Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in West Virginia

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.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia and other Peoples Bank service areas can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Funding may also support related work in youth services, human and social services, economic development, environment, and arts and culture within the eligible footprint.

Focused on charitable, educational, and related activities, this program invites West Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, and government entities to request program support. Grants from the Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust, administered by Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, provide more than US $5,000 and may benefit education-focused nonprofits, especially in Sistersville and Tyler County.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation grants to enhance learning, build STEM skills, and prepare a ready workforce. Projects that also improve the environment or support healthy, vibrant communities in these areas may be competitive for funding.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving West Virginia and other Southern states can apply for Robinson Foundation funding to support programs, not capital projects. Grants may also assist work in poverty relief, children and families, health, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and religious or spiritual endeavors, for organizations active more than three years.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia can seek funding for community programs, including agriculture, environment, education, hunger and poverty, health, social services, and public safety, with awards up to US $1,000. Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation requires nonprofit, tax-exempt status and a Perdue associate endorsement, with preference for communities near major facilities.

With a mission to support education, Beckley Area Foundation provides West Virginia students with the Doris Merchant Bradshaw & Virgil Bradshaw Scholarship for Raleigh County high school graduates pursuing early childhood education at in-state colleges. Need- and merit-based, this renewable award can help future educators working toward higher education degrees cover ongoing academic costs.

Education and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia can apply for Encova Foundation of West Virginia grants to improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. U.S.-based charities impacting health, education, safety, and children, especially those with active Encova associate involvement, may benefit from this funding opportunity.

Grants from Volunteer West Virginia help West Virginia organizations run AmeriCorps programs that engage at least five members in education, community services, disaster relief, economic development, environmental stewardship, or veteran support. Education-focused nonprofits and other eligible entities planning state-based AmeriCorps projects starting in fall 2023 or spring 2024 may apply.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) education and community nonprofits can apply for more than US $1,000 to support programs in agriculture, education, hunger and poverty relief, health, environment, and public safety. Grants from Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation may benefit education-focused organizations in communities where Perdue associates live and work, with endorsement from a Perdue associate required.

Education nonprofits in West Virginia supporting needy students, environmental education, or related services can apply for project-focused funding that advances education, health, or basic human needs. Focused on charitable programs, the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust invites 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia and other eligible regions to submit proposals aligned with its priority areas.

West Virginia undergraduate students in NASA-defined space-related fields can receive up to US $5,000 to conduct research under a faculty mentor, including stipend, supplies, and travel. Education nonprofits and institutions in West Virginia may benefit by supporting eligible students to apply for the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Research Scholarship.

Chesapeake Bay Trust provides West Virginia education-focused organizations with funding to deliver workforce development and training in community forestry and arboriculture. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt or fiscally sponsored nonprofits, schools, tribes, and community groups across the Mid-Atlantic, with projects in designated disadvantaged areas. Awards up to US $200,000 support job training, apprenticeships, and green career pathways.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Toyota provides West Virginia education nonprofits, public schools, and state or municipal organizations with funding for STEM education, workforce readiness, and other community priorities. Eligible groups in counties such as Putnam, Kanawha, and Cabell may receive support for programs serving under-resourced residents.

Humane societies in West Virginia can seek funding for humane education programs, shelter construction or renovation, and equipment purchases through the Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund, administered by Parkersburg Area Community Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $3,000. Education-focused humane societies may be especially interested in this opportunity.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

The Edna and Erma Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2018, supports women from Montgomery County, Ohio, pursuing education degrees. It is aimed at female high school seniors and adult learners returning to college, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering women in the community.

The Celia C. Newcomb Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enrich the lives of South Lake County residents. This scholarship supports Lake County, IN residents pursuing degrees in Education, including high school graduates and adult learners. Applicants must provide an additional essay and meet specific eligibility criteria. It embodies the foundation's mission to address community needs through charitable giving.

The Kors, Lois E., Educational Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School graduates in pursuing higher education. With a strong commitment to academic achievement and civic involvement, the Foundation awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, citizenship, and academic merit. This scholarship encourages students to enter the teaching profession, providing essential funds to help them achieve their educational goals.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

Ann E. Myers was born in Tiffin, Ohio in 1951. She held a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashland University, and was a National Board Certified Teacher. Teaching elementary school was Ann’s true calling and joy. She began her teaching career in Lancaster, Ohio in 1973. She taught in Lancaster until 1984, at which time she began teaching in the Dublin, Ohio school system. From 1984 until her retirement in 2012, Ann taught at various elementary grade levels at Olde Sawmill, Wyandot, Scottish Corners, and Indian Run. During her teaching career, Ann gave freely of her time to mentor younger teachers. Above all, she loved her students and would do anything for them. After retirement, Ann volunteered her time at Habitat for Humanity, Franklin County Food Bank, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Upper Arlington Library. Ann battled cancer for many years until her death in 2018. Courage and optimism were her best traits. Ann’s husband established the scholarship to ensure that her legacy of teaching young students the wonders of learning would live on. The scholarship establishes that goal by encouraging Dublin High School students to pursue a career in education.

Award Amount:

• $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.

The Alpha Delta Kappa Xi Education Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing careers in education. This scholarship aims to recognize and foster fellowship among educators, promoting educational excellence and altruism. By providing financial assistance, it encourages aspiring educators to achieve their goals and contribute to the field of education. Eligible applicants can complete a single online application to match with multiple scholarship opportunities, streamlining the application process.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The Como Charitable Foundation Grants support various programs in human services and education, prioritizing organizations with proven community service records. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate genuine need and a solid fundraising plan. While operating support is a lower priority, proposals are reviewed year-round. The Foundation particularly favors projects benefiting Franklin Parish and surrounding areas, with a focus on capital projects and human resource improvements that promise broad public benefits.

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The Dr. Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals under 36 who exhibit exceptional promise in scholarship, teaching, and leadership. This prestigious award is available in two categories: college/university and non-college/university, with a maximum of two recipients per category each year. By recognizing emerging leaders, SHAPE America aims to inspire a new generation dedicated to advancing health and physical education.

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Organized by SHAPE America, this award highlights programs that provide inclusive physical education and recreational opportunities, ensuring that all participants can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By showcasing best practices, the award promotes innovation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusion and support in physical activity.