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Alleghany Foundation awards more than $1.7 million
COVINGTON - TheA llegheny Foundation has announced it has awarded 13 grants totaling more than $1.7 million to support area projects designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens of the Allegheny Highlands. A salaried economic development position and a variety of health and wellness initiatives are among the projects receiving grants from the private foundation, which was funded by the sale of the region's hospital to HCA in 1995.
A $251,289 grant to the Allegheny Highlands Economic Development Corp. will support the salary of a new executive director for a period of three years.
"This grant will enable the AHEDC to begin implementing economic development strategies in order to assist theHighlands in attracting and retaining new businesses, small business development, and additional travel and tourism opportunities," says Charlie Kahle, president of the foundation's board of directors.
"We are pleased that we have been able to support so many worthwhile causes that affect the quality of life here in the Allegheny Highlands," Kahle adds.
The foundation awarded five grants to improve the health of Allegheny residents during this funding cycle. Three grants totaling $212,027 will support salaries and pharmacy services for the Allegheny Highlands Free Clinic in Low Moor over the next year. Additional grants will support healthcare initiatives, including a diabetes education support group public awareness campaign and a chronic disease prevention project conducted in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health to educate the community on the effects of obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use.
A grant of $82,250 was awarded to the Allegheny Historical Society to stabilize the exterior of the C&O Freight Depot in Covington.
A 50 percent challenge grant was awarded to Dabney S. Lancaster Community College for the purchase of instructional laboratory equipment and materials for the study of allied health and forensic science training. The new multi-purpose laboratory will help train students in the nursing and administration of justice curricula. The Charles P. Jones Memorial Library in Covington also received a grant to upgrade computer equipment.
Additional grants were awarded to the Allegheny Highlands YMCA and the Allegheny Highlands Humane Society to complete major construction projects.
A grant of $237,036 was awarded to Jackson River Enterprises to build a storage facility and purchase a Bobcat to aid its recycling efforts. The new storage area will allow the facility to accommodate additional suppliers as well as provide increased employment opportunities.
The Allegheny Highlands Arts Council was awarded $36,200 to study performance venues in the Allegheny Highlands, prepare a business plan, and provide recommendations for facility upgrades and future performances.
Beth Webb, executive director of the Allegheny Foundation, expressed thanks to the 12-member volunteer board. "This board works tirelessly to continue the Foundation's mission of enhancing the quality of life in the Allegheny Highlands," says Webb. "I am grateful for each member's contribution and for the meaningful impact their responsible stewardship has on our community."
Nonprofit, 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organizations interested in requesting money from the foundation should submit an application, following the instructions outlined in the foundation's application guidelines brochure. In the 12 years since the foundation was created, it has awarded nearly $26 million to 68 area agencies in the Allegheny Highlands including Bath County Health Department and Bath County Historical Society.
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