Best Foundation 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, or Putnam counties in West Virginia can apply for The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s discretionary grants to support community economic development, education, health, arts and culture, and basic needs initiatives. Applicants work with a program officer and submit draft and final proposals on quarterly cycles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in West Virginia can seek funding for education and economic development initiatives that build human potential and regional prosperity. Grants from Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation help West Virginia nonprofits improve teacher quality, early learning, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic growth, often encouraging cross-county and cross-state collaboration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health in West Virginia can seek programmatic support for evidence-based initiatives. Highmark Foundation funds work in chronic disease prevention, family and mental health, access to care, community health clinics, screenings, and medical education, including pilot projects, model programs, expansions, and well-established initiatives.

The PACF: Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants provide up to $4,000 to support organizations facing unforeseen emergencies or opportunities requiring immediate funding. Open to 501(c)(3) non-profits and public institutions in the PACF’s 11-county service area, these grants aim to quickly address urgent community needs. Applications can be submitted anytime to the Foundation's Senior Program Officer, ensuring timely assistance for critical projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia focused on higher education (especially STEM, finance, and business), economic and community development, or human services can seek funding to improve local quality of life. Steel Dynamics Foundation prioritizes communities near its facilities, particularly where local employees are actively engaged and organizations demonstrate strong ethical practices.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health-related programs or strengthening organizational capacity can apply for the Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon’s Healthy Communities Initiative, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding supports work in health and wellness, food insecurity, substance use and tobacco prevention, spiritual care, and related services in Barbour, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur, and Webster counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia can seek funding for community programs serving low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Grants from Peoples Bank Foundation help nonprofits working in areas like education, human and social services, youth services, economic development, environment, and arts and culture within the bank’s regional footprint.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, or veteran and military support can access funding through Penn National Gaming if they are located where the company has a business interest. Grants support broad local needs, including public safety, housing, economic development, and services for vulnerable residents.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) Grant aims to empower communities by partnering with nonprofit organizations. The grant focuses on enhancing STEM education and workforce readiness, addressing the specific needs of local areas in West Virginia. Toyota emphasizes collaboration to tackle pressing societal challenges and seeks to create sustainable impacts by supporting qualified nonprofit organizations and public schools, while adhering to their non-discrimination policy.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in northern West Virginia counties can apply for EQT Foundation’s grants, awarding approximately US $15,000 for community enrichment, STEM education, workforce training, and environmental projects. Organizations in Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties may be eligible for programs that directly benefit local residents and neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions providing direct material aid in specified West Virginia and nearby Ohio counties can apply for Sisters Health Foundation’s Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for essentials like food, clothing, personal care items, and emergency assistance. Grants support efforts advancing healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction.

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools, religious organizations, and civic groups providing healthcare services in Jefferson, Berkeley, or Morgan counties of West Virginia can seek $5,000 - $10,000 for education, resource navigation, or patient care. Focused on community health, Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation encourages programs that celebrate diversity and promote equity and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in West Virginia that serve children (prenatal–18) and their families with primary or secondary prevention programs can access funding through Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation. Support focuses on holistic child and maternal health, early childhood development, child welfare, and systemic change efforts across West Virginia.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food distribution can use these grants to purchase food for their programs. Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation accepts applications bi-annually from organizations operating within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in its 10-state service area, including West Virginia.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions in West Virginia’s PACF service area can seek funding for capital projects, program development, capacity building, or limited operating support, with awards up to US $20,000. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation supports arts, education, health, human services, recreation, youth and family services, and community and economic development, prioritizing select West Virginia counties and Washington County, Ohio.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support for grassroots organizing and justice-focused work. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help small-budget groups build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and advance social, economic, environmental, and policy change through community organizing rather than direct services.

Focused on youth services, Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation invites West Virginia nonprofits, schools, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups to apply for grants up to US $5,000. Funding supports programs in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties that benefit disadvantaged children and provide educational, athletic, social, or community-based activities, including those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing workforce development and career navigation services for adult workers in West Virginia and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, offering US $10,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports training and upskilling, AI readiness, wraparound services, and career pathways that build long-term economic mobility.

West Virginia nonprofits serving vulnerable and underserved residents with health, education, or family services can access funding through Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s PM Company’s Spirit of Giving program. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations working in Wood County, WV, and/or Washington County, OH, particularly in the Mid-Ohio Valley community.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in select West Virginia counties can seek funding for financial education, youth, teacher support, community and cultural development, senior and veterans programs, and food insecurity efforts. Grants from Parkersburg Area Community Foundation help West Virginia nonprofits, including those in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt, and Wood counties, advance these local initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health care or education in Harrison and Lewis Counties, West Virginia can apply for grants supporting local residents. Grants from George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation help West Virginia nonprofits expand health services, improve access to care, and enhance educational opportunities in these communities.

Parkersburg Area Community Foundation provides West Virginia nonprofits and public institutions with up to US $20,000 for community programs, capital projects, and operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving its 11-county region may apply for work in arts and culture, education, health and human services, youth and family services, recreation, and community and economic development.

Nonprofit organizations providing K–12 education for Native American children living on reservations may be eligible for program support, including those connected to West Virginia. Grants from The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund help sustain year-round, direct-service educational programs with measurable outcomes, strong financial accountability, and demonstrated community demand, awarding approximately US $77,000.