Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund Grant

The Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund is a grantmaking program administered by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that serves an 11-county area across West Virginia and Ohio. The PACF manages nearly 500 charitable funds and partners with individuals, families, and organizations to build permanent philanthropic resources that address a wide range of community needs. As a community foundation committed to the highest standards, PACF maintains accreditation through the Community Foundations National Standards program, demonstrating its dedication to excellence in donor service, investment management, grantmaking, and administration. The Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund was created through a bequest from Miss Ruth Hornbrook, a lifelong advocate for animal welfare and one of the founders of the Humane Society of Parkersburg. Miss Hornbrook’s enduring legacy is rooted in her tireless efforts to improve animal rights, from local initiatives such as spaying clinics and educational programs to influencing state legislation and engaging with national organizations like the Humane Society of the United States. Her commitment culminated in the establishment of this fund to ensure continued support for humane societies throughout West Virginia, particularly those that are newly established. The fund provides financial assistance specifically to humane societies located within West Virginia. Projects that may be supported include humane education programs, shelter construction and renovation, and the purchase of essential equipment. However, the fund explicitly does not support spay/neuter programs. Grant amounts typically range between $500 and $3,000, offering modest but meaningful support to local animal welfare initiatives. The fund emphasizes flexibility within its scope while maintaining a targeted focus on structural and programmatic improvements for humane societies. Applicants must submit their applications through PACF’s centralized grant portal, which allows nonprofits to manage all aspects of the grant process—from application to reporting—in a streamlined online environment. The application window for the Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund opens on January 1 and closes on March 1 each year, making it a recurring annual opportunity for eligible organizations. There are no preliminary application steps such as Letters of Intent required for this program. Evaluation of applications is managed by the PACF, leveraging its longstanding community expertise and philanthropic leadership. Selected proposals are expected to align closely with the fund’s purpose of enhancing the capacity and impact of humane societies, especially those that are new or emerging within the state. Final decisions are based on the project's relevance, feasibility, and potential for sustainable impact. For questions or support during the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Senior Program Officer at PACF, via email at [email protected]. This annual opportunity ensures that Ruth Hornbrook’s mission continues to uplift animal welfare organizations and strengthen their vital role in West Virginia communities.