As Washington County Community Foundation board chairman, I’ve learned more about the foundation’s charity activities as a grant maker, fundraiser, donor service organization, and community leader.
We were thrilled to donate nearly $3.6 million in 2022. Capacity-building awards were a large part of our grantmaking. Since capacity-building funds have transformed previous recipients, we will continue to prioritize them.
Fundraising exceeded $3.2 million during the year. The negative market circumstances in 2022 made it difficult for organizations like the Washington County Community Foundation to develop a community endowment, which decreased our grant-making endowment. Our investing approach, which requires a diverse portfolio, helped us through a tough year.
We helped contributors establish seven charity permanent funds in donor services. The African American Community Fund helps Washington County African Americans. The donor-advised Beinhauer Family Fund will suggest gifts frequently.
The Betty Drach Internship Fund allows local NGOs to pay post-secondary students who work for them. The Charles, Mary & Adda May Johnson Fund will fund food poverty, vision, and craniofacial disorder projects.
EQT Foundation-founded GIVE Washington County Fund contributions will be recommended by a donor committee. Trinity Area School District will receive Jacie Alexa Academic Fund grants to help financially disadvantaged Trinity High School students with post-secondary education.
The Jean McStea Phelan Fund will fund Church of the Covenant, Citizens Library, Muskingum University, and Washington Hospital Foundation.
The variety of fund purposes shows the foundation’s versatility to help contributors create funds for their favorite causes. www.wccf.net has information on these new funds.
The Community Snapshot, our latest leadership initiative, received considerable financing over the year. WCCF Gives celebrated 10 years and $10 million in cumulative gifts in 2022!
I love honoring community leaders. I presented numerous community foundation prizes to deserving individuals.
The foundation had a fantastic year thanks to our numerous donations, community support, and board and staff devotion. We expect development in the coming year.