Dr. Michelle Foster
President and CEO
Together, we can turn
vision into action—and
action into lasting change.
At The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF), we are proud to serve as a trusted philanthropic partner—connecting generous donors with high-impact opportunities to strengthen our region. As part of our continued commitment to meet donors where they are, I’m pleased to introduce our new Individually Managed Funds (IMF) Program, a tailored solution that provides added flexibility for donors with complex charitable assets and personalized investment strategies.
What Is an Individually Managed Fund?
An Individually Managed Fund allows a donor to recommend a qualified investment advisor or firm to manage their charitable fund’s assets—within the oversight and framework of TGKVF’s policies and standards. This structure is ideal for donors who have existing relationships with investment advisors or who desire a philanthropic approach that aligns more closely with their personal financial goals.
Donors who establish an IMF can expect the same high standard of stewardship that has defined TGKVF for more than 63 years. While the assets remain the property of the Foundation, donors enjoy enhanced flexibility in managing those assets through a familiar advisory relationship, all while benefiting from TGKVF’s proven grantmaking, community engagement, and administrative expertise.
Why Choose TGKVF? The Value of Partnering with a Community Foundation
Working with a community foundation like TGKVF offers distinct advantages that extend well beyond investment management:
• Deep Community Knowledge: With decades of experience and strong statewide relationships, TGKVF brings unparalleled insight into the most pressing community needs and the organizations best positioned to address them. Donors can trust that their funds will support meaningful, lasting impact.
• Grantmaking Expertise: Our team provides professional guidance in designing, executing, and evaluating grants to ensure they align with donor intent and achieve measurable outcomes. We make giving easy, strategic, and satisfying.
• Administrative Simplicity: From due diligence and compliance to recordkeeping and tax reporting, TGKVF handles the administrative burden, freeing donors to focus on their philanthropic vision.
• Legacy Stewardship: Whether donors are building a family tradition of giving or planning for future generations, we ensure that their charitable legacy is honored in perpetuity, even as community needs evolve.
• Trust and Accountability: As a public charity governed by a diverse board of community leaders, TGKVF upholds the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and ethical management.
How the IMF Program Works
To establish an IMF, a donor contributes a minimum of $1 million, with an ongoing balance requirement of $500,000. Donors recommend a qualified investment advisor and firm, subject to approval by our Investment Committee. Once approved, the advisor manages the fund according to a jointly developed Investment Policy Statement (IPS) and regularly reports to the Foundation.
This approach allows donors to maintain their trusted advisor relationships while accessing the full philanthropic support and community insights of TGKVF.
A Partnership for Purpose-Driven Investment
The Individually Managed Fund program embodies our commitment to donor-centered philanthropy—where generosity meets strategy, and local insight meets global best practices. Whether you’re an individual donor, a family with multigenerational giving goals, or a corporation seeking to leave a legacy, TGKVF is here to help you maximize your impact.
If you’re considering how to align your charitable giving with your financial strategy while making a meaningful difference in West Virginia and beyond, we invite you to explore this new opportunity with us. Together, we can turn vision into action—and action into lasting change.
I look forward to hearing from you and can be reached at mfoster@tgkvf.org or 304.346.3620 x13.