Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program

The Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program is a biannual, competitive funding opportunity managed by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) through its Fund for Ravenswood affiliate. The program is designed to support eligible charitable initiatives that benefit the Ravenswood community. PACF, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 1963, works in collaboration with local affiliates to improve communities across an 11-county region in West Virginia and Ohio. As a foundation accredited by the Community Foundations National Standards program, PACF emphasizes accountability, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to local philanthropic engagement. The Fund for Ravenswood Grant Program accepts applications from private nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as public institutions. Eligible proposals must either be located in Ravenswood, West Virginia, or demonstrate direct benefit to the city’s residents. The fund supports initiatives across a wide spectrum of impact areas, including arts and culture, education, health and human services, youth and family services, recreation, and community and economic development. Funding is made available for a variety of project types. These include capital and equipment projects, operating support, capacity building, and program development. This flexibility allows applicants to tailor their proposals to address both immediate needs and long-term capacity improvements. While specific award amounts are not published, the competitive nature of the program implies that proposals must be well-justified and aligned with the fund's strategic goals for community benefit. The grant cycle for the Fund for Ravenswood occurs twice annually, with the current application window opening on January 15 and closing on March 15. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper. The submission process is managed through PACF’s centralized online portal, which allows nonprofits to track their application status, submit required documentation such as final reports, and review historical submissions in a user-friendly environment. Applicants are advised to submit complete proposals by the March 15 deadline to be considered for the current cycle. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the source material, but the program’s focus on measurable community benefit and alignment with stated priority areas suggests that thorough, well-documented applications are preferred. Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Senior Program Officer at PACF, is listed as the primary contact for questions related to this grant. Given its recurring structure, applicants who miss the current deadline may consider preparing for the next cycle, which is anticipated in the fall. The program’s ongoing commitment to Ravenswood affirms PACF’s mission to partner with donors and nonprofits to create lasting, positive change in the region.