FACTS Impact Fund – Addressing Challenges Through Philanthropy
Members of FACTS Impact, a donor advised fund administered by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, are pleased to announce the start of their third funding cycle.
FACTS was established in 2019 by a group of thoughtful and generous community members with a desire to address challenges of the greater Wheeling area through philanthropy. A series of learning journeys identified an interest in supporting projects that help individuals experiencing barriers to employment. More specifically, members are interested in partnering with organizations working to overcome systemic issues that ultimately empower people to transform their lives and contribute to their communities.
The group has awarded $70,700 in grants since inception. The Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless received $43,280 over a two-year period to support the Aim Hire and Jobs for Home projects. The Coalition was able to secure significant federal funds thanks to the grant awarded through FACTS. Goodwill Industries was recently awarded $27,420 to enhance elements of the organization’s existing pre-employment training programs.
The 2022 funding cycle opens March 15 and will feature a letter of intent process. This introductory phase of grantmaking offers interested organizations an opportunity to share high-level details of a funding request. From there, members of FACTS will review submitted proposals and extend invitations to selected organizations to submit a full grant application. The letter of intent process allows FACTS to learn about qualified grant seeking organizations in the greater Wheeling area actively engaged or interested in improving employability of area residents, especially those representing vulnerable communities.
It is worth noting members of FACTS have chosen to learn as much as they can through this philanthropic process, requiring time, thought and attention.
“FACTS Impact is laser-focused on their philanthropy, and we are pleased to partner with them,” shared Susie Nelson, executive director of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.
“While much of the grantmaking made possible through our funds is designed to be responsive and flexible, there is certainly room for the immersive process being employed by the membership of FACTS. It is exciting to watch members of our community address such a visible challenge through philanthropy.”
Organizations interested in learning more should visit www.cfov.org/grants.
Members of FACTS make an annual gift to the fund, which is then pooled to provide grants to qualified organizations. Those interested in joining in this effort are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation at 304.242.3144.
