Best Grants for Environmental Justice in West Virginia

West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program

WV Rivers is here to support YOUR efforts in YOUR community!

The WV Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program supports communities growing collective power to influence decision makers and secure safe, healthy water for all.

Since 2019, WV Rivers has provided more than $100,000 to support more than 60 projects to improve water quality and awareness across the state. Through our mini-grant program, WV Rivers has supported dozens of powerful grassroots projects across the state — defending headwaters, uplifting frontline voices, and taking real action on clean water and climate. Grants have:

• Powered marches for justice in Minden, policy summits on chemical safety, and Black Policy Day at the Capitol
• Funded PFAS testing and air monitoring in impacted communities from the Eastern Panhandle to Wyoming County
• Supported pipeline resistance, coal mine monitoring, and advocacy for safe drinking water
• Enabled youth-led engagement at E-Day, community art like murals and mapping, and clean-ups on the Little Coal and Town Run
• Boosted rain barrel workshops, leadership retreats, and climate education through faith-based outreach
• Backed efforts to fight harmful development, from the Kanawha Forest to the Corridor H highway

Whether it’s helping to upgrade Big Laurel Learning Center’s rain cistern and supporting their water policy advocacy lessons or helping neighbors in crisis through From Below’s water distribution in southern West Virginia, these mini-grants are more than dollars — they’re a spark for justice, resilience, and community-powered change.

This Fund is a project of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice issues related to the presence of industrial pollution in their immediate communities and more. This fund is made possible by The Cloud Mountain Foundation, The Justice and Peace Fund, The Heinz Foundation, Erol Foundation, and Beyond Petrochemicals, a project of Resources Legacy Fund made possible by support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This program is also made possible by the support of individual donors – people like you who share our belief that small, localized actions can make a powerful difference.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia working on grassroots environmental justice and related social change can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. With a mission to strengthen rural Southern communities, Southern Partners Fund backs grassroots organizing, leadership development, and community power-building efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia focused on community organizing for social, racial, economic, or environmental justice can receive general support from the Abelard Foundation. Abelard Foundation – East offers approximately US $12,000 grants for grassroots groups, prioritizing early-stage projects with budgets under $350,000 working with low-income and marginalized communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents working on environmental justice, conservation, or sustainability projects in the Americas, including West Virginia, can seek funding for programs, research, and community initiatives. With a mission to promote environmental protection and sustainable development, Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas supports efforts in biodiversity conservation, environmental education, environmental justice, and green livelihoods.

Environmental and racial justice nonprofits in West Virginia working on environmental justice and advocacy may be eligible for funding that advances equity-focused community initiatives. Focused on systemic racism and equity, Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports 501(c)(3)s, government entities, or fiscally sponsored projects addressing environmental injustice alongside education, health, housing, arts, and economic prosperity.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous people can receive up to US $15,000 for non-violent direct action and community organizing to defend Indigenous rights and protect land, air, water, and natural resources. With a mission to back urgent movement-building, NDN Collective provides funding for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel, which may benefit environmental justice work in West Virginia and beyond.

Conservation districts, state or territory associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in West Virginia can access funding through the National Association of Conservation Districts to hire technical assistance staff. This approximately US $18,000,000 program supports environmental conservation, environmental justice, water resources, food security, and civic engagement efforts that strengthen locally led conservation for producers and communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through environmental, health, education, arts, or family initiatives can access funding through Impact100 Global Veterans, with awards up to US $100,000. Organizations in West Virginia working on environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related projects for veterans may be competitive applicants.

Artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in West Virginia creating solution-focused environmental and climate activism art can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Environmental Artistic Activism support. Eligible U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients may receive funding for projects in media, visual, performance, or social change arts that advance environmental justice and public education.

West Virginia youth leaders addressing environmental justice and other social impact issues can access funding through Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 and a 12‑month leadership program. Eligible U.S. citizens or DACA recipients ages 13–23 work with a 501(c)(3) partner to implement or expand their projects.

Youth leaders ages 13 to 22 working on environmental justice and related environmental issues in West Virginia and across North America can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards recognize outstanding youth-led projects with significant impact, fresh approaches, and strong personal commitment to environmental change.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change can apply for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which awards US $25,000 for a winning film. Focused on climate storytelling, this opportunity may benefit creators whose work highlights environmental justice and advocacy issues affecting communities, including those relevant to West Virginia.

Early- to mid-career scientists with strong backgrounds in chemical sciences or engineering can apply for the American Chemical Society Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year policy-training position in the U.S. Grants from American Chemical Society help environmental justice and advocacy professionals in West Virginia gain hands-on experience in federal funding, green chemistry, and environmental policy work.

Nonprofit environmental justice and advocacy groups in West Virginia can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support action-oriented campaigns that address root causes of environmental harm and protect affected communities. Patagonia Org provides funding for grassroots efforts that build inclusive movements, confront systemic injustice, and increase public involvement and civic engagement.

Youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups in West Virginia can apply for grants up to Up to US $40,000 to support local or national organizing. With a mission to strengthen youth climate justice efforts, Climate Group provides flexible, participatory funding for inclusive, community-based environmental justice and advocacy initiatives across eligible global regions, including North America.

West Virginia environmental justice nonprofits can access funding through Levine Impact Lab’s 18‑month Operational Support Program, which offers up to US $25,000 plus intensive capacity-building. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability with midsized budgets and growth-stage needs may benefit from strategic advising, peer learning, and operational partnership.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Environmental justice and conservation nonprofits in West Virginia and across the U.S. and Canada can seek project support for protecting wild species and habitats. Grants from Fund for Wild Nature help small, grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations challenge destructive policies and practices, with priority for underfunded ecological issues and groups with annual budgets under $250,000 and no government support.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Rockefeller Family Fund's Climate Grant focuses on reducing fossil fuel production to combat climate change. It supports initiatives that hold polluters accountable and fosters citizen engagement for climate action. The fund prioritizes programs that seek to limit oil and gas production, enforce climate damages in court, and promote sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the fossil fuel industry's resistance, the grant aims to create meaningful progress towards climate goals and ensure that those responsible for climate disruption contribute to adaptation efforts.

CHEJ Small Grants Program

The Small Grants Program has officially relaunched. Applications are now open.The Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s (CHEJ) Small Grants Program is for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues related to the presence of “toxics” (toxic chemicals or hazardous substances) in their immediate communities. CHEJ prioritizes community-based organizations aiming to have local, state and regional impact through their own strategies and actions.