Search Through Grants for Charities in West Virginia in the U.S.

American Electric Power Foundation

The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.

The Foundation also supports organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.

Focus Areas

The following focus areas will be eligible for consideration by the Foundation:

• Improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, with an emphasis in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
• Providing basic human services in the areas of hunger and housing to assure that people have the necessities to build successful lives.
• Embracing change and equity through sustainable programs that move social justice forward.

Our Focus

By supporting organizations that advance and improve the quality of eye health, education and access to care, the Alcon Foundation plays a significant role in fulfilling our commitment to the global community. The purpose for the grant must be designated in the application and that designated purpose is the only purpose for which awarded grant funds may be used.

Supporting Programs that Strengthen Eye Care

Alcon provides charitable monetary donations (often referred to as grants) to eligible 501(c)3 organizations that offer high-quality programs and services to increase access to quality eye care and strengthen the communities in which we live and work. These donations are offered through the Alcon Foundation.

Supporting Programs that Strengthen Eye Care

The Foundation’s primary focus is supporting programs that improve the quality of eye care services and patient access to care, as well as programs that promote the advancement of eye health education, training and skillstransfer.

Our Foundation's focus includes any activity or movement centered around social justice, population stability, support of student activist groups, educational scholarships, sustainability, and West Virginia environmental issues.

Funding preferences go to West Virginia non-profit organizations whose program work includes these focus areas:

• Population Stabilization
• Coalition Building
• Sustainable Forestry
• Alternative Energy
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• Land Use Planning
• Government Accountability
• Sustainable Economics
• A unique approach to philanthropy
• Land Acquisition and Protection

Our foundation utilizes not only its own assets but encourages individual and group donations to help further the Foundation's goals.

The Dunn Foundation also seeks nontraditional methods of assisting qualified groups such as real estate acquisition, fundraising, donations, and programs and staff development.

Background

The Highmark Foundation is a private, charitable, organization of Highmark Inc. that supports initiatives and programs aimed at improving community health. The Highmark Foundation's mission is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals who reside in communities served by Highmark Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. We fulfill our mission by awarding high impact grants.

Ideally, the Foundation seeks evidence-based programs that impact multiple counties, that achieve replicable long-term models, and that attract collaborative funding by community partners.

Foundation grants have been awarded to hospitals, community health centers, health service organizations, local community groups and government agencies committed to improving community health.

Our focus is health. The Foundation awards health-related programmatic grants to charitable organizations to implement evidence-based programs aimed at improving community health within Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Grant funding is used to support projects that:

• Are consistent with the Foundation’s goals, strategies and focus
• Demonstrate new and sustainable ways to solve health problems
• Illustrate the effectiveness of early intervention and preventive health

Funding Priority Areas

The Foundation awards grants in the area of health, defining health broadly to include social, behavioral and other dimensions beyond illness or disease. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking on four areas:

Chronic Disease

For more than a decade, the Foundation has funded chronic disease intervention and prevention programs for the most vulnerable populations in the region. By analyzing data from global, national, and statewide resources, the Foundation determines where it can make significant impact among populations by reducing the burden on both patients and health care providers.

One major example of the Foundation's leadership is its funding of community-based programs and services that have been created to reduce the effects of diabetes among minority populations. Through comprehensive, multilevel strategies, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars which grant these individuals easier access to diabetes prevention programs.

The Foundation has also supported national efforts—locally. For example, the Foundation was one of the first in the nation to fund an initiative known as Mission Lifeline. This is an initiative of the American Heart Association which advances the systems of care for patients who have experienced the most severe form of heart attack.

Data analysis of other chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, certain types of cancer, asthma, and many others, are constantly being reviewed by the Foundation staff to determine significant impact opportunities with outcomes that are both measurable and achievable.

Funding Programs and Interventions that Address:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Obesity

Family Health

Family health initiatives have been at the heart of many programs funded by the Highmark Foundation.

For five years, the Foundation's Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative focused on five areas that ultimately impacted family health: physical activity, nutrition, bullying, self-esteem and grieving. Many of the programs funded were not just aimed at children, but incorporated the entire family unit.

Childhood obesity and bullying remain major public health concerns for the nation and the region, and will remain critical issues for the Foundation. To that end, the Foundation is continuing to fund school and community-based programs that directly impact these issues and bring about positive change for children's physical and mental well-being.

The Foundation also funds programs in the area of maternal health, such as the doula pregnancy programs, walk-in clinics for uninsured and underinsured women, and parenting education classes. For the region's senior population, the Foundation funds programs that provide senior access to home health or palliative care, as well as routine health screenings and interventions.

Funding Programs and Interventions that Address:

• Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Adolescent Health
• Maternal Health
• Senior Care
• Mental Health

Service Delivery Systems

Serving a diverse geographic area that encompasses urban and rural populations presents a unique set of challenges. However, despite the differences in these settings, gaining access to quality health care is a challenge for many individuals in both. In urban settings, there is a lack of health care providers, but the underinsured or uninsured often lack the resources to gain access. In rural settings, the situation is even worse. There are very few health care providers available, and those that are available may not have the capacity to serve the underinsured or uninsured populations.

During the past decade, the Foundation has funded many programs across the region to help underserved and uninsured populations gain access to quality and, in some cases, free health care. This is most evident in the area of dental care and oral health, in which the Foundation, through a series of grants, allowed more patients to gain access to quality dental care.

The Foundation has also provided grants to help organizations hire and recruit health care professionals. It has funded millions of dollars in grants to address the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania. In fact, approximately 5,000 nursing students, nurses, medical students, residents, first responders and nursing faculty have benefited from Foundation funding.

Finally, the Foundation has provided grants to organizations planning to invest in new capital and technologies that will better serve their local population. By providing funding for capital expenditures at locations such as Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHC), nonprofit organizations, and community hospitals, the Foundation allows these facilities the ability to serve more patients.

Funding Programs that Address:

• Access to Care
• Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals
• Community Health Clinics
• Screenings

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) works with individuals, families, businesses, and civic or nonprofit organizations to make a positive and permanent commitment for the future of our community.

The PACF is a single 501(c)(3) public charity that manages nearly 500 charitable funds started by people just like you. The PACF works in partnership with its local affiliates to provide leadership and develop philanthropic resources to meet the needs of an 11-county service area. Since 1963, PACF has helped local citizens support charitable needs and touch every aspect of life in the community in a variety of lasting ways.

The Foundation is committed to improving our collective future by inspiring philanthropy and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference; engaging citizens to address key issues; and delivering results that matter for the people of our area.

Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants

SUN grants (up to $4,000) help organizations with non-budgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that arise from time to time and for which a quick response regarding Foundation support is necessary.

 Requests can be submitted at any time to the Foundation's Senior Program Officer. 

Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) works to provide regional leadership and develop philanthropic resources to meet the needs of an 11-county service area: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood counties in West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio.

PM Company's Spirit of Giving

The PM Company's Spirit of Giving is a charitable initiative started in 2007 by Pat Minnite Sr. to support local charities and nonprofit organizations, particularly in the Mid-Ohio Valley area. The program is designed to provide financial grants to organizations serving vulnerable and underserved populations primarily in Wood County, West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio, where The PM Company does most of its business

The Spirit of Giving Story

The Spirit of Giving fund was created by Pat Minnite, Sr., at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation in 2007 as a source to benefit local charitable efforts and non-profit organizations through grants. It took on a life of its own when it became the focus of our annual Christmas party at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center.

Once upon a time, The PM Company sent cards, chocolates, and other typical gifts to our associates during the holidays. Then it occurred to us that the money spent on those tokens of appreciation could go further, and be more meaningful, if we all came together to celebrate the true meaning of the season. We asked our tenants, vendors, and business partners to join us in collecting donations of goods and dollars for several local groups who serve those in need, and the Spirit of Giving was born.

Past Projects

The fund supports a wide range of local nonprofit efforts, from health and welfare to education and family services, aligning with The PM Company's mission to give back positively to the community.

About Us

Our legacy and our future

The Nicholas County Community Foundation is a 501(c)3, public charity, created by and for the people of Nicholas County in 2006. We manage collection of charitable funds created by donations from caring citizens and businesses. This collection of funds is Nicholas County’s permanent endowment whose earnings support a wide variety of causes throughout the county.

The NCCF is a foundation for the community, making grants to community organizations. We are also a foundation created by the community. We are able manage a variety of funds established by individuals, business, families, churches and organizations.

The NCCF works to keep the wealth and assets of our great community here in Nicholas County, forever.

Case Statement

The work of the Nicholas County Community Foundation falls into three basic areas: (1) we raise funds from individuals, families, businesses and groups for all types of local charitable needs; (2) we invest funds for long-term sustainability and prudent growth; and (3) we distribute funds as grants and scholarships according to donor’s wishes and in light of local needs. Our principle aim is to help donors build permanent endowments for the long term support of Nicholas County as a whole. Local needs change over time, and we help donors give gifts today which will remain effective forever.

Mission Statement

Nicholas County Community Foundation connects charitable giving with a permanent source of funds to ease local needs while enriching the community for today and tomorrow.

Vision Statement

The Nicholas County Community Foundation visualizes Nicholas County as a vibrant, compassionate community without walls where all people collaborate to build a prosperous community. The foundation is a leader in the development of this vision by providing expertise and inspiration for community members to participate in local charitable giving as a way to connect their personal values with long-term community impact.

Nicholas County Community Foundation Grant

The Nicholas County Community Foundation knows that our quality of life is enhanced by a diverse and healthy nonprofit sector. That is why we encourage nonprofit organizations in Nicholas County to apply for our competitive grant making funds.

The Nicholas County Community Foundation (NCCF) is making discretionary grants from the Seelinger Family Foundation Fund and the Fund for Nicholas County. The Seelinger Family Foundation Fund is a field of interest fund “dedicated to maintaining and improving the areas of Summersville, West Virginia and Nicholas County, West Virginia, including but not limited to, their schools and educational systems, parks and recreation commissions, extracurricular organizations, governing bodies, athletic associations, fine arts centers and cultural and historical societies.”

The Fund for Nicholas County fund is our unrestricted fund. These funds are used to assist organizations that serve all of Nicholas County.

The NCCF focuses the unrestricted grantmaking program on capital and equipment projects and special programs in the areas of: arts and culture, education, health and human services, recreation, and youth and family services. Within these focus areas, the foundation places priority on supporting:

• One time projects/programs;
• Seed money for pilot projects or for responding to unmet or emerging community needs;
• Matching grants that leverage additional funding;
• Projects that reach a broad segment of the community;
• Projects not adequately served by existing community resources;
• Expansion of existing programs;
• Start up of new projects/programs of established organizations;

Background

Every community faces unique barriers that require collaborative solutions to thrive. The Dow Promise Program supports educational and economic challenges Black youth and adults face in the United States by addressing community-identified needs and advancing equitable opportunities. Through grants of up to $10,000 towards social, economic or environmental initiatives, Dow Promise not only fosters a thriving community, but a shared future.

Since 2000, this annual competitive program has committed to uplifting communities in which Dow operates by supporting their needs and investing in positive social change for long-term success.

Community Grants 

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees seeks to respond to current community needs through this Community Grant process. Since the Foundation’s mission is broad, it enjoys supporting a variety of projects the improve the quality of life in the Tri-State. Special priority shall be placed on projects that:

• Enhance a non-profit’s capacity. Examples include improving internal management, reducing operating costs, etc.
• Test or demonstrate new approaches and techniques to solve important community problems.

Organizations may submit only one application per funding cycle for a Foundation Community Grant. Awards will be made twice a year, in the spring and fall. 

 Parkersburg Area Community Foundation

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) works with individuals, families, businesses, and civic or nonprofit organizations to make a positive and permanent commitment for the future of our community.

The PACF is a single 501(c)(3) public charity that manages nearly 500 charitable funds started by people just like you. The PACF works in partnership with its local affiliates to provide leadership and develop philanthropic resources to meet the needs of an 11-county service area. Since 1963, PACF has helped local citizens support charitable needs and touch every aspect of life in the community in a variety of lasting ways. The Foundation is committed to improving our collective future by inspiring philanthropy and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference; engaging citizens to address key issues; and delivering results that matter for the people of our area.

Fall Community Action Grants Program

The PACF's grant programs serve ten West Virginia counties (Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood) and Washington County, Ohio. Community Action Grants are not made outside of the service region.

Generally, maximum grant amount awarded is $20,000. Requests for more than $20,000 may be considered for projects that are highly collaborative or have regional broad-scale impact; you must contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request in excess of $20,000.

PACF’s Funding Priorities

Community Action Grants are made in the fields of: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth and Family Services, and Community and Economic Development. The Foundation focuses on: Capital and Equipment Projects, Program Development, Capacity Building, and Operating Support. Within these focus areas, the Foundation also gives special consideration to projects that build a strong, resilient, and inclusive community, including projects that address ongoing substance use disorders and related community impact, and the advancement of an inclusive community and/or the elimination of racism and bias.

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) was founded in 1995 to help donors create endowed funds to benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including schools, churches and government agencies) in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties.

Youth Grants

Youth Grants will be awarded to programs that assist sick, needy, dependent, neglected, and disadvantaged children; improve the quality of life for children in the community; and/or provide educational, athletic, academic, social, civic, or community-based activities that involve or support children. Programs that celebrate diversity and/or promote equity and inclusion are encouraged. Grants will go up to $5,000.

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) was founded in 1995 to help donors create endowed funds to benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including schools, churches and government agencies) in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties.

Healthcare Grants

Eastern Panhandle CARE Fund – Healthcare grants will be awarded to support Eastern Panhandle healthcare programs that provide one or more of the following: Empowerment through health education; connection to community healthcare resources; or access to affordable, high-quality, patient-centered care.

Grants that support housing activities in Jefferson County that benefit households at or below the median household income for Jefferson County. Funding for Feasibility studies for housing serving the target group, assistance with security deposits for low-income renters, materials & equipment for a homeless shelter, financial assistance for purchasing or rehabbing a home, and more may be considered. General guidelines to follow would be the eligible housing activities under two HUD-funded programs CDBG & HOME.

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) was founded in 1995 to help donors create endowed funds to benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including schools, churches and government agencies) in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties.

Human Welfare Grants

Human Welfare Grants will be awarded to support Eastern Panhandle programs that provide assistance to sick, needy, dependent, neglected, or disadvantaged persons. 

The American Water Charitable Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) private foundation, supported by the shareholders of American Water. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees, composed of officers and leaders of American Water or its subsidiaries, review Foundation programs, guidelines, and distribution of funds.

Applications will be accepted in the following states served by American Water, in addition to its Military Service locations: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Water and Environment Grant Program will be awarded to help fund innovative, community-based projects that:

• improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies
• promote water conservation
• improve equitable access to water-based recreation in underserved communities 

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) Grant

Beckley Area Foundation’s Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists program is a group of high school juniors who are engaged directly in the important role of community philanthropy. The purpose of this program is to provide an intensive hands-on learning experience through which they are taught the art, the science and business of philanthropy. Part of this experience is for them to solicit and evaluate proposals for funding. The students are responsible for making final grants recommendations subject only to the approval of the BAF Board of Directors.

Funding

The maximum single grant award will be $1,000.

As a family foundation in Pittsburgh, PA, our philanthropic traditions are well rooted in our continued support of organizations that foster transformative programs which best serve the local community as a whole in the areas of arts and culture, education, environmental, health and medical, human services, and religion.

Even though the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation encompasses many broad areas of concern, or categories, there is no one area deemed more important than the next. Nevertheless, the Foundation has found it beneficial underwriting grants that are tangible in nature or serve a higher number of individuals within the community and surrounding areas. The Foundation continually aids organizations that are endlessly striving to serve the community in various ways such as improving social conditions, expanding education, and working to better the environment.

Category Definitions

The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation’s Board of Directors has designated several areas of concern comprised of specific intentions.

• Arts/Culture: Performing arts, humanities, media and communications, multipurpose museums, public broadcasting, and historical preservations.
• Education: Promotional programs for elementary, secondary and vocational systems, colleges/universities, graduate programs, adult and multipurpose libraries.
• Environmental: Support of natural resources, beautification programs, pollution control, environmental education, and horticultural/botanical programs.
• Health/Medical: Rural health care, crisis intervention, special programs in health centers, and prevention/treatment of specific diseases.
• Human Services: Youth development and recreation, disaster relief, employment training/ placement, multipurpose agencies, and abuse prevention.
• Religion: The theological education and ecumenical programs as well as the mission of many churches, synagogues, and religious charities.
• Miscellaneous: Because every grant cannot be included into a category, the Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation permits grants for animal welfare, community development, sports, camps, fire and police departments and economic development as miscellaneous grants.  

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The initial gift remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Blanche Woods Ashworth Memorial Fund - Music Education

Assets were initially delivered to Mountain State University from the Blanche Woods Ashworth estate and from Barry and Connie Woods to establish a memorial scholarship. When MSU ceased operations, the assets were transferred to BAF establishing a field of interest fund that shall further music education in Raleigh County.

​At the current time, this fund has $1,000 available to award. Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project.  BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Nancy R. Smith Family Fund - Environmental and Wildlife Preservation

Nancy Richards Smith grew up in Beckley, married Joe L. Smith Jr. and raised her son in this area. She was a civic and business leader involved in many projects for the good of our community. She was always interested in animals, domestic and wild, as well as the ecosystem in which we live. This field of interest fund will provide grants for programs that are committed to environmental and wildlife preservation and protection; the education of individuals, government and private industry on the importance of environmental preservation; and support of those charitable organizations who advance such work.

​At the current time, this fund has $22,500 available to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project.  BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

New River Highlands Development Fund - Economic Development

Citizens concerned about the economic problems of Southern West Virginia formed the New River Highlands Corp. in 1986, for the purpose of "promoting economic development in the nine county area of Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Mercer, Pocahontas, Monroe and Wyoming counties. This fund exists to aid economic development opportunities in the New River Highlands.

​At the current time, this fund has $12,500 available to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The initial gift remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

David Bledsoe Tieche Memorial Fund - Dance, Theatre or Music Education

David Tieche died Dec. 28, 2007, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 46. Family and friends established this endowment as permanent memorial to this talented, brave, creative, optimistic gentleman who always remembered his Beckley roots. This field of interest fund will generate income to support projects or organizations that deal with theatre, music, and/or dance. David grew up in Beckley, attended WWHS, and graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He loved theatre, and he particularly loved being on stage.

​At the current time, this fund has $3,000 available to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project.  BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Community Fund of McDowell County - Arts, Education, Economic Development, etc.

The mission of the Community Fund of McDowell County is to enhance the lives of those who live, work and visit McDowell County; to promote the emotional, intellectual and physical well-being of McDowell County citizens; to support the advancement of education, arts, culture, historic preservation, good citizenship, character development and youth activities; to inspire economic independence among McDowell County citizens; and, to serve as a versatile vehicle through which donors may realize their charitable objectives. The income from this fund will be distributed for charitable purposes in McDowell County.

This fund has $1,500 available  to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The initial gift remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Higgins Family Fund - Performing Arts in the Schools

Long time residents of Beckley, Connie and Millie Higgins, their ten children and extended families established this fund in 2005 to benefit the Beckley community. James C. Higgins was a local attorney and past member the BAF Board of Directors. Income is intended for performing arts in the schools.

This fund has $1,500 available  to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project.  BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Lewis McManus Memorial Fund - Education for Disadvantaged Youth

This field of interest fund was established with a testamentary gift from the estate of Lewis McManus, Beckley native and the 24th President of the University of Charleston, 6 term member of the WV House of Delegates, and Speaker of the House from 1971-76. The income will be used to support education initiatives and innovative programs for disadvantaged youth.

This fund has $11,500 available to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The initial gift remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Sigmund Family Fund - Interdenominational Projects

Mr. William R. Sigmund’s Christian philosophy came by the way of his parents, Ray and Elise Sigmund. Ray “Doc” Sigmund was a pharmacist in Beckley. Elsie was active in the Beckley Presbyterian Church, the Woman’s Club, and the “Pink Ladies” who volunteered at the local hospital. Their grandchildren described them as “angels on earth.” Their son Bill became a successful businessman and role model for those who aspire to improve our community. Bill Sigmund died in January, 2006, knowing that his family had established this fund as a Christmas gift. This Christian based fund will generate income to support interdenominational causes for those in need.

At the current time, this fund has $1,000 available to award.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The initial gift remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund

The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund was started by a group of active citizens who formally organized the Greater Mount Hope Community Fund, Inc. in May, 2007.Frances Carter Birdsong and Sandra McIntrye acted as representatives for establishing this endowment. These citizens are committed to the revitalization of the historic Mt. Hope area and have launched successful programs and fund raising efforts to achieve this goal. The group has designed, printed and sold calendars depicting local sights, and conducted direct mail campaigns to raise funds for this permanently endowed donor advised fund. 

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

About Us

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as "seed" money for this Raleigh County project.  BAF assets have grown to over $60 million more than 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Only the income from these funds is spent. The principal remains intact to serve the community forever. Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $21 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

William C. (Bill) and Dr. Patra Moss Janney Fund - Education

Dr. Janney established this donor advised fund as a permanent memorial to her husband. Income is intended for education. Upon the death of Dr. Janney in 2019, the fund was converted to a field of interest fund for education.

This fund has $5,000 available to award.