BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) recently hosted its annual Capstone Ceremony to celebrate the graduates of the Susan Landis Youth Philanthropy (SLYP) program and award grants to local nonprofits focused on youth initiatives.
This year marked a record for the program, with a total of $10,631.12 awarded—its highest amount to date.
SLYP was established in 2016 in memory of BAF’s late Executive Director, Susan Landis.
The program engages young people in the core principles of philanthropy: volunteering, fundraising, and grantmaking. Adult mentors guide participants, offering leadership and insight gained from their own philanthropic efforts.
“The SLYP program is a fantastic opportunity for students to not only learn the process of grantmaking but also gain firsthand experience with some of the hard-working nonprofits in Raleigh County,” said Brandon Bennett, SLYP Coordinator at BAF.
The ceremony featured opening remarks from SLYP members Nicholas Lilly, Maggie Asbury, and Lauren Cook, who shared reflections from their time in the program during their Junior and Senior years.
A slideshow presentation highlighted the year’s activities, culminating in the awarding of grants to nine local organizations.
Representatives from each recipient organization attended the event and were recognized for their projects and funding awards.
2025 SLYP Grant Recipients:
- Beckley Artistic Endeavors – Youth Theater Camp
- Beckley Dream Center – Warm “Soles”
- Crab Orchard Baptist Church N.O.W. Program – Milk: The Impressive Drink
- Patty’s Blessings – Just for Her Bags
- Raleigh County Public Library – Sensory Stimulation Activity Wall
- Raleigh County Young Life – Scholarships for Camp
- The Salvation Army – Healthy Habits
- The Summit Kollective – The Lit Lab
- United Way of Southern WV – Students’ Basic Needs
Anyone interested in supporting the SLYP Program can mail donations with “SLYP” in the memo line to BAF, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801, or donate online at bafwv.org.
For those interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, contact BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.
