Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

West Virginia nonprofits that provide weatherization and energy efficiency services to low-income residents can access funding via West Virginia Community Advancement and Development. Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, this program supports local Community Action Agencies that improve home energy performance, reduce residential energy costs, and enhance health and safety for vulnerable households statewide.

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding provides technical and financial assistance for energy efficiency and conservation, improved soil and water quality, climate resilience, and related natural resource improvements on eligible farms, ranches, and forestlands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving West Virginia and other Southern states can seek funding for programs in education, poverty relief, health, disaster response, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and faith-based initiatives. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced nonprofits with over three years of activity deliver tangible, meaningful impact, including projects that may incorporate energy efficiency or conservation components.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Frankenthaler Climate Initiative

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) is a pioneering grantmaking program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation. Since its inception in 2021, FCI has distinguished itself as the foremost private national initiative in the United States dedicated to combating climate change specifically within the visual arts sector.

FCI provides visual arts institutions with up to $100,000 to undertake ambitious sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives that directly address carbon reduction and energy efficiency. The scope of its support is broad, encompassing everything from modest, rapid-response projects to comprehensive efficiency audits and feasibility studies, and extending to financial contributions for significant infrastructural renovations and strategic planning for new buildings and major initiatives.

Building on the core values of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the initiative aligns a commitment to environmental stewardship with a belief in the vital importance of the visual arts and arts education. Through strategic funding and partnerships focused on tangible infrastructure, FCI aims to catalyze a sector-wide shift toward zero carbon operations, promoting a future where the visual arts thrive—while contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious world.

Who We Fund

FCI funds nonprofit institutions in the United States and its territories whose primary focus rests in the visual arts. The visual arts includes but is not limited to painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and installations in clay, glass, metal, wood, fiber, paper, film, and mixed media.

Most of our grantees are art museums, nonprofit galleries, archives, noncollecting institutions, art schools, university museums, and artist-endowed foundations.

What We Fund

FCI funds energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects.

FCI meets arts institutions at every stage of the work, through four kinds of grants:

• Catalyst — first actions and stand-alone projects with a quick turnaround
• Scoping — energy audits and assessments that establish a baseline
• Technical Assistance — detailed planning for technically demanding projects
• Implementation — comprehensive capital work addressing a building's environmental impact at multiple levels

Technical Assistance Grants

Technical Assistance grants support projects that have finished initial assessments, and need procurement and financing support for an identified efficiency project. This may include providing designs, specifications, or fees for working with energy services companies (ESCOs) for project support. These grants also support more complex studies or analysis required for pursuing major implementation projects. At the conclusion of a Technical Assistance grant, the applicant should be sufficiently informed to implement a project.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering skilled trades training or capacity-building, including those serving West Virginia and working on energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for the Blackrock Foundation’s Future Builders grants, awarding US $500,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports worker training programs or systems-level efforts that strengthen the skilled trades workforce ecosystem.

Nonprofit organizations planning solar energy or energy efficiency projects in West Virginia can seek up to US $25,000 to help switch to clean energy. With a mission to heal the planet, Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits, prioritizing projects in Communities of Concern, serving youth or schools, and with near-term installation plans.

Nonprofits, companies, and other teams developing industrial energy storage concepts that boost energy efficiency in U.S. facilities, including West Virginia, can compete for up to US $700,000 through this three-phase prize. With a mission to advance industrial energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy provides support for thermal and electric storage solutions across multiple industrial temperature ranges.

Low-income households needing home energy-efficiency upgrades in West Virginia can access weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy help eligible residents reduce energy use and costs via state and local providers; both homeowners and renters may qualify based on income and household priority criteria.

Organizations with ARPA-E–developed energy technologies seeking to scale applied research and development may be eligible for $5,000,000 - $20,000,000 in support, including those in West Virginia. Grants from United States Department of Energy help advance high-risk, high-reward energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, biofuels, and emerging technology projects with strong disruptive market potential.

Nonprofit visual arts organizations in West Virginia and across the U.S. can receive up to US $20,000 for clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Catalyst Grant. Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports first-step actions like LED upgrades, building envelope improvements, solar installations, and energy audits that reduce environmental impact and operating costs for arts facilities and events.

Visual arts museums and cultural institutions planning capital projects to improve building energy efficiency in West Virginia and nationwide can apply for implementation funding; awards are up to US $100,000. Grants from Helen Frankenthaler Foundation help institutions reduce emissions through holistic, transformative clean energy and efficiency initiatives at multiple levels of their operations.

Grants help West Virginia energy efficiency and conservation nonprofits and visual arts institutions assess building energy use and plan emissions-reducing upgrades. The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s Frankenthaler Climate Initiative Scoping Grants offer up to US $25,000 for audits, master planning, and analysis of clean energy and efficiency options for U.S.-based museums, cultural institutions, and visual arts schools.

Nonprofit organizations working on energy efficiency, conservation, or broader climate and environmental stewardship, including those in West Virginia, can apply for funding from the Laird Norton Family Foundation. Support is offered through its climate change and related programs, which back carbon reduction, regenerative practices, and long-term ecosystem resilience; the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Nonprofits and community organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects that include energy efficiency and conservation work may be eligible for support in West Virginia counties where Stantec operates. Focused on community projects and events, Stantec invites applications for initiatives near its listed locations that strengthen local sustainability and well-being.

Nonprofits, public institutions, and qualified municipalities working on community programs, including energy efficiency and conservation, in eligible Weyerhaeuser communities in West Virginia and Canada can seek grants of more than US $1,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides support across focus areas like environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and workforce development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools working on energy efficiency and conservation projects in West Virginia may be eligible for funding, alongside other Saint-Gobain locations. Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation supports STEM education, sustainable construction, workforce development, and affordable housing, with priority for long-term partnerships that engage employee expertise and volunteer support.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, governments, and qualifying community groups working on energy efficiency, conservation, or related environmental programs in West Virginia can apply for Entergy Charitable Foundation’s support; awards fund education, workforce development, poverty solutions, and environmental initiatives. West Virginia nonprofits focused on energy management, renewable energy, or community resilience may be especially competitive.

Eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(13) nonprofits, government agencies, public schools, religious organizations, and civic groups in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle can apply for Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation’s Two Rivers Giving Circle grants; awards US $1,000 - US $2,500 for projects including energy conservation, waste reduction, habitat protection, youth engagement, and historic preservation in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.

Nonprofit organizations working on safe mobility, STEM education, sustainability, or energy efficiency and conservation in West Virginia and beyond can seek limited community support funding; awards back programs rather than individuals. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company accepts inquiries by email from qualified 501(c)(3) or equivalent charities whose work fits its Safe, Smart, and Sustainable focus areas.

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 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.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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 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.

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.

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.