Best Mercer County Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The N. Joe & Alice Rahall Family Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support students from Southern West Virginia in pursuing higher education. This scholarship rotates among eight designated schools and is awarded based on need and merit to graduating seniors and qualifying college upperclassmen. Applicants must have graduated from a high school in the 3rd Congressional District and commit to a communication class while pursuing a technology-related major.

The CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program, funded by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports early-career Appalachian traditional artists with $5,000 grants and personalized professional development. Artists engage in learning opportunities, including workshops and mentorship, to enhance their skills. Eligible applicants must be traditional artists from designated Appalachian counties in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, and in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts. This initiative fosters cultural preservation and artistic growth in the region.

The Leslie E. Lilly and Family Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports full-time students from West Virginia, with a preference for Raleigh County residents attending Concord University. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education, reflecting the Foundation's mission to inspire charitable giving that strengthens communities in Southern West Virginia. By helping students achieve their educational goals, this scholarship plays a vital role in fostering local talent and ensuring future success.

The Ora Snuffer & Walter Roy Oberholtzer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports male nursing students from select counties in West Virginia. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in a nursing program at Bluefield State University. This scholarship considers both need and merit, with no application required, as all new nursing students will be reviewed for eligibility based on financial need and specific criteria.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The Wilkes Family Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students attending Concord University in West Virginia. This scholarship aims to assist with tuition, fees, and living expenses while requiring two teacher recommendations to ensure candidates demonstrate strong character and academic potential. Preference is given to West Virginia residents and graduates from Raleigh County high schools, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering local educational success.

The New River Highlands Development Fund, established by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to promote economic development in nine counties of Southern West Virginia. With a mission to inspire charitable giving, this fund currently has $12,500 available for grants. Eligible recipients include non-profits and public institutions that support economic initiatives in the area. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare and stimulate growth in the New River Highlands region.

Mission Statement

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

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Jack Jordan Roop and Mary Frances Roop Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Educational merit and athletic participation; Minimum of 3.0 GPA; A matriculating senior from a public Raleigh County High School; Four-year degree at Concord University, Marshall University or Virginia Tech.​

The NASA WVSGC Graduate Research Program provides funding of up to $15,000 for graduate students working on thesis or dissertation projects in STEM fields. Applicants must be enrolled at WVSGC affiliate institutions and have a faculty mentor. The program encourages diverse applications and requires a cost share from the home institution. Competitive fellowships are available to full-time students who are U.S. citizens, supporting their research endeavors throughout the academic year and summer.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The Gloria Mills Mallamas and James Vincent Mallamas Jr. Scholarship Fund, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from Mercer and Raleigh counties in West Virginia. This scholarship aids students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and financial need. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, aims to foster charitable giving to address local needs and enhance community development in southern West Virginia.

The CALT Experiences Grants, provided by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, support public projects in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia that celebrate traditional arts and cultural knowledge. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and individual artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated areas. Funded activities may encompass workshops, public art, performances, and exhibitions. This initiative fosters community engagement and enhances appreciation of living traditions while promoting artistic skills and cultural heritage.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species. Funded by major organizations including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this initiative focuses on improving forest management and stream health to enhance wildlife populations. Strategies include engaging landowners through education and financial assistance, targeting species like the golden-winged warbler and brook trout to ensure ecological balance and habitat connectivity.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Jerry L. and Jean D. Beasley Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports non-traditional students aged 25 and older attending Concord University. This scholarship aims to facilitate higher education opportunities for Raleigh County residents, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities in Southern West Virginia. With a universal application process, eligible students can apply for multiple scholarships, enhancing their chances of receiving financial support for their educational goals.

The Community Foundation of the Virginias, Inc. supports philanthropic efforts through grants and scholarships in Mercer County, West Virginia, and Tazewell County, Virginia. Funding is available for non-profit organizations in various categories including Education, Health, Human Services, and the Arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or public institutions, and must acknowledge the Foundation's support if funded. The Foundation does not fund individual support or ongoing operating expenses.

The WV Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to conserve vital forest areas in West Virginia that are at risk of being transformed into non-forest land. Through a conservation easement, property owners can sell or donate their development rights while retaining other ownership rights. The program operates on a 75:25 matching basis, with the West Virginia Division of Forestry managing the conservation easements to ensure that these lands continue to function as working forests.

The J.W. “Jim” and Sallie Word, Jr. Scholarship is managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supporting students attending Concord University who demonstrate academic promise and financial need. The Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities for students from Raleigh County, WV, through generous charitable contributions. This scholarship provides vital assistance, ensuring that deserving candidates can pursue their higher education goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need. 

Award Amount:

• $1,000 

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Robert Woolley Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Stanislaus County attending a four-year university to study horticulture.

Award Amount:

• $10,000

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

Innovation project grants provide funding to literary arts nonprofits for projects that may be collaborative and that aim to address critical challenges in one or more literary arts nonprofit organizations, presses, or publications that, if improved, would directly benefit creative writers’ artistic work and ability to share it with readers and audiences. These grants are disbursed to nonprofits in a single payment and intended for use during the project period.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Jane Wynne Woolley Scholarship

Open to English Language Learners demonstrating financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000-$2,200   

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

General Operating Grants Applications 2026 Guide

Background

The Literary Arts Fund was established in 2025 to dramatically increase funding for and the visibility of the nonprofit literary arts field toward ensuring a healthy and more robust U.S. literary culture in support of creative writers. The fund will award at least $10 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field in each of the next five years, concluding in 2031. The first open call is for 2026 general operating grant applications.