The Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) celebrated the power of local philanthropy at its annual Grantee Luncheon on May 4th, at the Historic Black Knight Municipal Park.
Nearly 40 organizations were recognized as recipients of funding through the Foundation’s 2026 Community Grant Program, highlighting the incredible work being done across Raleigh County.
The program included welcome remarks from Dena Cushman, Executive Director of the Beckley Area Foundation, followed by a guest address from T. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech and a new member of the Beckley Area Foundation Board of Directors, who shared insights on leadership, community impact, and the importance of investing in local initiatives. Melanie Stewart, Scholarship & Grant Coordinator, presented this year’s Community Grant Awards, and the event concluded with remarks from Kacy Korczyk, Board President of the Beckley Area Foundation.
Through this year’s grant cycle, the Foundation awarded a total of $262,030.43 to support a wide range of initiatives across the community.
Funding supported critical efforts in health and human services and food insecurity, while also investing in education and youth-focused programs. Additional grants enhanced public recreation and community beautification efforts, as well as supported the arts and cultural initiatives. Funding also provided resources for first responders and services benefiting seniors and veterans.
“The Community Grant Program allows nonprofits to apply for funding of up to $10,000 to support projects that make a difference locally,” said Dena Cushman. “The Grantee Luncheon is a meaningful opportunity for us to come together, recognize the important work being done across Raleigh County, and celebrate the impact these organizations are making in our community.”
The Foundation’s annual grant program is open to nonprofit organizations serving Raleigh County. Applicants submit proposals outlining their projects and community impact, which are then reviewed as part of a competitive selection process. Final grant awards are determined based on community need, project impact, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
Jenni Canterbury, Beckley Area Foundation board member, was present to support the event and celebrate the organizations making an impact across Raleigh County. She emphasized the importance of the Foundation’s “Force for Good” theme, noting that the strength of the community comes from the collective efforts of local organizations working together. Canterbury also highlighted that the funding awarded through the program directly benefits Raleigh County, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to investing in local solutions and supporting those who serve the region every day.
Since its founding in 1985, the Beckley Area Foundation has grown to manage more than $89.5 million in assets and support over 550 funds. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $29 million to nonprofit organizations and community projects, awarding approximately $2 million annually through its grantmaking efforts.
| 2026 Community Grant Recipients Active Southern WV American Red Cross: Central Appalachia Region AWAY (Women’s Resource Center) Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Beckley Art Group Beckley Concert Association Beckley Dream Center Beckley Health Right BRCCC Foundation, Inc. Brian’s Safehouse Carnegie Hall Inc. Catholic Charities West Virginia Colcord Presbyterian Church Crab Orchard Baptist Church N.O.W. program Fellowship of Christian Athletes Ghent Area Volunteer Fire Department Helping Hands Community Resource Center, Inc. Hospice of Southern WV Just For Kids Inc., Child Advocacy Center Office of Outdoor Economic Development, City of Beckley Quota Club of Beckley, Inc. Raleigh County Commission on Aging Raleigh County Emergency Services Raleigh County Family Support Center (Raleigh County Prevention Coalition) Raleigh County Farm Bureau Inc. Raleigh County Historical Society Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Raleigh County Public Library Sophia Day Care The Salvation Army The Summit Kollective Theatre West Virginia Trap Hill Area Little League Trap Hill Volunteer Fire & Rescue Inc. United Methodist Temple United Way of Southern WV, Inc. West Virginia Land Trust Inc. Woodrow Wilson High School WV Professional Dance Company |
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A Chewbacca-themed dessert, Baby Yoda deviled eggs, and Darth Vader décor brought the “Force for Good” theme to life at the 2026 Grantee Luncheon.
Thank you to our grant recipients, donors, community partners, and supporters who make this work possible!