Best Climate Change Grants in West Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in West Virginia can seek support to develop or expand their work. With a mission to back creative solutions, Creag Foundation provides grants to smaller or evolving organizations, which may include those addressing climate change resilience and equity within broader community and social service efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth with environmental, clean air and water, or related welfare programs in West Virginia can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation. This global funder provides up to US $15,000 for projects advancing children’s health, education, development, and social responsibility, which may include climate resilience and equity efforts.

Early-stage, impact-first social enterprises addressing climate resilience or other social and environmental challenges in West Virginia and beyond can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Eligible applicants include independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits operating in priority regions and aiming to scale solutions for underserved communities.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects serving mostly economically underserved communities, including in West Virginia, can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000. Focused on innovative, tech-enabled social impact, Cisco Systems Foundation accepts year-round LOIs for early-stage solutions with strong potential for scale.

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 Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit and charitable-equivalency organizations working on health, education, or community initiatives, including climate resilience efforts in West Virginia, can seek funding to support services and programs. With a mission to expand equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants for food access, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

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.

West Virginia climate resilience and equity nonprofits can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations with tax-exempt status whose projects serve communities within the U.S., and climate-focused initiatives that advance general welfare may be competitive.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding in West Virginia can seek project support that advances these missions. Focused on environmental and community well-being, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites applicants whose work respects people, the environment, and all forms of life, including efforts connected to climate resilience and equity.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Focused on climate and environmental justice, the Dunn Foundation invites West Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities to seek support for coalition building, climate change, sustainable forestry, alternative energy, and related work. Funding may cover programs, real estate acquisition, fundraising, and staff development that advance social justice, sustainability, and long-term environmental improvement.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate research or climate-related health, education, arts, or social justice initiatives in West Virginia may be eligible for support from Cowles Charitable Trust. Focused on arts, education, ethical journalism, and medical and climate research, the trust offers up to US $10,000, including for general operating support.

Colleges and universities in West Virginia seeking support for campus tree care and greening initiatives can apply for National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education recognition program. Eligible institutions must meet five standards, including a tree advisory committee, campus tree care plan, service-learning projects, and Arbor Day observance, which can complement climate resilience and sustainability efforts.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that supports hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. West Virginia organizations working on community resilience, economic stability, or arts access may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively engaged as volunteers.

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can access funding to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, and climate resilience. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia provides Environmental Quality Incentives Program support for working lands, including cropland, pasture, rangeland, and environmentally sensitive areas.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in West Virginia can access funding through The Nature Conservancy to acquire fee or easement interests in resilient, connected Appalachian lands. Grants up to Up to US $100,000 support land protection, community engagement, stewardship, and project-related operational costs that advance climate change resilience and equity.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek funding for project, operating, or capital needs in West Virginia and other U.S. communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides support to groups improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit innovators working on early-stage environment, heritage conservation, or social justice projects in West Virginia can access funding via the J.M. Kaplan Fund. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize offers up to US $175,000 plus multi-year support for transformative ideas, including climate-related initiatives that address pressing community needs.

West Virginia climate resilience and equity nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible organizations are typically 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 working in listed countries, including the U.S.

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.

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.