History - The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation

“A new philanthropic spirit is spreading across the face of America, and now at long last Charleston has the machinery to organize its share of it for area-wide improvement.”

Sunday Gazette-Mail
February 5, 1961

“The three great advantages of a community foundation (are) good investments, good administration, and flexibility, meaning that everyone, those of moderate means as well as the wealthy, can become a part of community beneficence with the satisfaction of knowing the proceeds of his contribution will continue…”

Harrison Sayre
The Charleston Gazette
December 8, 1965

1960s

Formally chartered on April 3, 1962

First contribution of $100

First fund endowed – Frank A. Knight Memorial Fund

First public documents published

First community reception held

First grant – $1,000 to Morris Harvey College

“With sizable and steady growth in resources the Foundation continues to play an increasingly significant role in addressing the needs of the Greater Kanawha Valley community.”

L. Newton Thomas, Jr., Chair
1979 Annual Report

“The Foundation has become a great resource in our community for meeting a wide variety of needs and problems in an innovative and flexible fashion. It provides an effective way for individuals, business firms and private foundations to invest in the welfare of our community…”

Charles W. Loeb, Chair
1982 Annual Report

1970s

Formally chartered on April 3, 1962

Assets pass

$1,000,000

First Annual Report Printed

“With sizable and steady growth in resources the Foundation continues to play an increasingly significant role in addressing the needs of the Greater Kanawha Valley community.”

L. Newton Thomas, Jr., Chair
1979 Annual Report

Charles W. Loeb, Chair
1982 Annual Report

1980s

$1.5 million in leveraged funds enable opening of Arthur B. Hodges Center

$1.5 Million

Stanley Loewenstein, first Executive Director

Statewide scholarship program begins

Elizabeth VonBlond, first staff member, later Executive Director

Offices move to 1426 Kanawha Boulevard

Assets increase to more than $30 million

$30 Million

“The Foundation is becoming more than just a source of funds; it is also a capacity-building resource that helps nonprofits to strengthen their operations, build infrastructure, and develop leadership.”

Charles W. Loeb, Jr., Chair
Michelle Foster, Ph.D., President & CEO
2017 Annual Report

“The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation seeks to foster community ownership, to invest for the future, and to make a real difference.”

Stephen R. Crislip, Chair
2002 Annual Report