Hurricane, WV: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to build organizational capacity and awareness of the importance of West Virginia State Parks. “This grant award enables a huge step forward in the evolution of our organization,” said Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed. “The funding will allow us to significantly build our capacity through public awareness, credibility, and advocacy for our outstanding state park system.” Reed continued, “everything we do is for the benefit of WV state parks, forests and rail trails. We partner with local foundations serving individual park system areas to raise funding for important projects and maintenance, host special events, provide volunteer help where we can, and tell the story of the importance and value of these most treasured places.”
“The Benedum Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation,” said Benedum’s Senior Program Officer Bill Woodrum. “The WV State Parks, Forests, and Rail Trails are a unique resource for our state and have shown massive increased use in the past several years. They highlight the best natural resources in the nation and are fundamental components of our engagement with these natural wonders. These funds will help both large and small parks build capacity and provide increased services to our communities.”
“We can’t think the Benedum Foundation enough for this generous award,” said Reed.
About the WV State Parks Foundation:
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to “preserve, protect, and enhance West Virginia State Parks by providing leadership in communication, funding, and advocacy in partnership with individual Park Foundations.” Find them at www.lovewvstateparks.com.
About the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation has served West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania since it was established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum. Grants are made to support specific initiatives in the areas of Education, Economic Development, Health, and Community Development.
