Best Grants for Charities in West Virginia

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

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.

Weatherization Assistance Program

What is Weatherization?

The West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program that helps to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons or to provide such persons renewable energy systems or technologies, reduce their total residential expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden. The full scope of the WV Weatherization Assistance Program can be read in the current State Plan. 

The State of West Virginia does not provide direct assistance to households. The State awards program funds to local non-profit Community Action Agencies that provide Weatherization services in all 55 counties of West Virginia. To see who provides Weatherization in your county, check out our resource map here.

The NASA WVSGC Ambassador Program offers one-year scholarships to inspire and engage students in STEM. Selected ambassadors will connect the community with the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, promoting awareness of opportunities in STEM fields. The program provides five $1,000 awards for the 2024-25 academic year, contingent on funding. Responsibilities include attending STEM events, engaging K-12 and higher education students, and using social media to spread awareness about STEM initiatives and programs.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

Frontier Statehood Preservation Fund

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia announces $500,000 in special grant funding through the Frontier to Statehood Preservation Fund. This historic preservation grant program is dedicated to the rehabilitation and adaptive or continued use of certified historic buildings constructed as of 1871 – when, in a case called Virginia v. West Virginia (1871), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the legitimacy of the creation of the state of West Virginia in 1863.

Grant funds will support up to ten grant awards for the preservation and restoration of buildings that tell the story of colonial settlement in the Appalachian Mountains, the American Revolution, and the road to statehood, with a focus on creating, advancing, and/or sustaining service/amenity providers and cultural heritage tourism destinations in West Virginia. All properties must be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or included as a contributing structure in a National Register Historic District. Grant funding is made possible through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant via the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

This is a competitive grant program open to members of the public. 

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Southern Equality Research Grant, offered by the Campaign for Southern Equality, aims to empower students and early career researchers to conduct crucial studies on LGBTQ+ issues in the South. With over a third of LGBTQ+ Americans residing in this region, there is a significant need for research to address legal protections and social inequities. This initiative seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Southerners, fostering a deeper understanding of the policies affecting their lives.

The ALSCW Dissertation Fellowship supports scholars whose doctoral dissertations focus on literary history and aesthetics. It offers a three-week residency in a fully equipped cabin in West Virginia, providing an ideal environment for writing and research. The fellowship encourages applicants to submit their cover letters, CVs, dissertation chapters, and letters of recommendation. Preference is given to candidates with advanced-stage dissertations, fostering a community that values diverse literary perspectives.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in West Virginia provide essential funding for qualified organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants enable organizations to supervise and guide community members through the self-help process, fostering collaboration and skill development. Eligible areas can be determined through the USDA Eligibility Site, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. This program ultimately aims to enhance housing opportunities and empower families in rural communities.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The ASB Research Award (Professional), offered by the Association of Southeastern Biologists, honors outstanding research by professional members (not students) with a $1000 grant. Applicants must be the primary author of a manuscript published after the last ASB annual meeting and must present their findings at the upcoming annual meeting. The awardee is recognized at the Closing Banquet, emphasizing the importance of attendance. This initiative promotes scientific advancement and networking among biology professionals.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.