Best Raleigh County Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Beckley Area Foundation Community Grant Program supports charitable organizations in Raleigh County by providing discretionary grants focused on pressing community needs. Priorities include innovative projects, seed funding for new initiatives, and efforts that address underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities or public institutions, with projects benefiting Raleigh County within a defined grant period. The foundation emphasizes projects that ensure sustainable support and address urgent needs.

The NRCTC Education and Technical Training Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides essential financial aid for students at the New River Community and Technical College in Ghent, West Virginia. This scholarship aims to support individuals developing technical skills for the workforce, facilitating career-focused education and training. The award is a one-time grant, and applicants are encouraged to seek assistance through the college's financial aid office to enhance their employment prospects in today's job market.

The Nancy R. Smith Environmental Studies Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to students from southern West Virginia pursuing degrees in environmental studies. This merit- and need-based scholarship prioritizes applicants from Raleigh County and supports those studying fields related to environmental preservation. It is renewable for recipients who maintain academic standards, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and sustainable community development in the region.

Beckley Area Foundation

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.

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.

Scholarships

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.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Chloe E. O’Neal Education Scholarship Fund For People With Disabilites

A need-based scholarship for residents of Raleigh County, WV.

This scholarship is renewable.

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 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 Marshall University Scholarship, supported by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides essential financial aid to incoming freshmen from Raleigh, Wyoming, or Summers counties in West Virginia. Established in memory of the victims of the tragic 1970 plane crash, this scholarship aims to assist eligible students in pursuing higher education at Marshall University, thereby fostering educational opportunities and community growth in the region.

The Lemma Fink Bowyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students from Fayette or Raleigh counties in West Virginia who wish to pursue education degrees. This scholarship is aimed at full-time students attending Concord University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, or Bluefield State University. Established to foster the next generation of educators, it underscores the importance of supporting local educational initiatives and enhancing community development through higher education.

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 Dr. Randall Broyles Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides vital financial support to graduates of Raleigh County high schools in West Virginia. This scholarship prioritizes academic merit and financial need, requiring applicants to submit a 400-500 word essay on their career aspirations and community contributions. By fostering local talent, the scholarship aims to empower students to pursue higher education and achieve their goals, ultimately benefiting the community through their future endeavors.

The Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to current or former coal miners and their descendants from southern West Virginia, particularly those from Raleigh County. This renewable scholarship prioritizes applicants pursuing education in medical fields, including nursing and therapy, to enhance educational opportunities within the coal mining community. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, is dedicated to charitable initiatives that strengthen local communities.

The Carl J. Hodges Scholarship Fund, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Raleigh County high schools who play baseball or softball. This non-renewable scholarship aims to support student-athletes in their pursuit of higher education and is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, focuses on advancing community welfare through various philanthropic initiatives and grants.

The Beckley Area Foundation's Second Chance Scholarship provides financial support to women in Raleigh County, West Virginia, attending New River Community and Technical College. This merit- and need-based scholarship aims to assist adult students seeking to further their education and enhance career opportunities. While it is not renewable, the scholarship represents a commitment to empowering individuals through education and helping them achieve their professional goals in a supportive community environment.

The American Legion Post #70 Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to African American graduates from Raleigh County high schools in West Virginia. This merit- and need-based scholarship aims to assist students pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges or four-year institutions. Preference is given to descendants of American Legion Post #70 members, honoring the legacy of African American veterans while promoting higher education opportunities in the region.

The Students First Grant, initiated by the Beckley Area Foundation in 1996, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning in Raleigh County classrooms, from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a maximum funding of $750 per project, educators can submit two independent applications for distinct initiatives. The grant prioritizes projects that directly benefit students, excluding funding for classroom items not related to instruction, party supplies, or uniforms.

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 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 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.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

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 Community Grant Program, supported by the ARH Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare, education, and community involvement in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. This program invites non-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement projects that improve the quality of life, particularly for women and children. Eligible projects should address health education, improve health outcomes, and promote collaboration among organizations, thereby fostering a healthier community.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Kathryn B. and Wilmer A. Stanley Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Awarded to financially disadvantaged scholars from all Raleigh County High Schools.

The Judge C. Berkley and Lee Lilly Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support upper-class students from Raleigh or Fayette County public schools. This scholarship rotates among five designated universities, including WVU-Institute of Technology and Duke University. It is designed to assist students in their pursuit of higher education, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.