The Alleghany Foundation Announces 2023 Financials and Grant Awards

Grants awarded by The Alleghany Foundation in 2023 totaled $3,438,177 and supported 22 strategic projects contributing to health and wellness, educational excellence and economic transformation in the Alleghany Highlands.  These awards are being featured along with publication of the 2023 financials. 

Said Kelly Dean Madsen, President, The Alleghany Foundation Board of Directors, “Publicizing the annual list of grants awarded showcases the wonderful work of the non-profit and local government leaders who manage the projects that take place because of these funds.”

The grant of $276,749 to Alleghany County on behalf of Alleghany County United Fire and Rescue Association was for purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and complemented equipment purchased by individual departments with funds raised from other sources. 

“With funding received from this grant, Alleghany County Public Safety was able to purchase 34 MSA G1 SCBA and 74 spare bottles. This purchase allowed us to outfit Dunlap Fire and Rescue, Clifton Forge Fire Department, and Falling Spring Fire Department with new up-to-date SCBA. The new SCBA allowed for the replacement of equipment that had been in service since the late 90’s,” said Jonathan Fitch, Director of Public Safety, Alleghany County. 

“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day to provide the highest level of community service possible — often, requiring many sacrifices and going above and beyond to serve. Our people are our most important asset, and this program will ensure that we are providing them with the best protection possible. I would like to thank The Alleghany Foundation for affording us this grant opportunity,” commented Fitch. 

A grant of $1.5 million was awarded to the City of Covington to support building a new fieldhouse at Casey Field as part of a renovation for the high school football and baseball programs.  “These facilities will help our schools, the Covington Lumberjacks (an affiliate of the Valley Baseball League for college summer baseball), and fields for youth football in the fall,” said Allen Dressler, City Manager, City of Covington. 

“We appreciate the way the broader community is supporting the facilities and showing support for our students in this project led by the City of Covington,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, Superintendents, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. 

Of great significance in school readiness and school success is what happens in the preschool years in a child’s development.  The Alleghany Highlands YMCA (YMCA) has provided the only continuously operating, full-time childcare in the community for over 25 years.  A grant of $250,000 to the YMCA helped with renovations for the Central Early Learning Center that was relocated as part of long-range planning related to the school merger. 

“Investing in the early years of a child’s life supports families while also preparing students for school,” said Bobbie Wagner, President & CEO, Alleghany Highlands YMCA. 

“Studies show that high-quality preschool programs not only improve school readiness and success but also lead to positive, long-term effects that can last for decades,” added Wagner.  In addition, a multi-year grant awarded in 2022 contributed about $109,000 in 2023 to help offset costs of childcare for working families.   These grant funds help provide core funding supporting caregivers at the centers. 

Even as announcing these grant awards will build hope for what is to come as funded projects are implemented, progress is already apparent.  For example, in July, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools received top honors at the 2024 VSBA (Virginia School Boards Association) Conference on Education in the 2024 VSBA Food for Thought Competition.  The food services team, led by Debra Buckner, child nutrition supervisor for AHPS, was recognized in the category of “Healthy School Meals” (grouped in schools with below 10,000 student population). 

VSBA described the award noting, “Established in 2012, the VSBA Food for Thought Competition aims to educate, engage, and empower school leaders in addressing childhood hunger and ensure healthier, more nutritious school meals for all students in Virginia.” 

“That grant from the Foundation enabled us to purchase slicers and dicers for the AHS and CMS cafeterias,” Buckner said. “The slicers and dicers allow us to prepare the made-from-scratch recipes with fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce the use of processed fruits and vegetables.”

A grant to the Town of Clifton Forge already shows important improvements to the Historic Stone House at Mountain View Cemetery.  Funds provided materials used by the public works staff and a local contractor to preserve community character and improve the presentation of a key corridor into Clifton Forge.  This project contributes to the VISION 2025 Corridor Curb Appeal strategy and downtown revitalization. 

“Like many big strategies, many smaller steps are needed to accomplish them,” said Chuck Unroe, Town Manager.   “Focusing on the look and feel of a community has benefits for local residents and when attracting new businesses, visitors, and residents.”

A multi-year grant to the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism provides $300,000 over three years for tourism marketing.  Grant funds leverage additional funds from the Virginia Tourism Commission and help build the Alleghany Highlands brand and create a more significant tourism destination.   Another multi-year grant was to the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation to help with student loan forgiveness to attract medical practitioners or dentists to the area.  Ensuring access to care is an important part of continuing the high-quality of care available in the area and improving local health outcomes. 

About The Alleghany Foundation: The Alleghany Foundation was established in 1995 with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital. The foundation’s vision is to be a resource partner with eligible organization to make the Alleghany Highlands a civically engaged, prosperous region that builds upon its assets to produce opportunities for its residents.

Total annual grant payments from The Alleghany Foundation at the end of 2023 add up to more than $61.3 million. For more information, visit alleghanyfoundation.org.

Health & Wellness

Educational Excellence

Economic Transformation

Before and After: The Town of Clifton Forge led efforts this year to stabilize and enhance the Historic Stone House at Mountain View Cemetery.