As we lead into a long holiday weekend, I want to pause to reflect on this season. One of the gifts of being in this role is that I see all of the amazing work happening in our state through the collective philanthropy community.
If you follow our social media, I have been trying to amplify all of the scholarships, awards, grants and events happening throughout your amazing organizations! It is a joy to see students gaining access to their educational goals with a lighter financial burden. The grant awards are inspiring!
It may appear as though “scholarship season” is effortless on social media–as most things appear in a curated world. We all know it takes countless volunteer and staff hours to make those smiles and dreams come true. Congratulations and a sincere note of appreciation to all of you making the decisions and the awards happen! Graduation and awards events consume many of your days, evenings and weekends for sure.
Thanks to everyone who has submitted a proposal for the 2026 Conference! We are reviewing the proposals thus far and working on details for the shared programming with WVNPA. Things are looking great for October in Charleston!
Maybe you’ve always wanted to sponsor the annual conference? We are actively seeking sponsors for the 2026 conference too! Check out the sponsorship information below.
If you are a member or prospective member and want to join a Regional Roundtable, join us in a few weeks! We will be in the Mid-Ohio Valley on June 4 and the Northern Panhandle on June 18. The North Central, Potomac Highlands regions are coming together. We are getting the Southern and Metro Valley meetings planning started. If you want to host or have an idea for a topic, please let me know.
Did you skip sharing your feedback for our virtual series ideas in my last email? Maybe the phrase “summer school” didn’t land as it should. There’s still time to let us know if you would join some conversations focused on the administrative side of the work by taking this brief survey to determine interest in some virtual educational opportunities.
For those of you who visit the website frequently, get ready because we are working on a refresh of the site to make it easier to use, pulling our social media feeds in so everything can be found at a glance and keeping it updated regularly.
Interested in what’s happening in education? The Education Affinity Group is meeting virtually on June 10 at 9AM to learn more about Communities In Schools and Engaging Families from the WV Department of Education. Not a member? We can sign you up!
Philanthropy West Virginia is here to elevate the work of our members, share information and bring the sector together. Let us know how we can help you!
This morning as I wrote this note, the “Run for the Wall” motorcyclists were thundering across our southern communities on their way to Washington, DC. This coast-to-coast, annual event takes place rain or shine–it is remarkable that folks make at least three stops within West Virginia! They do so because of the hospitality and the number of veterans in our state.
It is a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made, promises kept and hardships faced by those in military service. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend–many West Virginians gave their lives to keep our country safe. Others are still in uniform serving around the world today.
With gratitude,
Jennifer
Download the 2026 PWV Conference Sponsorship Info
Resources and information As we come up on the first anniversary of historic, destructive flooding in June of 2025, I’ve been researching response for a presentation. Here are a few resources that I’ve learned about recently:
- Reimagine Appalachia recently released their report on the dismantling of FEMA and the risks associated with these changes. They are hosting a webinar June 26 on the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 floods. Register here.
- Flooding resilience is also important throughout our region. Here’s a report from the American Planning Association on that topic.
Share your feedback! Here are some related surveys and requests for input from organizations in our orbits:
- The Council on Foundations is offering a free copy of their annual Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey if you complete the survey by May 28. They extended the deadline, so hop on it if you’re interested.
- Davis & Elkins is conducting a study on nonprofit leadership and professional development needs which can be accessed here.
One More Reminder: Education Affinity Group Members! Join us June 10 at 9AM to learn more about Communities In Schools and Engaging Families from the WV Department of Education. Not a member? We can sign you up!