Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation invites applications for its discretionary grantmaking programs, focusing on Community Economic Development, Education, Health, Arts & Culture, and Basic Needs. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 nonprofits or government entities serving specific counties in West Virginia. The application process involves submitting a Project Summary form to a Program Officer and following the pre-proposal and final proposal deadlines. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and support diverse projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The West Virginia Humanities Council offers Travel Assistance Grants to support individuals associated with West Virginia museums and educational institutions in attending professional conferences. These grants promote public humanities programming and facilitate participation in significant events such as the Appalachian Studies Association and Shakespeare Association meetings. Applicants are eligible for one grant every two years, with funding covering registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals. This initiative underscores the importance of humanities engagement in local communities.

The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation Grant supports transformative programs in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, focusing on arts, education, environmental health, and human services. With an emphasis on tangible outcomes, the foundation values projects that serve large community segments. Eligibility requires organizations to have 501(c)(3) status for three years, while ineligible requests include fiscal sponsorships and general operating expenses. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives, particularly from Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia.

The EQT Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofits with a focus on community enrichment, education, and environmental preservation in areas aligned with EQT Corporation's business operations. Since 2003, it has awarded over $74 million, emphasizing impactful, evidence-based proposals that foster safe and sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate effective resource management. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote STEM education, community engagement, and conservation efforts to enhance quality of life in the regions it serves.

The Jazz Touring Network (JTN) fosters the presentation of jazz across the mid-Atlantic region, supporting both novice and experienced presenters. Through an open and competitive application process, JTN members engage in professional development and collaborate on annual jazz tours. Eligible organizations must be located in specific states and maintain a strong history of presenting touring artists. The JTN prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that programming reflects the vibrant landscape of contemporary jazz.

The Nicholas County Community Foundation, established in 2006, is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nicholas County, West Virginia. By managing charitable funds, the foundation supports diverse local causes through competitive grant-making. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions. Grants focus on capital projects and special programs in arts, education, health, and youth services, ensuring community needs are met sustainably for the future.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The West Virginia Humanities Council provides matching grants for nonprofit organizations to create public humanities programming in West Virginia. These major grants support various projects such as lectures, exhibits, and educational programs. Applicants must involve qualified humanities scholars and allow twelve weeks between the application deadline and project initiation. The program aims to enhance public understanding of the humanities, fostering engagement and appreciation of cultural heritage across the state.

The WV Humanities Teachers Institutes Grant, offered by the West Virginia Humanities Council, supports the development of summer seminars in humanities for K-12 teachers. Aimed at enhancing professional development, the grant requires programs to provide graduate-level hours and accommodate at least 20 participants. Recent institutes have explored diverse topics, including writing and global music cultures, fostering a rich educational experience that connects teachers with humanities disciplines essential for understanding contemporary society.

The West Virginia Humanities Council provides matching grants to nonprofit organizations focused on public humanities programming in West Virginia. The Publication Grants aim to enhance the quality and number of books published on West Virginia topics and by local authors. These grants support the production phase of completed nonfiction manuscripts and require applicants to submit a previous publication sample and the manuscript for review. Projects must result in at least 250 copies of trade-quality books.

The Fall Community Action Grants Program, initiated by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions within an 11-county area in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. Grants up to $20,000 are awarded for projects in arts, education, health, and community development. Special consideration is given to initiatives fostering inclusive communities and addressing social issues. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or public agencies, with a focus on collaborative projects that benefit local residents.

The PACF Community Action Grants support nonprofits in West Virginia through a competitive grant process twice a year. Grants up to $20,000 are available for diverse fields such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving the Foundation's 11-county area. Projects addressing community needs and enhancing organizational capacity are prioritized, especially in areas with limited support options. Interested applicants should ensure project eligibility before applying.

The WV Culture: Creative Aging for Lifelong Learning (CALL) grant offers up to $5,000 for projects aimed at teaching arts skills to adults. Eligible applicants include individual artists, schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) organizations chartered in West Virginia. The program encourages community engagement and requires a 50% match from other sources. This initiative not only fosters artistic development but also promotes lifelong learning and cultural enrichment for adults in the region.

The WV Culture: Professional Development for Artists grant offers up to $5,000 to support professional and emerging artists in expanding their work or sharing their expertise. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and arts programs that serve the broader community in West Virginia. Organizations must meet specific tax-exempt criteria and demonstrate the capacity for matching funds to qualify for this grant, promoting community engagement through the arts.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Volunteer West Virginia is offering AmeriCorps State Formula grants to support eligible programs starting in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024. This initiative requires at least five AmeriCorps members and aims to enhance volunteerism across the state. With $3 million in yearly funding, Volunteer West Virginia, established in 1994, administers national service programs and provides vital support to local nonprofits, ensuring the growth and sustainability of community engagement efforts.

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 Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports projects that enhance traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a required 1:1 match. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, and public art collaborations, particularly those engaging underrepresented communities. This initiative fosters artistic expression and cultural connection across diverse communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Detlev and Mary Ellen Preissler Fund for the Arts, Music, Design, and Nature supports arts education in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan County. Grants from $1,000 to $10,000 are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools that focus on inspiring children through art, music, design, and nature. Eligible applicants are encouraged to propose specific programs that enhance children's learning experiences, particularly those integrating nature into their curriculum.