Best Grants for New Nonprofits in West Virginia

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center litigates, educates, advocates, and provides grants to nonprofits to eradicate social injustices. 

We pursue litigation through our own efforts as well as funding others in the following fifteen issue areas: Access to Benefits, Children’s Rights, Disability Rights, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Due Process, Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Homelessness, Housing, Native American Rights, Prisoners’ Rights, Refugee and Immigration Rights, Voting Rights, and Veterans’ Rights.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

We make grants to organizations that undertake systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas. The Center funds litigation matters that are consistent with our namesake Barbara McDowell’s past legal efforts and her beliefs regarding social justice.

Applications must be for a specific social justice legal case, including the filing of an appeal. Grant funds are to be used only for attorney time charges and litigation expenses related to the specific case for which an organization is applying to be funded. 

The Littleton-Griswold Prize in American Law and Society, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly works in the history of American law and society. Established in 1961, this annual award seeks books demonstrating high literary merit, with eligibility for works published in 2024. Recipients will be announced in October 2025, with a formal recognition ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating significant contributions to the field.

About Us

Columbus Citizens Foundation celebrates Italian heritage and culture through a broad range of philanthropic and educational activities. The Foundation’s Scholarship program has supported thousands of deserving Italian American students, offering them a chance to fulfill their academic dreams and excel in their endeavors. Since 1929, the Foundation’s most public activity is organizing New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement in the world. CCF offers many programs throughout the year celebrating Italian language, culture, history, and the many connections between Italy and the United States that extend across several centuries and continue to the present day.

CCF Medical School Scholarship

Since 2017, Columbus Citizens Foundation has been awarding scholarships to promising medical school students of Italian heritage. The scholarship that launched CCF’s medical school offerings in 2017 is primarily funded by, and candidates selected in partnership with, the Morgagni Medical Society, an organization founded in 1890 in order to foster the professional, intellectual, and economic development of Italian American physicians.

In 2021, CCF launched the Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Medical School Scholarship, to be awarded annually to Italian American students who exemplify the values and determination of Dr. Fauci. The scholarship supports students with great academic prowess seeking financial aid at the graduate level in medical and public health fields of study.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation invites applications for its discretionary grantmaking programs, focusing on Community Economic Development, Education, Health, Arts & Culture, and Basic Needs. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 nonprofits or government entities serving specific counties in West Virginia. The application process involves submitting a Project Summary form to a Program Officer and following the pre-proposal and final proposal deadlines. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and support diverse projects.

The J. Waldo Smith Hydraulic Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1938, supports graduate students pursuing experimental hydraulics research. With a focus on practical experiments to advance knowledge in hydraulic flow, this fellowship is awarded to up to two deserving members annually, aiding in tuition and living expenses. Preference is given to Associate Members, fostering the education of future leaders in civil engineering.

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The Beveridge Family Prize in American History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association since 1945, recognizes exceptional historical writing. Eligible works include biographies, monographs, and interpretations published in 2024. This prestigious award honors Senator Albert J. Beveridge and aims to promote outstanding scholarship on American, Latin American, and Canadian history. Recipients will be announced in October 2025 and celebrated at the 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The Jack E. Leisch Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports full-time graduate students in transportation planning and traffic operations. This fellowship honors Jack E. Leisch's contributions to civil engineering and offers approximately $5,000 to deserving candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need, ensuring support for future leaders in the field.

The Freeman Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1924, supports young engineers pursuing graduate studies in hydraulic engineering. Awarded annually to up to three deserving students, it covers tuition, research, and living expenses. This fellowship encourages the next generation of civil engineers to excel in their education and contributes to the advancement of the field, reflecting ASCE's commitment to fostering talent within the profession.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant

The Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant Program helps scholars share new research and insights about Herbert Hoover and his enduring impact on American public life, humanitarian service, and global affairs. By supporting presentations at scholarly conferences and professional gatherings, the program encourages broader understanding and appreciation of the ideas, values, and legacy of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries offers financial support to underfunded schools to enhance their library collections, promoting literacy and a passion for reading. Eligible applicants include Title 1 public schools and private institutions with at least 50% of students qualifying for financial aid. The grant funds can be utilized exclusively for books, periodicals, and subscriptions, ensuring that all students have access to diverse reading materials. Applications require a designated librarian and completion of necessary documentation.

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to graduating seniors of Trumbull County public high schools planning to major in education or pursue a teaching career in K-12 education and to Trumbull County public high school graduates that are in their Junior or Senior year of college and studying education or pursuing a teaching career in K-12 education.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications for a Training Center under the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). This initiative aims to enhance professional development for librarians, community engagement, and access to health information. By fostering partnerships and disseminating NIH resources, the NNLM will broaden its impact and improve public understanding of health data and information. The NTC will develop innovative training curricula and materials to meet diverse audience needs.

Robert J. & Kathryn W. Davis Scholarship

Award:

4-year award of $7,500 per year, renewable each year. Student must maintain a 2.75 GPA and remain in their major to renew their award each year. Possible medical school awards could follow if applicant moves on to medical school.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship Fund

The Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship was established by Barbara in honor of her parents who provided a good home and strong upbringing for her. The fund provides a scholarship to graduates and graduating seniors of Battle Creek area public high schools who are pursuing a career in education.

The National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) program, funded by the NSF, aims to enhance research capabilities across critical technologies. By creating an open-access network of user facility Sites, NQNI will support advancements in quantum technologies, AI, and more. This initiative encourages collaboration and innovation, providing resources for education, training, and workforce development to meet future national needs in quantum information science and engineering.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Wright, Gary C Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Gary C Wright by his family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District intending to major in education with preference given to those in math and/or science.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.
• Awards are non-renewable.

Amount:

• $250 - $500

The Fund for UU Social Responsibility Grant supports Unitarian Universalist organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on social justice, community engagement, and fostering generosity. With backing from the Unitarian Universalist Association, the program encourages innovative projects that promote the values of Unitarian Universalism while enhancing community involvement. Grants are typically for one year, with potential for renewal based on project success and community impact.

The Chapman Prize, established by the Daniel and Barbara Chapman Trust, honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to American society. Each year, the award focuses on a theme; in 2025, it will spotlight Economic Prosperity. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens and nonprofits with three years of charitable work demonstrating impact in the chosen field. Approximately $100,000 will be awarded annually to support endeavors that enhance economic prosperity through various initiatives.

The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program by NSF aims to enhance contemporary biology through innovative research tools and methods. It focuses on developing or redesigning infrastructure in bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects should significantly advance biological understanding and be applicable to a wider research community. Proposals should aim at transforming biological research by either creating novel tools or adapting existing ones in meaningful ways, addressing fundamental questions in the biological sciences.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA), who established the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is awarded to students continuing their education at Muskegon Community College, or pursuing an education at another college or university.

The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science program engages Indigenous K-12 students through fun coding and robotics activities. By utilizing Sphero BOLT and Indi robots, students gain hands-on experience in STEM and computer science, fostering greater interest and competency in these fields. Participating schools receive essential materials and training, promoting a culturally relevant learning experience. Priority is given to middle schools, encouraging greater participation in STEM+CS education among Native students.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.