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CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS:

YOUR PARTNER IN PHILANTHROPY

The Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) office at the WVU Foundation is your dedicated partner in securing funding for your research, programs, and initiatives. Our goal is to connect your innovative work with the philanthropic goals of corporations and foundations, turning your ideas into reality.


WHAT WE DO

  1. Foundations: These professionally staffed nonprofit organizations provide financial support through grants for charitable or educational purposes.
  2. Corporations: Businesses that provide funding or resources to support community and educational initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility goals.

Our team serves as a liaison, helping you navigate the complexities of corporate and foundation giving. We facilitate the entire process, from initial contact to securing and managing the award.


HOW WE PARTNER WITH YOU

We offer comprehensive support to help you every step of the way:

  1. Identify Opportunities: We research and track funding opportunities that align with your work and university priorities.
  2. Connect and Cultivate: We act as a liaison, helping you connect with potential partners and build long-term relationships. This includes arranging campus visits to showcase your projects.
  3. Develop and Submit Proposals : Our team assists in crafting compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, and budgets. We manage the submission process to ensure all requirements and deadlines are met.
  4. Provide Post-Award Support: We help with reporting and managing ongoing relationships to ensure continued support for your projects.

 

READY TO GET STARTED?

We are here to help you turn your vision into a funded project.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your work. Not sure where to begin? Email us at grants@wvuf.org to start the conversation!

Corporate and Foundation Relations Team

Heather Cross

Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

In collaboration with development staff and faculty across West Virginia University and its Health System, Heather develops long-term strategic partnerships and strengthens existing relationships that generate funding for West Virginia University's evolving needs. With 20 years of fundraising experience, Heather has served WVU since 2015, holding a CFRE and MBA.

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Elizabeth Thompson

Director of Development, Foundation Relations

Elizabeth concentrates primarily on private foundation relationships in support of opportunities and needs across the University. With a background in fundraising for social services, as well as her CFRE and MPA, Elizabeth is proud to be part of the WVU team.

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Jill Zangari

Director of CFR Operations and Support

Jill works strategically with units across the University to provide post-award support and guidance for grants housed at the WVU Foundation. This entails working to ensure accurate reporting for awards and assistance with fund management including balance and transaction requests.

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Haden Miller

Director of Corporate Relations

Haden serves as the Director of Corporate Relations at the WVU Foundation, where he builds and strengthens relationships with local, regional, and national industry partners.

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