CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation has released the recipients of nearly $18 million as part of the Momentum Initiative Grant Initiative.
The MIG included a nationally acclaimed model that combines objective evaluation and local expertise to provide the financial backing for 76 projects statewide.
“We were intentional in building a structure that reflects both feedback and best practices,” said Greg Duckworth, WVFF board chairman. “What emerged is a landmark opioid abatement model, distinct from any other foundation of its kind, made possible by volunteer Board Members and Expert Panelists dedicated to serving West Virginia.”
MORE read full list of awardees here
The review process was a first-of-its-kind model using local expert panelists, statewide leaders in their fields, neutral and objective data-driven specialists, and the full Board of Directors (both locally-elected and appointed). Independent, outcomes-based scoring was used to evaluate the program design, while evaluating the feasibility, and potential impact.
“The Momentum Initiative Grant reflects a new way of responding to the substance use crisis; one grounded in evidence, shaped by local expertise, and guided by accountability,” said Jonathan Board, WVFF executive director. “We traveled the state, listened to those holding the line in their communities, and answered the call to honor the lives lost by putting these resources into the hands of those ready to create real, lasting impact for West Virginia.”