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PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has announced the first grants awarded from its Building a Sustainable Future Fund, an endowed charitable initiative created to help nonprofits reduce energy-related expenses, build capacity, and redirect those savings into mission-critical services.

The fund was established by a local supporter who recognized the need for practical, long-term support for community-based organizations. Its goal is straightforward: to invest in energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades that help nonprofits reduce utility costs and strengthen their long-term financial resilience.

Designed to support a broad range of sustainable initiatives, the fund prioritizes projects that lower environmental impact and promote responsible energy use across the region. Eligible uses include energy efficiency improvements such as insulation upgrades, window replacements, and other weatherization efforts. Funding may also be directed toward the installation of high-efficiency heat pumps, hybrid electric water heaters, and the development of solar or other renewable energy systems.

Support is also available for the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), as well as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. In addition, the fund may support educational initiatives focused on sustainability and energy awareness, along with design and planning services for energy-related improvements.

Gifts to support the selected projects totaled $35,000 from two funds.

This year, thanks to the Building a Sustainable Future Fund in combination with the Jan and Chip Pickering Advised Fund, the PACF was able to award $35,000 for two qualifying projects.

The first grant was awarded to the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation, which received a total of $30,000 to support sustainable infrastructure at the university’s new Innovation and Technology Center. The funds will support the installation of electronic switching and dimming controls for classroom and meeting room lighting, as well as a high-efficiency Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system. These improvements are expected to result in substantial energy savings and reduced operational costs over time.

A second grant of $5,000 was awarded to First Assembly of God in Harrisville, to launch its Energy Independence Project. Phase one will include a gymnasium lighting retrofit.

“This fund is about more than environmental sustainability–it’s about strengthening the operational capacity of nonprofits in our region,” said Fred Rader, Executive Director of the PACF. “When energy costs go down, organizations can devote more of their resources directly to their missions.”

According to national research, smart energy investments–like updated lighting and HVAC systems–can reduce utility expenses by up to 40%. These kinds of infrastructure improvements create long-term savings and free up funds for programming, staffing, and outreach.

The Building a Sustainable Future Fund is a permanent endowment managed by the PACF. It supports facility-related improvements for nonprofits within the PACF’s 11-county service region. Projects are reviewed as part of the Foundation’s Community Action Grant process, held each spring and fall.

Organizations with sustainability-focused facility needs are encouraged to apply through the Fall Community Action Grant program which is open now until midnight on Sept. 15. Eligible projects may include solar panel installations, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, energy audits, and other improvements that lower long-term energy usage and costs.

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) is a non-profit public charity that strengthens the Mid-Ohio Valley by building permanent charitable resources, providing regional philanthropic leadership, and connecting donors with community needs. Established in 1963, PACF manages more than 500 charitable funds and holds $95 million in assets. The PACF partners with individuals, families, businesses, and other foundations to support local priorities through grants, scholarships, and collaborative initiatives. The Foundation serves an 11-county region, including Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood counties in West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio.

Individuals, businesses, and families with a vested interest in building a more sustainable Mid-Ohio Valley are invited to learn more, apply for funding, or support the fund, by visiting www.pacfwv.com or calling 304-428-4438.