HURRICANE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $25,000 grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) READY Nonprofits program, which provides training and funding opportunities to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their operations and programming, better fulfill their missions, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation will use the grant to procure the services of a specialty firm to develop a comprehensive marketing and fundraising plan for the organization.
The Foundation became eligible to apply for the funding after successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive virtual training through the READY Nonprofits program. The training covered a broad range of topics, including nonprofit programming and operations, strategic planning, board development, human resources, marketing and communications, and other areas critical to nonprofit success.
West Virginia State Parks Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed and Treasurer Kim McCluskey represented the Foundation during the training alongside a cohort of nonprofit organizations from throughout the Appalachian Region.
Specifications and bidding information for development of the marketing and fundraising plan will be available soon. Organizations interested in learning more may contact [email protected].
The Foundation’s fundraising efforts help turn ideas into meaningful improvements throughout the West Virginia State Parks system. Support can help fund projects involving trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, campground improvements, maintenance, accessibility, equipment, interpretive facilities, arts and cultural programming, and other initiatives that directly enhance the visitor experience.
“ARC does amazing work across the region,” said Brad Reed, Executive Director of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation. “Having the opportunity to train and partner with ARC, along with receiving this generous grant, will strengthen our ability to support West Virginia State Parks, Forests, and Rail Trails and help us build new opportunities to invest in these treasured public resources.”
About the West Virginia 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.”  Learn more at www.lovewvstateparks.com.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments, serving 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to invest in and partner with the region to strengthen economic development and help Appalachia reach its full economic potential.
About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests welcome more than 7 million visitors each year. The system includes 36 state parks, nine state forests, and three rail trails, providing opportunities for recreation, family experiences, outdoor adventure, and the creation of lasting memories.
West Virginia State Parks is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
