The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation reflects on an exceptional 2025, highlighting the impact made possible through donors, partners, and community collaboration. Throughout the year, TGKVF shared its work across television, podcasts, social media, events, newsletters, and publications, amplifying stories that strengthen the region.
Key milestones included a swift response to food insecurity, distributing $250,000 in early fall and another $100,000 during the SNAP crisis; the launch of the individually managed fund program, beginning with a $10 million fund; and a capital campaign feasibility study to grow the endowment for long-term community needs.
The finance team reported major progress: a new online giving hub; 234 donors contributing more than $9.4 million; 18 new funds established; and over $15.1 million invested back into the community through grants and scholarships. Scholarship efforts reached statewide, awarding over $1.7 million to 590 students, supported by new software that increased applicant matches and earned TGKVF national recognition at two conferences.
Across the organization, teams continued to expand community engagement. Conference rooms hosted more than 20 partners. Publications showcased leadership programs, narrative change initiatives, and TGKVF’s national recognition for philanthropic best practices. Additional grantmaking focused on emergency aid, dental care, and childcare, supported by a longtime anonymous donor.
Significant operational achievements included a full transition to new grants and scholarship software, improved workflows, embedded application support resources, and cross-department collaboration that strengthened efficiency. These efforts led to TGKVF presenting at national gatherings and being recognized for user-centered, strengths-based application design.
Program officers highlighted community listening tours, student innovation programs, regional outdoor recreation planning, and the upcoming Building Bridges Leadership Institute 3.0. Narrative work advanced through a competitive grant opportunity for youth-focused projects and a major November convening that brought together more than 150 leaders from across West Virginia and the nation.
Donor relations flourished through Donor Day, a new donor–grantee roundtable lunch, and the beginning of a communications strategic realignment to enhance transparency and engagement.