Best Financial Assistance Grants in West Virginia

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Neal J. Fasula Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are employed by, or who are the dependent child or stepchild of someone employed by, Gerrity’s Supermarket and/or Gerrity’s ACE Hardware Stores, and who plans to attend post-secondary education at an accredited university.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

NEPA Invitational Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to assist with educational expenses for graduating seniors from Northeastern Pennsylvania who play golf and intend to pursue a post-secondary education. This is a manual application, available in the Spring.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award

The Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award consists of ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a Lackawanna County High School.

The RWA Perseverance Fund, administered by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), supports members in financial need for their annual national dues. RWA, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing the interests of romance writers through advocacy and networking. The fund is available to applicants who can demonstrate financial need and commitment to a career in romance writing. Eligibility includes submitting proof of work, while ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all members.

The Award for Diversity Course Design, initiated by the Society for Music Theory, aims to enhance diversity, inclusion, and social justice in undergraduate music theory courses. Starting in 2025, two annual awards will recognize outstanding syllabi: one for core theory curricula and another for topical courses. This initiative encourages original contributions that embody inclusive pedagogy, with winning entries showcased on the SMT website to foster evolving best practices in music education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and who intends to pursue a degree from a college or university.

The PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction. This grant supports writers at critical stages in their careers, specifically for a novel-in-progress. Candidates must have published works that received positive critical reception but limited sales. Self-published works and collaborative manuscripts are ineligible, ensuring that the grant focuses on authors with established literary merit.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mark Weston Smith Scholarship

For Raleigh County high school graduate; college-qualified and based on financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

The AHA: Rapid Response Funding offers crucial support to nonprofit organizations facing urgent campaign needs in the final stages of policy advocacy. This funding is intended for grassroots organizing, coalition building, polling, and media relations to successfully push for policy passage or defend against harmful legislation. Only organizations that are tax-exempt and have exhausted other resources are eligible, ensuring that funds are directed to campaigns with critical needs.

KaBOOM! Multi-Sport Courts provide innovative playspaces designed to meet the needs of older youth. These customizable sports courts allow communities to engage in various sports such as basketball and volleyball, addressing the lack of play opportunities. With guidance from KABOOM! Project Managers, applicants can fundraise and collaborate with community members to create an inviting space for active play, ensuring sustainable maintenance and ownership post-project completion.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Southern West Virginia Homebuilders Scholarship

Student whose parent or legal guardian has been a member in good standing of the So. WV Homebuilders Association or whose parent or legal guardian is an employee of a member business whose job is related to the home building trade, which has been a member in good standing for the current year and at least one year prior to scholarship application. Awarded on the basis of a combination of need and merit.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue postsecondary education.

The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

CIS/Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship, established by the directors and officers of the Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation, is awarded annually to a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduating senior planning to enter the field of education.

Eligible Enrollments: Full-time

Student Types: High school seniors

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Clarence L. Remynse

This scholarship fund was established in honor of Clarence L. Remynse, a Kalamazoo native and successful business owner, to support Kalamazoo County residents pursuing a bachelor’s degree. His legacy of hard work, community involvement, and commitment to education continues through this fund, which aims to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Eligible Enrollments: Full-time

Degrees/Programs: Bachelor’s degree (4-year)

Student Types: Current college freshmen, High school seniors

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund

The Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund, established in 1997 by Turn 2, provides scholarship support for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate leadership in their community while promoting abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Earl Haas Hackett Catholic Prep Scholarship

This fund was established by Earl Haas to recognize graduating high school seniors from Hackett Catholic Prep.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund

The Jack B. Fisher Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduates of Stark County high schools. Students must have above average accomplishment in high school and demonstrate financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund

The Ira G. Turpin Scholar Program Fund was established to assist ethnic minority graduating seniors in Stark County. Special preference will be given to those pursuing a career in law enforcement or the legal profession. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship

A fund created in memory of Tad Fujioka to support graduates of Sitka High School, Pacific High School, Mount Edgecumbe High, or Sitka School District REACH homeschool. The scholarship will support college or vocational training in career choices that will help support the wellbeing and resilience of members of small Alaska communities.

Tad had great-grandparents who settled in Ketchikan in the early 1900's where his father learned to love fishing in Alaska. When Tad was one year old, he and his parents moved to Juneau, where Tad also learned to love fishing. After college, he moved to Sitka, where fishing was even better. After a stint of working in engineering, marrying, and starting a family, he got a salmon troll permit. He soon became involved not only in fishing but also in fishery policy and regulation, where his analytical ability helped to evaluate management proposals. His patience and diplomacy allowed him to effectively articulate ideas and solutions to problems he saw in existing conditions and propose measures, both in the management of the fishery and also in the processing sector, where he served as board chairman of the Seafood Producers Cooperative. He became a respected and effective advocate for the sustainability of the small boat fishing fleet, which supports the economy of many small towns and communities in Alaska. Commitment to serving his community included 20 years serving on the Sitka Advisory Committee to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, teaching friends and students to harvest wild foods, and sharing his harvest throughout the community and the state.

To honor his legacy, his family has chosen to honor Tad by starting the Tad Fujioka Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship

The Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Evelyn Prince, an avid golfer and academic achiever. Her love for education and athletics continues to inspire, providing opportunities for young women who share her passion for golf and higher learning.

Multiyear Awar; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Gail & Hilda Oster Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Gail and Hilda Oster for the purpose of providing meaningful support to graduating high school seniors or graduates, who are residents of Van Buren County or graduating high school seniors or graduates of high schools within Van Buren County, who are planning to pursue or are pursuing bachelor's degrees in the fields of education, mathematics or science; or enrolling or enrolled in a Veterinary Technologist or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

The Senior Pet Adoption Assistance Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, provides financial support to adopters of senior pets or bonded pairs. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of older pets by covering costs such as adoption fees and post-adoption expenses, including veterinary care and supplies. Grants, up to $1,000, are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, ensuring that senior pets find loving homes while alleviating some financial burdens for their new families.

Peter & Inez Schonveld Scholarship

This scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Inez Schonveld to provide scholarship assistance to graduating high school seniors and graduates of the Kalamazoo Public School District.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Lenore Hirsch-Jay Falk Scholarship

The Lenore Hirsch-Jay Falk Scholarship benefits Napa County high school seniors that are graduating, and who have worked hard to overcome academic challenges. Applicants must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college program in general education. Although not a requirement, applications are strongly encouraged from students who have learning disabilities and/or attend a continuation high school in Napa County. Previous recipients of the scholarship completing their first, second, or third year of college are also eligible.

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.

VCA Charities offers the Ready for Rescue Grants to support animal welfare organizations in preparing pets for adoption. With a maximum award of $10,000, this program focuses on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of companion animals through various activities, including enrichment and training. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare, adopting out at least 500 pets annually. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines approaching soon.