The Webster County Community Fund cannot accomplish anything without donors who support our community and our mission. We like to say our donors give “through” the Webster County Community Fund rather than “to” the Fund.  But is there really a difference?

Yes!  And this answer is really fundamental to our mission in that our donors are making the decisions on where their money is spent. We can facilitate the creation of the trust agreements and we may provide guidance and input surrounding important community needs, but the ultimate decision is yours as a donor. 

You can donate to a current fund with the WCCF, or you can create a fund in your name for an organization or cause you care about. The decisions you make, as a donor, help our community in ways important to you. Having a fund with the WCCF is a wonderful way to give back to and strengthen organizations and causes you care about. 

There are so many ways to give, it’s often best to contact us about your desires. That helps us make sure your goals will be achieved.

West Virginia State Tax Credits

Periodically the WCCF and our partner, the Beckley Area Foundation, receive tax credits from the State of West Virginia’s Neighborhood Investment Program.  When available, contributions of $500 or more are eligible to receive a tax credit worth 50% of the contribution.  The tax credits can then be used to reduce the donor’s tax liability by that amount.  For instance, a contribution of $1000, could receive a tax credit voucher for $500.  This would then reduce their total state tax bill by $500.   Contact us to learn more about the NIP program and the availability of tax credits.

Challenge Grants

Challenge grants are a wonderful way to help the WCCF grow and maximize your donated dollars.  Dedicated donors periodically present challenge grants to encourage local giving.  These challenges vary according to the lead donor’s desires, but can be a valuable source of funds for the community, by matching your contributions dollar for dollar.  If you would like to challenge the community please contact us. 


Great Giving Options!

The Webster County Community Fund has a variety of named funds already established.  The generous donors who created these funds invite and encourage other like-minded individuals to contribute to these funds.   Gifts of all sizes may be designated towards an existing fund.

With a gift of $10,000 or more, you can create a fund in your name, in the name of a loved one, or the name of a special cause or organization.  If you would like to build a fund over time, you also have an option of “initiating” your fund with a contribution of $2,000, giving you a full five years to reach the $10,000, at which time grants will begin being made.

Current Funds

You may make a tax-deductible donation to any of our existing funds at any time by sending your donation to:
BAF-WCCF
P O Box 11
Webster Springs, WV 26288
Please note which fund you wish the donation to be credited to.

Unrestricted Fund: This fund is our most flexible fund providing grants to projects that address the most pressing needs in the community and encourages long-term solutions.

Webster County Fund for the Arts: Provides grants to encourage and promote arts education and artistic programming for everyone in Webster County.

Paula Green Children's Fund: Named in honor of Vista volunteer Paula Green, our first Project Coordinator. This endowed fund provides grants to support children’s causes and activities throughout Webster County.  Paula Green passed away in 2007 after an extended illness and a lifetime of selfless giving.

Webster County Health and Wellness Fund: Supports programming to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Main Street Fund: Provides funds for the preservation, maintenance and upkeep of established Webster Springs Main Street Inc projects and supports new Main Street projects.

John Wood Memorial Unrestriced Endowment Fund: Started in 2009 by Linda Wood to honor her late husband John Wood, this fund provides projects with funds to address their current needs, with an emphasis given to projects that promote education and life-long learning.

Cutlip-Harkins Endowment Fund for Webster County: Started in 2016 by Harry Harkins Jr., this unrestricted fund provides distributions to projects to benefit the people of Webster County.

Leslie Equipment Company Fund: Started in 2018 by John & Lynette Leslie, this donor advised fund supports mentorship and leadership programs of numerous charitable organizations.

Cowen Area Community Fund: This fund was started in 2019 to support programs and projects that will benefit the greater Cowen area.

George and Jean Thompson Douglas Scholarship Fund: This fund endowed a scholarship for graduates of Webster County High School seeking a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in West Virginia. The Douglas’ have agreed to match every dollar contributed to the Thompson/Douglas Scholarship Fund by the community up to $100,000.

Bill Weese Trades Scholarship: The daughter of the late Bill Weese (1950-2003), Anissa Weese, launched this scholarship program in support of students seeking a professional trade. Trade schools include vocational education programs which offer certification or degree programs designed to teach students skills for a specific segment of employment, including training in health care assistantship, culinary arts, auto repair, diesel mechanics, computer graphics, heavy equipment operation, electrical repair, welding, drafting and design, computer programming and many others.

Barger Scholarship: Established in 2016 by family members honoring Phil and Diane Barger.  This scholarship helps Webster County students displaying an interest, involvement and application of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) principles to an art form.

Cutlip-Harkins Scholarship: Established by Harry Harkins Jr. in honor and memory of his grandparents J D and Ada Cutlip and Harry H and Rosalene "Bunny" Cutlip Harkins.  This scholarship will benefit a matriculating senior of Webster County High School pursuing a post-secondary education.

Stephen Mullens Scholarship: Established by Ralph and Bertha Mullens in memory of their son, Stephen Mullens.  This scholarship will be awarded to Webster County students seeking a post-secondary education at an accredited technical, community or baccalarureate institution within the State of West Virginia.

Starting a Fund

It is easy to establish your own named charitable fund with the Webster County Community Fund. Working with our staff and your financial advisor if you choose, you will take these simple steps:

• First, determine your charitable purpose or intent. Who or what do you want to benefit?
• Select the type of fund that best supports your purpose.
• Discuss your vision and expectations of the fund with us. Based on this information we will have a simple trust agreement prepared, at no charge to you, that makes your intentions clear.
• Select a name for your fund. You can use your name or that of a family member, the name of a favorite cause, or choose a name that allows you to remain anonymous.
• Make an initial ($2,000) or establishing ($10,000) gift.
• Receive a tax deduction at that time and when additional contributions are made to the fund.

If you would like to learn more about starting a charitable fund please contact us at (304) 847-2145 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



Types of Funds

We have a number of different ways you can give to your community today and forever. The information below and throughout this website is here to help you make a gift that is personally meaningful.  We are also eager to hear what you have to say about your goals and needs in order to help us make the right recommendation for you. You can reach us at 304-847-2145.

Unrestricted Funds

You may specify that your donation be placed in the unrestricted fund of the BAF/ Webster County Community Fund.  This fund provides the greatest flexibility, enabling our Team to provide grants to meet the most pressing needs of the county today and as they change over time. 

Field of Interest Fund

You may specify that your donation be placed in a field of interest fund that will be used to support a specific area of concern. Current field of interest funds include the Children’s Fund, Health & Wellness and the Fund for the Arts. Is your field of interest missing? Please feel free to contact us to learn how you can help start a new field of interest fund.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds give donors the privilege of recommending grants to the organizations and causes that they wish to support with their philanthropy.

Designated Funds

Designated Funds provide financial support to one or more specific organizations which the donor has named in a fund agreement, trust, or will (e.g. Main Street.)

Agency Endowments

Agency Endowments income is disbursed to the establishing nonprofit agency.

Scholarship Fund

You may specify your donation be used as a scholarship fund to help students achieve their educational goals.