The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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November 21, 2009

Massey Foundation issues $10,000 challenge to BAF

From Staff Reports

The Beckley Area Foundation has received a $10,000 challenge grant from the Massey Foundation of Richmond, Va. This donation will be used to match, dollar for dollar, gifts made to either existing or new unrestricted BAF endowments. The matching money will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

While the Beckley Area Foundation manages over 300 funds, much of the income is distributed annually for purposes determined by the donors. The limited income from unrestricted funds is used to address the ever-increasing number of worthwhile grant requests received each year in the Foundation’s Community Grant Program.

“It is impossible for us to know what the most pressing challenges or the most exciting opportunities will be in Raleigh County during the coming years,” observed Jay Word, president of the BAF Board of Directors. “We are very appreciative that a private foundation recognized the value of growing our discretionary pool of assets and made a generous gift that will leverage additional unrestricted funds.”

“It is difficult for the BAF Distributions Committee to make grant decisions when the available funds do not cover the growing list of excellent proposals submitted by area non-profit charitable organizations. This donation, as well as the additional gifts it attracts, will certainly help.”

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations may double the value of their unrestricted gift to BAF by taking advantage of this matching opportunity. Call the Beckley Area Foundation office at 304-253-3806 to reserve a match for your gift. Memorial and honor gifts to an unrestricted fund can be matched.

“The recent BAF by-laws change which allows named unrestricted funds to be established with a gift of $5,000 offers a unique opportunity,” commented Susan Landis, BAF executive director. “If matching money has not been exhausted, a new named unrestricted fund could be started with as little as $2,500. It would be a wonderful Christmas present to honor a loved one with a permanent endowment bearing their name.”

Contact the BAF staff at 304-253-3806 or susan@beckleyareafoundation.com to reserve your match or to obtain additional information. The office is located in the United bank building, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801.

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