Best Grants for Community Service Projects in West Virginia

West Virginia community development and health-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies can access funding through the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to support community development and health initiatives. Grants up to Up to US $200,000 back projects like civic engagement, leadership development, health care access, preventive health, and technology access that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations improving health, education, or human services for women and children in West Virginia communities can access funding through Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s Community Grant Program. Grants up to US $5,000 support projects in eligible counties with measurable outcomes and collaborative approaches to boosting community health, safety, and quality of life.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in West Virginia serving Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, or Putnam counties can apply for The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s discretionary grants to support community economic development, education, health, arts and culture, and basic needs projects. Quarterly cycles and required pre-application work with a program officer make this well-suited for planned community service initiatives.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation promotes human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing strategic charitable resources. The foundation focuses on education and economic development, prioritizing projects that enhance teacher quality, support early childhood education, and foster innovative economic initiatives. By investing in programs that bridge geographical boundaries and encourage collaboration among sectors, the foundation aims to cultivate leadership and sustainable growth in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running health-focused community service projects in West Virginia can seek programmatic support to improve community health outcomes. Highmark Foundation supports evidence-based initiatives addressing chronic disease, family and mental health, nutrition and physical activity, access to care, and community health clinics, including pilots, demonstrations, expansions, and well-established programs.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions facing unforeseen, time-sensitive needs or opportunities in West Virginia can seek emergency support through the Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants, with awards up to US $4,000. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation funds projects benefiting its 11-county service area, including community development and revitalization efforts.

West Virginia community service nonprofits running family, safety, or neighborhood enhancement projects can access funding through Baltimore Life Foundation, with grants up to US $500. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and nonreligious community programs are supported for specific, volunteer-driven initiatives like child safety education, community clean-ups, and neighborhood watch activities.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can access recoverable grants from the Impact Fund, typically US $10,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports out-of-pocket litigation costs, which may help West Virginia community-focused cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression move forward.

Nonprofit and public organizations providing direct material aid in West Virginia and nearby Ohio counties can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to supply food, clothing, personal care items, and emergency utility or rent assistance. Sisters Health Foundation supports basic needs work that advances healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

West Virginia community and health-focused nonprofits and public institutions can access funding for projects, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or general operating support that advance health and neighborhood well-being. Through the Sisters Health Foundation’s Responsive Grants Program, eligible organizations serving specified Mid-Ohio Valley counties may receive more than US $5,000 for healthy eating, active living, thriving neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction initiatives.

The Chaney Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the welfare of children and families while promoting public safety in Barry County, Missouri; Cabell County, West Virginia; and Jackson & Josephine Counties, Oregon. Grants up to $15,000 are available for West Virginia organizations, while those in Oregon and Missouri can apply for up to $10,000, focusing on human services, faith-based programs, and public safety initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Barbour, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur, or Webster counties in West Virginia can seek funding for health-related community programs and capacity building. With a mission to promote healthy, transformative communities, Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon provides up to US $20,000 for initiatives in wellness, food insecurity, substance use, spiritual care, and related services.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations running community development, human services, education, or environmental programs can seek project support through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. Focused on community vitality and related needs, the foundation offers US $1,000 - US $15,000 grants in Grant and Tucker Counties for specific programs rather than general capital campaigns.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible K-12 schools, colleges, and universities can seek funding for community-based water and environment projects, including watershed protection and water conservation. Focused on water resource and freshwater management, American Water Charitable Foundation invites projects within its service areas that can be completed within 12 months and expand equitable access to water-based recreation.

Nonprofit and government organizations improving community services for residents of Middlebourne, West Virginia can receive grants for educational, religious, and community programs. Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley administers the Stealey Community Fund, prioritizing projects that enhance quality of life, including library, recreational, municipal, and youth services in and around Middlebourne.

Nonprofit and community organizations planning preservation or education projects in West Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive up to US $7,500 for historic and cultural resource protection. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation support planning, professional consulting, and public outreach that foster sustainable, livable communities and innovative preservation partnerships.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, cooperatives, and educational institutions in West Virginia can obtain funding of US $100,000 - US $500,000 to support small rural businesses and community economic development. USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants back training, technical assistance, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and strategic planning that strengthen rural community service and development projects.

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

Nonprofits, public institutions, schools, and municipalities in Southern West Virginia can receive up to US $9,500 to support economic development projects in the New River Highlands region. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Beckley Area Foundation provides funding for initiatives in Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Mercer, Pocahontas, Monroe, and Wyoming counties, to be completed by February 28, 2027.

West Virginia community organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, schools, or municipalities can apply for up to US $2,000 to support arts, education, economic development, historic preservation, or youth activities in McDowell County. The Community Fund of McDowell County from Beckley Area Foundation supports local community service and development projects.

Nonprofits, public institutions, schools, and municipalities in Raleigh County can apply for Beckley Area Foundation’s Sigmund Family Fund to support Christian-based interdenominational projects serving people in need. Grants up to Up to US $1,600 are available, which may benefit community service initiatives in West Virginia, for projects completed by February 28, 2027.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community service, health, education, or family support for vulnerable residents in Wood County, WV, and Washington County, OH can apply for Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s PM Company's Spirit of Giving grants. This funding may benefit West Virginia groups advancing local community development and revitalization efforts.

Nonprofit organizations running established wellness, middle school education, or visual arts programs that provide direct services may be eligible for approximately US $8,300 in support, including in West Virginia. With a mission to back impactful, year-round programming, Corinne R & Henry Bower Memorial favors projects serving community needs with measurable outcomes and strong financial accountability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions in West Virginia can receive up to US $20,000 for community development, education, health, arts, and related projects that benefit PACF’s 11-county service area. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation funds capital needs, programs, capacity building, and operating support, with priority for resilient, inclusive community initiatives and substance use disorder impacts.

Nonprofit organizations providing K–12 education for Native American children living on reservations may be eligible for approximately US $77,000 in program support, including work connected to West Virginia. Focused on charitable and educational purposes, the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund favors year-round, collaborative programs with measurable outcomes and strong financial accountability that benefit underserved communities.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural West Virginia can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to develop essential local facilities. Support can cover construction, renovation, equipment, and related costs for community service projects such as health centers, town halls, child care centers, public safety buildings, and similar rural infrastructure.