January – December
The Fayette County Community Foundation (FCCF) makes local giving simple and impactful. We help donors strengthen our community, support local programs and facilities, and provide scholarships that open doors for Fayette County students. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this community home.
History: Community members identified the need and gap for a county wide community foundation in 2023. Surrounding counties have established foundations and small municipalities in Fayette County have limited resources. The vision was created for a foundation that could be the intermediary between private wealth, corporate philanthropy, and grants of all types to match with projects, scholarships, and programs. In March of 2024 the foundation received 501(c)3 status, WV certification of incorporation, and a WV business license. The remainder of 2024 was spent researching funding opportunities, networking with community leaders, and meeting of the volunteer board to discuss areas of need.
That brings us to 2025, the year of actionable steps. Board members volunteered their time for an intensive Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) training, succeeded in being awarded funds for a strategic planning process, built a variety of fund giving opportunities, and distributed the foundation’s first scholarship. With a few other fun and rewarding impacts happening throughout, we invite you to explore each impact area below.
And join us on Facebook (Fayette County Community Foundation) for inspiring updates in 2026!
Building a Strong Foundation (for the Foundation, get it?)
Impact: Two board members completed 6 training classes. FCCF was awarded nearly $17,000 for strategic plan work.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Building Bridges: Developing a Community Foundation to Serve Fayette County, West Virginia. Review the awarded organizations here.
“We look forward to developing the policies, procedures, and branding of the organization along with creating a strategic plan for the next three years. We will continue to grow the foundation’s impact as we make improvements to the organization.” Jim Maxwell, board member.
Strategic Plan for FCCF
Impact: A more informed plan of action for the FCCF to facilitate donor advised funds, charitable bequests, partnership with financial advisors, scholarships, and tribute gifts.
With grant funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the board of directors hired Ethos Leadership, a consulting firm, to document a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, operational policies and procedures, and conduct community surveys and input sessions. This project is ongoing and the final plan will be completed in 2026.
Branding Plan for FCCF
Impact: Creating brand awareness and recognizable logo and elements to help build trust in the organization.
Also with grant funds from the ARC, the board of directors hired Starry Eyes Media, a marketing firm, to create logos, templates, and complete branding guidelines to use in marketing. This project contains many elements that showcase the most recognizable sights in Fayette County.
Feasibility Analysis
Impact: Compilation of site reviews, inventory of the county facilities, and community surveys for interests in facility amenities.
With a grant from the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and matching funds from the Fayette County Commission, the board hired Chapman Technical Group to complete a feasibility study on an indoor training and recreation facility in Fayette County. After surveying county residents both online and through focus groups and phone calls, the needs and wants of a facility were documented. Three preferred sites were identified. This project is also ongoing with next steps being to secure a location. The final executive summary of the feasibility analysis is available upon request.
Scholarships
Impact: Processes and procedures established for the acceptance of donor advised funds and distribution of annual scholarships.
The Nora M. Reed Scholarship was established in 2025 with a $40,000 endowment. The goal is to award a $1,000 annually to a Fayette County student pursuing an education in musical or performing arts until funds are fully distributed. Nora M. Reed was a graduate of Fayetteville High School where she played the flute and was a talented artist.
The Nora M. Reed Scholarship was awarded to Alejandro Khaaliq of Mt. Hope. Khaaliq began studies in Graphic Design at Marshall University fall of 2025.
Projects: Disc Golf at Fayette County Park
Impact: Providing fiscal support for the local disc golf group to secure business sponsors for 18 tee boxes.
The Fayette County Community Foundation is partnering with the Fayette County Park on a project to provide signage and new tee pads. As one of the only 18-hole disc golf courses in the county, the course is well used and a destination for tourists visiting Fayette County. This project will allow for better course communication, easier options on holes, and also enable us to host sanctioned tournaments. Once the maps are finalized, the signs will go to print and be installed.
Projects: Fayetteville WV Creates: Ripple Project
Impact: Seven artists become month long residents staying in donated short term rentals while providing community programs with over 330 attendees from the area.
Now this project did conclude in January 2026, but it’s too good not to mention now. It also took a lot of work behind the scenes in 2025.
“Before Fayetteville WV Creates was called Fayetteville Creates, we simply called it Ripple, the name of the West Virginia Creative Network’s statewide program from which this idea first grew.
Ripple was created to fund art projects in West Virginia towns that would send creativity outward, touching a community in ways both big and small. What we didn’t realize at the time was just how far those ripples would travel here in Fayetteville.
Once the idea of a town-wide creative residency took shape, and a small but mighty group of local volunteers gathered around it, the momentum felt almost magical. The ripples kept widening.
With the generosity of local vacation rental owners, we welcomed seven creatives into our town. In return, they offered seven thoughtful, fascinating workshops, all free and open to everyone in the community.”
Project: Volunteer Hub
Impact: We gathered a list of great events, projects, and groups in our county who all could use volunteers from time to time.
With so many great things happening in Fayette County, we wanted to be part of the solution to one of the biggest constraints: finding volunteers! We’ve established a webpage for organizations looking for volunteers and will keep it updated. Take a look and see how you can get involved.
Get Involved! Find ways to volunteer or submit your volunteer need.
If you are not able to give your time, consider a donation and giving through Kroger Rewards. Register your Kroger card with their Community Rewards program. Organization CB292. (Or seriously, pick ANY Fayette County non-profit organization on their list).