Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation aims to foster human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by strategically distributing charitable resources. Guided by principles of collaboration and innovation, the Foundation supports community development and health initiatives. Their focus includes enhancing health care accessibility, promoting leadership, and addressing social determinants of health. They prioritize projects that engage diverse community members and encourage cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact and sustainability in these regions.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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 Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

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 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 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.

The EWVCF Youth Grants support programs that aid disadvantaged children in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties. Grants up to $5,000 are available for initiatives that enhance children's quality of life through educational, athletic, and community-based activities. The foundation encourages applications from diverse programs promoting equity and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and civic organizations that provide direct benefits to the community.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Eastern Panhandle CARE Fund offers healthcare grants aimed at enhancing health education, connecting communities to healthcare resources, and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality care. Managed by the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, these grants support eligible nonprofit organizations in Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, the fund encourages innovative programs that address pressing healthcare needs across the region, fostering a healthier community for all.

The EWVCF Human Welfare Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties, West Virginia, providing essential assistance to vulnerable populations. Established by the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation in 1995, this grant aims to uplift sick, needy, and disadvantaged individuals by funding programs that promote equity and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and civic groups, fostering a diverse range of community-focused initiatives.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Jefferson County Helen Parker Willard Fund offers grants for the maintenance and restoration of historic cemeteries in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Funded by the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, these grants support nonprofit organizations in preserving Civil War era monuments and beautifying abandoned graves. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and civic groups. The initiative encourages projects that promote diversity and inclusion within the community.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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 Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.