Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program offers technical and financial assistance that may help nonprofits and other eligible land stewards launch or expand conservation-focused projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation seed funding of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, including general operating or project support. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits, including those in West Virginia, with flexible, single-year grants that may help launch or expand key initiatives.

West Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association. This US $3,000 Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry, which may benefit nonprofit-led or university-affiliated seed projects in the region.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in West Virginia can seek programmatic funding to improve community health, including prevention and early intervention efforts. Grants from Highmark Foundation help organizations launch or expand evidence-based initiatives in areas like chronic disease, family and maternal health, mental health, access to care, and community health clinics.

Nonprofits, public institutions, and municipalities serving designated Weyerhaeuser communities in West Virginia can seek support for community programs across housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, culture, workforce development, and DEI. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants of more than US $1,000 to impactful, broadly serving initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or related services in West Virginia can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports programs such as homelessness services, job readiness, microfinance, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, and anti-human trafficking initiatives.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in West Virginia conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects up to Up to US $375,000. Eligible baccalaureate institutions must have received limited prior NIH funding and seek to expand undergraduate research opportunities and strengthen their research environment across biomedical disciplines.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or similar status seeking seed funding for tangible items in areas like human services, education, environment, health, arts, or religion in West Virginia may be eligible. With a mission to foster transformative community programs, Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation provides grants up to US $10,000, prioritizing Northern West Virginia counties.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation grants to support education, environmental projects, and healthy, vibrant communities. Eligible projects must be implemented in communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates and may help seed or expand local programs in workforce preparation, STEM education, conservation, community services, or health initiatives.

Early-career biomedical research faculty at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Focused on global health research, the National Institutes of Health invites investigators, including those collaborating with West Virginia nonprofits, to build independent research careers in their home countries.

Agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in West Virginia can receive support to enhance conservation practices and maintain active production. With a mission to improve natural resources and farm operations, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia provides five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts for whole-operation conservation and a grassland conservation initiative for eligible grazing lands.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations in West Virginia can apply for West Virginia Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000 for after-school and summer academic enrichment centers. Grants support K–12 students in high-poverty, low-performing schools with tutoring, STEM, arts, literacy, and family education services.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving West Virginia communities can seek program-specific support to advance community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. With a mission to build self-sufficiency and equity, Huntington National Bank provides funding within its footprint for initiatives benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and families, including youth, housing, food security, and workforce programs.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those with ties to West Virginia nonprofits, can seek support for mentored health research careers. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time and career development.

Nonprofit and community organizations in West Virginia working on community health, economic resilience, education access, or related services can seek support for programs that improve health and wellbeing. Highmark supports initiatives such as access to care, food security, housing stability, workforce preparation, and community development through its Highmark Corporate Giving program.

Who We Are

Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service, challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. The Commission administers West Virginia’s AmeriCorps service programs. We also administer additional programming to help meet the state’s volunteer and community service needs.

Purpose of AmeriCorps Funding

AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture. An organization that receives an AmeriCorps Planning Grant will work with Volunteer West Virginia to develop a viable AmeriCorps program that addresses identified community needs.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps Focus Areas

Economic Opportunity

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to the improved economic well-being and security of economically disadvantaged people; help economically disadvantaged people, to have improved access to services that enhance financial literacy; transition into or remain in safe, healthy, affordable housing; and/or have improved employability leading to increased success in becoming employed.

Education  

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged children; improved school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children; improved educational and behavioral outcomes of students in low-achieving elementary, middle, and high schools; and/or support economically disadvantaged students’ preparation for success in post-secondary educational institutions.

Healthy Futures

Grants will provide support for activities that will address the opioid crisis; increase seniors’ ability to remain in their own homes with the same or improved quality of life for as long as possible; and/or increase physical activity and improve nutrition with the purpose of reducing obesity. 

Environmental Stewardship

Grants will support responsible stewardship of the environment, while preparing communities for challenging climate and environmental circumstances and helping Americans respond to and recover from disruptive events: programs that conserve natural habitats; protect clean air and water; maintain public lands; support wildland fire mitigation and sustainable forest management; cultivate individual and community resilience; and provide reforestation services after floods or fires, such as nature based solutions.

Veterans and Military Families

Grants will improve the quality of life of veterans and improve military family well-being; increase the number of veterans, wounded warriors, military service members, and their caregivers, families, and survivors served by AmeriCorps programs; and/or increase the number of veterans and military family members engaged in service through AmeriCorps programs.

Disaster Services

Grants will support increased and improved disaster services for individuals and communities to prepare and adapt to disasters, including but not limited to climate change events. Activities will provide support to increase preparedness for disasters, improve readiness to respond to disasters, support recovery efforts from disasters, and/or assist in the implementation of pre-disaster mitigation and adaptation measures. Grants will support communities and individuals in planning for disasters, in particular engaging disadvantaged communities in the planning process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia seeking support for education-focused or youth-serving programs can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Additional funding may be available for arts and culture, community initiatives, environmental education, historic preservation, and basic human needs projects, especially those benefiting disadvantaged populations.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions can seek funding for projects that advance healthy eating and active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction. Focused on community health, Sisters Health Foundation invites applicants serving its Mid-Ohio Valley counties to request more than US $5,000 for projects, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or general operating support.

Health-focused organizations in West Virginia planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship funding that provides tangible marketing or recognition benefits. Grants from Biogen Foundation help support programs in areas like neurological and immune system diseases, dementia and Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and related biomedical research and education topics.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking seed funding for environmental, food systems, or climate justice work can apply for general operating support, including organizations in West Virginia. Focused on regenerative farming, healthy food access, pollution-free environments, and inclusive outdoor access, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, reviewed twice annually.

About Us

Funding through the many programs offered by the West Virginia Community Advancement and Development office have improved the quality of life in our state in a variety of ways. Learn more about the impact we have had in the communities where you live and work.

Neighborhood Investment Program

The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) is a tax credit program of $3 million each year, which allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers, which began in 1996 with $2 million. When awarded, the organization can distribute the vouchers to business and individuals who contribute a minimum of $500 to organizations, receiving up to 50% in tax credit, allowing the donor or corporation to reduce their West Virginia tax liability no more than 50%. The organizations pay a 3% fee on the donation, which offsets the administrative costs of NIP. During this time, approximately 68,190 donations from individuals and businesses have been received.

Benefits of NIP

There are 15,883 non-profits in West Virginia and we assist 200 of them each year with NIP credits, which has leveraged over $143 million in donations since inception.

Funding for NIP

Amount: $3 million annually

Source of Funds: State of West Virginia

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Neighborhood Investment Program

What is NIP?

The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) is a tax credit program of $3 million each year, which allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers, which began in 1996 with $2 million. When awarded, the organization can distribute the vouchers to business and individuals who contribute a minimum of $500 to organizations, receiving up to 50% in tax credit, allowing the donor or corporation to reduce their West Virginia tax liability no more than 50%. The organizations pay a 3% fee on the donation, which offsets the administrative costs of NIP. 

Benefits of NIP

There are 15,883 non-profits in West Virginia and we assist 200 of them each year with NIP credits, which has leveraged over $143 million in donations since inception.

Projects generally eligible for program participation include but are not limited to the following:

• Health clinics
• Homeless shelters
• Educational programs
• Housing programs
• Preservation/revitalization activities
• Domestic violence shelters
• Children's shelters
• Meal delivery programs
• Senior citizens' centers
• Community foundations
• Scholarship programs
• Hospice care
• Transportation programs
• Day care centers
• Counseling services
• Services for the disabled

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The EWVCF Two Rivers Giving Circle Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties focused on historic preservation and natural resource conservation. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 are available for projects like safeguarding habitats, engaging children with nature, and promoting recycling efforts. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and civic groups. A final report detailing outcomes and expenses is required by August 31 of the following year.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.