Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth Grants

The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth Grants, administered by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF), provides financial assistance to support Christian youth and youth groups in need. Established in memory of Harold R. Board, the fund is intended to allow young people with limited financial means to participate in Christian service-related events, including Christian camps, educational conferences, music schools, and other church or community service activities. Rooted in the deep faith and musical ministry of its namesake, the fund ensures his legacy continues to impact new generations. Harold R. Board, a native of Wirt County, West Virginia, served his community faithfully through his singing ministry with the Proclaimers Gospel Quartet, as well as through acts of compassion such as hospital visitations and consistent service to his church and family. Board's legacy is sustained by his fellow quartet members who envisioned this fund as an extension of their shared musical ministry. Their mission was inspired by the presence of youth at their performances—particularly those who attended without parental prompting—and their desire to support such young people in deepening their faith through immersive experiences. The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) administers this grant program as part of its broader commitment to strengthening the region through permanent philanthropic resources. Founded in 1963, PACF serves an 11-county region in West Virginia and Ohio. As a certified public charity managing nearly 500 individual funds, PACF is accredited under the Community Foundations National Standards program and maintains a high level of accountability and effectiveness in its operations. The foundation supports key community interests, including education, youth, and community development. The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth accepts applications on a rolling basis. This means applications are reviewed as they are received, and awards are distributed continuously until the allocated funding is exhausted. Once all funds have been disbursed, the application window will close for that cycle. As a result, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their requests early in the cycle to ensure consideration. There is no pre-application requirement for this grant, and submission involves directly applying through PACF's grant platform. While detailed submission components or narrative requirements are not explicitly outlined in the public-facing documentation, applicants can anticipate that a basic application explaining the youth’s need and the Christian activity to be supported will be required. As a faith-based grant intended to remove financial barriers for youth seeking Christian development opportunities, the fund underscores the values of compassion, ministry, and opportunity. It continues to reflect the Proclaimers’ vision of empowering youth to grow in faith and possibly follow paths of musical or spiritual leadership. All applicants and interested parties are encouraged to contact Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, PACF’s Senior Program Officer, at [email protected] with questions or for additional information.