's hard to believe our last On the Menu gathering was held in February 2020!
Like so many things, it was paused to accommodate the changes brought to us by COVID.

A lot has happened over the past year and we're very excited to announce
we've shifted On the Menu to a virtual platform!

We're jumping right in with a six month series hosted in partnership with Candid!
(breathe - it's just once a month!)

CFOV is a Funding Information Network Partner through Candid
(formerly Foundation Center and GuideStar). This collaboration exists to support nonprofit professionals research available funding opportunities by way of Candid's incredibly robust database tools. Not only do we have dedicated research space in our building, we also have the opportunity to provide remote access to a slimmed-down version of the database.

This is A BIG deal with huge potential for our area's nonprofits! In fact, it's so big that we're bringing the Candid experts to you via Zoom for a six-part series covering all things grants!

We want to arm YOU with the tools and skills you need to successfully engage with the software to help strengthen your funding prospects and deepen your funding pool.


There is NO COST to participate in the series and we hope you'll make
space in your schedule to join us. The first session is April 20!
Belmont County Imagination Library

It's all thanks to a partnership with the Ohio Governor's Imagination Library and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Foundation. The Imagination Library program provides one free, age-appropriate book each month to Belmont County children from birth through the age of five. 

While it is free to participate in the program, local funding support is a critical part of the program's continuation for years to come. That's where you come in! A gift of $25 can put A LOT of books in the hands of future generations. Reading early and often strengthens school-readiness skills and provides wonderful opportunities to discover new people, places and things without packing any bags!

Contributions by check can be mailed to CFOV at 1226 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
(made out to CFOV with BCIL in the memo line) or can be made online by clicking the button below.
Stealey Community Fund
If your organization serves the Middlebourne area, you'll want to check out the Stealey Community Fund grant opportunity!

The fund has been making grant awards in the Middlebourne area for more than 20 years, allocating more than $2 million in support of local projects since its inception. The Stealey Community Fund is administered by
the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley Inc., with the advice of the Stealey Community Fund Advisory Board.

Applications for the Stealey Community Fund will be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. Interested applicants should visit here for more information and application access.

The deadline to submit the online application is April 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Created by Ruth Stealey Green, a retired teacher who died at the age of 84 on February 14, 1996 at her home in Middlebourne, the fund honors Green and her brother, Philip Stealey, who died in 1993. The Stealey family had a long history in the development of the town of Middlebourne and its activities. Interest accrued from the endowment is awarded annually to qualified and approved applicants.

It was Green’s desire that when grant awards are made, special consideration be given to programs and projects that will improve the quality of life of the residents of Middlebourne, such as improved library, recreational, municipal and youth services.
Women's Giving Circle Upcoming Meeting
The Women's Giving Circle will hold its next quarterly meeting by Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Members are encouraged to invite a friend to Zoom along to learn more about the great work happening thanks to the collective efforts and dedication of the WGC!

Additional details, including the Zoom link, will be shared with members in advance of the meeting.
Update: WV Neighborhood Investment Program - Bills Introduced!

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.

Here's where things stand right now (Thanks to Philanthropy WV for this update):
Because of concerns from the executive branch regarding the increase of the allowable tax credit, the committee took up a substitute version of the bill. The committee substitute removed the increase in the tax credit to $5 million leaving the available credits at the current $3 million level. The House Finance committee adopted this amendment unanimously and sent it to the full House of Delegates with the recommendation that it do pass. 

Constitutional rules require bills to be read on three days prior to passage. HB 2794 was scheduled for first reading on Monday, March 15 with possible passage by the full House of Delegates on Wednesday, March 17.   

While the House Finance amendment removed the increase in vital tax credits for non-profits, the advancement of HB 2794 and its passage in the House creates positive momentum that can be utilized as we
work collectively to restore the increase in credits in the Senate. 

The work is not over - if NIP has enhanced the work of your organization be sure to share! 
Bayer Center Continuing Education Opportunities
Spring is a great time to polish skills or learn new ones! Check out what's available through the
Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management!
Highmark Foundation Grants - There's Still Time!
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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
April 15 - Stealey Community Fund applications due by 4:00 p.m (ONLINE!)
April 20 - On the Menu! via Zoom