Foundation Awards $2.6 Million

The Alleghany Foundation announced Thursday that it has awarded more than $2.6 million in 16 grants to a dozen area organizations for projects designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens of the Alleghany Highlands.

The awards mark one of the highest levels of funding ever given during a semi-annual grant cycle in the private foundation’s 15-year history.

Support for wellness and education initiatives as well as investments in the area’s historic assets were the primary focus of the grants awarded by The Alleghany Foundation, which was funded with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital to HCA in 1995.

“In these economic times, the foundation is pleased to serve as a valuable resource to organizations that have a positive impact on our community’s way of life,” said Charles Kahle, president of the foundation. “Our funding level this year is among the highest we’ve been able to offer the worthwhile causes that make the Alleghany Highlands a better place to live.”

The largest grant of $1.1 million was awarded to the Alleghany Highlands YMCA to retire construction debt for the widely used community wellness facility.

According to Ward Robens Jr., interim executive director for The Alleghany Foundation, this grant culminates the foundation’s six-year commitment toward the capital campaign, which has raised more than $8 million for the 37,000 square foot facility that houses a wellness center, gymnasium, indoor track and full-size indoor swimming pool.

The grant will award $275,000 over each of four grant cycles.

Robens said the completion of the YMCA capital campaign would have pleased Beth Webb, a former executive director and 14-year employee of The Alleghany Foundation whose sudden death last December was a great loss to the community.

“Beth was very proud of the YMCA’s impact on the health of so many people living in the Alleghany Highlands,” he said.

The foundation also awarded a $750,000 challenge grant to the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation for the rehabilitation of the first floor of the 23,700 square foot historic structure in Clifton Forge.

The theater, constructed in 1905 for live theater and movie entertainment venues, was donated to the town of Clifton Forge in 2003.

The historic restoration, which will preserve the architectural character of the original building while replacing outdated plumbing, mechanical and wiring systems, will be accomplished through tax credits and private funding.

Multi-year commitments were awarded to the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Office to fund the executive director’s salary and to Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools for a joint initiative for continued employment of a mental health counselor at the schools.

The counselor works with students individually and in groups to deal with issues such as depression, anger management, substance abuse and avoidance of risky behavior.

Also receiving funding this cycle from The Alleghany Foundation are:

– City of Covington: $30,000 for infrastructure improvements to the River’s Edge Skate Park and $10,000 to restore Hezekiah, the fire department’s 1927 fire truck used in community education programs, parades and other appearances.

– Alleghany Highlands Drug Task Force: $39,785 for individual recording equipment for investigating officers and a video surveillance system for low-light operation and in remote transmission.

– Bath Animal Welfare Foundation: a total of $46,409 for renovations to the Thrift Shop/Resource Center damaged by fire in 2009 and a program funding low-cost spay/neuter services.

– Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center: $32,068 for matching support of the downtown center and offer an artist-in-residence program for local high schools, as well as a statewide marketing initiative to bring additional tourism to the Alleghany Highlands.

– Alleghany Highlands YMCA: an additional $75,000 to fund the ongoing child care initiative for low-income families and $6,800 for leadership and civility classes in local schools, a Virginia Cooperative Extension education program.

– Jackson River Enterprises: $48,627 for the purchase of a forklift used in recycling efforts and a mini-van to transport employees to work.

– Dabney S. Lancaster Community College: $11,820 for the purchase of campus emergency call box security telephones.

– Charles P. Jones Memorial Library: $6,500 to upgrade computer equipment and software.

– Bear Trust International: $9,848 in matching funds for installation of bear-proof trash containers and Dumpster at Lake Moomaw and science education materials to area schools detailing bear habitats and behavior.

Robens said much of the credit for the foundation’s success goes to the volunteer effort of the board of directors that works countless hours analyzing each request for funding.

“Our board works diligently each year to award grants that have direct impact on the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands,” Robens said. “Each application is reviewed extensively with that goal in mind.”

The Alleghany Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Covington. Since its formation in June 1995, the foundation has awarded approximately $32 million to 62 organizations for programs to benefit Alleghany Highlands residents.

The foundation, which awards grants twice annually, received 29 grant requests during this funding cycle.

Non-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations interested in requesting funding from the foundation should submit an application, following the instructions outlined in the Application Guidelines Brochure.

For more about The Alleghany Foundation, visit the organization’s website at www.alleghanyfoundation.org.