Best Financial Assistance Grants in West Virginia

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers improvements in soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on cropland, pasture, rangeland, and other eligible farm or ranch lands.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including those serving West Virginia, can apply for McGraw Foundation’s support; awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Funding may cover general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital efforts across its focus areas.

West Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association to support their studies. This US $3,000 Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship backs research that delivers actionable, timely solutions to current challenges facing the water industry and related fields.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia can apply for Highmark Foundation grants to run evidence-based programs improving community health, prevention, and access to care. Grants support work on chronic disease, family and mental health, nutrition and physical activity, senior and maternal health, and strengthening community clinics and service delivery systems.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and Canadian municipalities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in West Virginia can seek funding for community programs across housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, culture, workforce development, and inclusion. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 to projects showing broad impact and strong local support.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or financial assistance-related programs in West Virginia can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports efforts such as homelessness services, job readiness, microfinance, food security, health care, and child welfare that build long-term resilience.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in West Virginia conducting biomedical research can apply for National Institutes of Health Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000. Eligible baccalaureate-granting schools must have historically received limited NIH funding and seek to expand undergraduate research opportunities and strengthen their research environment.

Nonprofit public charities seeking funds for tangible items in arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and related areas in West Virginia can apply for grants up to US $10,000. With a mission to foster transformative community programs, Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation prioritizes organizations in Northern West Virginia counties and nearby regions.

Early-career medical and health research faculty in eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek support for mentored clinical research and career development, including independent clinical trials. Focused on global biomedical and public health research, the National Institutes of Health invites applicants whose work may connect with financial assistance priorities in West Virginia and beyond.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in education, environmental conservation, or healthy and vibrant communities can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation grants. Eligible initiatives must serve communities where the company operates and may include STEM education, workforce preparation, habitat restoration, community health, arts, culture, or neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in West Virginia can receive financial assistance to enhance conservation practices while maintaining active production. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture and natural resource stewardship, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia offers five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts for whole-operation improvements like cover crops, rotational grazing, and wildlife habitat enhancements.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations providing K–12 after-school and summer learning programs in West Virginia can apply for West Virginia Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000. Grants support academic enrichment, tutoring, STEM/STEAM, arts, literacy, youth development, and family education services for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving low- and moderate-income communities can seek program funding for community services, affordable housing, and economic development within Huntington’s footprint, including West Virginia. With a mission to build vibrant communities, Huntington National Bank provides invited partners with support for initiatives advancing self-sufficiency, equity, and quality of life.

Early-career health researchers in eligible low- or middle-income countries can seek funding for mentored research and career development, including those collaborating with West Virginia partners. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 over three to five years to support protected research time and projects addressing local health priorities.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving community health and economic resilience in West Virginia can seek support for programs that enhance access to care, wellness, education, housing, and economic stability. Highmark supports initiatives that reduce health disparities, strengthen community environments, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through its Bright Blue Futures corporate giving program.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering educational or youth-focused programs in West Virginia can apply for grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support scholarships, tutoring, literacy, arts education, or community initiatives. John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prioritizes new or enhanced programs and short-term support that improves quality of life for disadvantaged populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions improving health and neighborhood conditions can seek more than US $5,000 for projects in the Mid-Ohio Valley of West Virginia and nearby Ohio counties. Focus areas include healthy eating and active living, thriving neighborhoods, and mental health and addiction, with support available for projects, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or general operations.

Organizations planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives in West Virginia that offer tangible marketing or recognition benefits in medical and neuroscience-related fields can seek corporate sponsorship support; awards vary by opportunity. Grants from Biogen Foundation help fund event costs across areas like neurology, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and related disease research and education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in West Virginia, can apply for general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative farming, healthy food access, climate justice, and pollution-free environments from Clif Family Foundation. Typical one-year awards range from US $5,000 - US $50,000, with priority for U.S.-focused, community-rooted groups with budgets under $8MM.

About Us

Funding through the many programs offered by the West Virginia Community Advancement and Development office have improved the quality of life in our state in a variety of ways. Learn more about the impact we have had in the communities where you live and work.

Neighborhood Investment Program

The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) is a tax credit program of $3 million each year, which allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers, which began in 1996 with $2 million. When awarded, the organization can distribute the vouchers to business and individuals who contribute a minimum of $500 to organizations, receiving up to 50% in tax credit, allowing the donor or corporation to reduce their West Virginia tax liability no more than 50%. The organizations pay a 3% fee on the donation, which offsets the administrative costs of NIP. During this time, approximately 68,190 donations from individuals and businesses have been received.

Benefits of NIP

There are 15,883 non-profits in West Virginia and we assist 200 of them each year with NIP credits, which has leveraged over $143 million in donations since inception.

Funding for NIP

Amount: $3 million annually

Source of Funds: State of West Virginia

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Neighborhood Investment Program

What is NIP?

The Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) is a tax credit program of $3 million each year, which allows 501(c)3 designated charitable organizations to apply for tax credit vouchers, which began in 1996 with $2 million. When awarded, the organization can distribute the vouchers to business and individuals who contribute a minimum of $500 to organizations, receiving up to 50% in tax credit, allowing the donor or corporation to reduce their West Virginia tax liability no more than 50%. The organizations pay a 3% fee on the donation, which offsets the administrative costs of NIP. 

Benefits of NIP

There are 15,883 non-profits in West Virginia and we assist 200 of them each year with NIP credits, which has leveraged over $143 million in donations since inception.

Projects generally eligible for program participation include but are not limited to the following:

• Health clinics
• Homeless shelters
• Educational programs
• Housing programs
• Preservation/revitalization activities
• Domestic violence shelters
• Children's shelters
• Meal delivery programs
• Senior citizens' centers
• Community foundations
• Scholarship programs
• Hospice care
• Transportation programs
• Day care centers
• Counseling services
• Services for the disabled

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The EWVCF Two Rivers Giving Circle Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties focused on historic preservation and natural resource conservation. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 are available for projects like safeguarding habitats, engaging children with nature, and promoting recycling efforts. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and civic groups. A final report detailing outcomes and expenses is required by August 31 of the following year.