Best Raleigh County Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 Rachel and Dorvie Williams Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides essential financial support to students pursuing higher education. Established through the Rachel G. and Dorvie Williams Fund, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in covering educational expenses. By encouraging academic and career aspirations, it fosters a positive impact on both the recipients and their communities, aligning with the Foundation's mission to enhance local development through charitable giving.

The Ramella Home Plate Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to local students pursuing higher education. This scholarship is designed to assist eligible candidates who maintain a minimum ‘C’ average, making it renewable. The funding aims to alleviate educational expenses and promote academic advancement, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities in southern West Virginia through charitable initiatives.

The Sam and Maude Turner & Carole Ann Turner Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select West Virginia high schools pursuing higher education. Established to encourage local students, this renewable scholarship provides financial assistance to help alleviate the costs of postsecondary education. The Beckley Area Foundation has a long-standing commitment to community improvement and charitable giving, making this scholarship an integral part of their mission to enrich lives and support educational advancement.

The Sterling T. Lewis Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports Raleigh County residents pursuing careers in public safety, including firefighting and law enforcement. It also considers applicants in entrepreneurship and real estate. Established to foster community development, the scholarship emphasizes skill acquisition and career growth, particularly for those from the Shady Spring area. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to strengthening local communities through targeted educational support.

The Sureka P.G. Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to Raleigh County graduates pursuing higher education in physical therapy. This renewable scholarship prioritizes female students entering two-year or four-year physical therapy programs. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, aims to enhance communities in southern West Virginia through charitable giving, focusing on education, health services, and community improvement initiatives.

The Vargo Family Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. Established in memory of Margaret Vargo, this scholarship reflects the family's dedication to education and community service. The foundation, founded in 1985, supports various local initiatives and aims to strengthen communities in southern West Virginia. Awards help deserving students with college expenses, fostering a commitment to return and contribute to their local area.

The WAVA Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to students from Fayette and Raleigh Counties in West Virginia attending West Virginia University Institute of Technology. This renewable scholarship aims to assist students in their pursuit of post-secondary education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare through education. Founded in 1985, the Beckley Area Foundation connects donors and community partners to fulfill local needs via grants and philanthropic initiatives.

The William N. Jones Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Raleigh County who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education, covering essential educational expenses. Although the award is not renewable, it plays a crucial role in helping eligible students embark on their postsecondary studies. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, is dedicated to strengthening communities through charitable giving.

The Dr. Nicholas D. Zambos Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support students pursuing education in the allied medical field. This scholarship rotates between the University of Charleston-Beckley, Marshall University, and West Virginia University. By providing financial assistance, it helps students achieve their academic goals and fosters community growth in Southern West Virginia. The foundation is dedicated to charitable giving that enriches lives and strengthens local communities.

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 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 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.