Best Grants for Preschools in West Virginia

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Community Arts Project Support (CAPS) Organizational Development Grant, offered by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, provides up to $20,000 for public-facing arts projects across various artistic disciplines. This grant supports organizations in enhancing their community engagement and fostering artistic expression, ensuring that the arts thrive in local communities. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit and contribute to the cultural landscape of West Virginia.

The WV Culture: Creative Aging for Lifelong Learning (CALL) grant offers up to $5,000 for projects aimed at teaching arts skills to adults. Eligible applicants include individual artists, schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) organizations chartered in West Virginia. The program encourages community engagement and requires a 50% match from other sources. This initiative not only fosters artistic development but also promotes lifelong learning and cultural enrichment for adults in the region.

The WV Culture: Cultural Facilities and Capital Resources Fast Track program offers up to $10,000 in emergency funding to support schools, local governments, and 501(c)3 organizations. This financial assistance is aimed at renovating arts venues, enhancing accessibility, and making essential capital purchases, ensuring the preservation and improvement of cultural facilities across West Virginia.

The WV Culture: Living Traditions grant provides funding up to $5,000 for eligible organizations in West Virginia, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and local governments. This grant supports workshops and activities that promote folk and traditional arts, fostering community engagement and cultural heritage. However, it does not cover public education positions, fundraising activities, or non-arts related projects. Organizations are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to enhance cultural programming.

The WV Culture: Professional Development for Artists grant offers up to $5,000 to support professional and emerging artists in expanding their work or sharing their expertise. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and arts programs that serve the broader community in West Virginia. Organizations must meet specific tax-exempt criteria and demonstrate the capacity for matching funds to qualify for this grant, promoting community engagement through the arts.

The WV Culture: Rural Youth Engagement through Public Art Grant provides up to $5,000 to support public art projects in rural areas. It aims to actively involve local youth in the planning and implementation of these projects, fostering creativity and community engagement. Eligible applicants include schools, 501(c)(3) youth or arts organizations, and local governments, creating opportunities for collaboration and artistic expression in West Virginia.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation employs a trust-based philanthropy model, fostering collaborative partnerships with organizations in West Virginia dedicated to supporting children's holistic health. This approach emphasizes primary and secondary prevention strategies while promoting systemic change through relationship building and mutual understanding. By prioritizing less restrictive funding and streamlined processes, the foundation seeks to empower organizations that align with its mission to create lasting impact in the community.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The West Virginia Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant supports community learning centers that provide essential academic enrichment opportunities for children during non-school hours. Aimed at those from high-poverty and low-performing schools, the program fosters improved academic performance in core subjects like reading and math. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, the initiative also includes support for families, enhancing educational services and community engagement over a potential five-year funding period.

The WV Humanities Fellowship, offered by the West Virginia Humanities Council, provides $3,000 to support research and writing projects in the humanities for teachers, college faculty, and independent scholars. This fellowship encourages in-depth research and advanced study, enhancing participants' skills and contributions to the humanities. Applicants must demonstrate prior accomplishments in humanities disciplines and complete their projects within the fellowship period. Collaborative proposals are also encouraged, fostering a rich engagement with West Virginia's cultural heritage.

The West Virginia Humanities Council offers Travel Assistance Grants to support individuals associated with West Virginia museums and educational institutions in attending professional conferences. These grants promote public humanities programming and facilitate participation in significant events such as the Appalachian Studies Association and Shakespeare Association meetings. Applicants are eligible for one grant every two years, with funding covering registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals. This initiative underscores the importance of humanities engagement in local communities.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Wyoming County Medical Field Scholarship Fund

Need and merit based; Graduates from Wyoming County East, Westside, or Wyoming County Career & Technical Center located in Wyoming County, West Virginia; Must be pursuing a program of study in medical field at University of Charleston-Beckley. Should UC-Beckley cease to offer majors in medical fields or have a physical presence in southern WV, the scholarship can be award to student pursuing medical field major at any accredited school in WV. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

W.L., Catherine, Richard and Jon McBride Memorial Scholarship

Attending the WVU School of Engineering; Awarded on the basis of need and academic ability; West Virginia residents with preference being given to residents of Raleigh County.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited William L. Arbuckle Memorial Scholarship

Recipients of this award must be accepted to an accredited degree granting college or university within the Southern Appalachian Region. Recipients must be pursuing an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the field of fisheries, aquaculture, freshwater biology, or other related fields. 

Students attending the WVU School of Law or the WVU School of Engineering and Mineral Resources who are West Virginia residents can apply for Beckley Area Foundation’s Ragland–Bowers Scholarship, awarded based on financial need and academic ability. Preference is given to residents of Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming Counties, and the scholarship is not renewable.

West Virginia students pursuing law or engineering degrees at the WVU School of Law or the WVU School of Engineering and Mineral Resources can receive need- and merit-based support through this nonrenewable scholarship. Grants from Beckley Area Foundation prioritize residents of Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming Counties, and may benefit preschool-focused organizations advising families on future education pathways.

The NRA Foundation: West Virginia Grants aims to support charitable initiatives that promote firearm safety, education, and shooting sports. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and can include 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, and recognized nonprofits. Ineligible groups include labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. This funding opportunity is dedicated to fostering educational and safety programs aligned with the Foundation's mission.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in West Virginia provide crucial funding to eligible communities for preparing and recovering from emergencies threatening their drinking water supply. This federal program, administered by USDA Rural Development, supports projects such as constructing or repairing water transmission lines and sources. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring access to safe drinking water in rural areas affected by disasters like floods or chemical spills.

Welcome!

The Culture Center celebrates and preserves the Mountain State’s rich creative spirit, unique cultural traditions, and storied past. From showcasing local artists and musicians to stewarding historic sites and archives, this branch of the Department of Tourism oversees vital programs and facilities. Whether you’re interested in discovering folk art, attending live performances, researching genealogy, or exploring state history, you’ll find it here.

State Development Grant

State Development Grant Program is for brick-and-mortar preservation projects. Properties must be individually listed on or a contributing property in a historic district or/and archaeological development of a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places to be eligible for this funding. The funding source for this grant program is appropriated by the WV Legislature, through Lottery Funds.

Funding is given to projects related to at least one of the following work categories:

• Work to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property.
• Measures to defend or guard the physical condition of a property from deterioration, loss or attack, or to cover or shield the site from further danger or injury.
• Repair and alteration of a property that make it compatible for modern use, while also preserving the features that convey its historical, cultural, and architectural value. This also includes work necessary to facilitate putting the building to an appropriate use, including meeting all codes and accessibility standards.
• Work that accurately depicts the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time.
• Measures to reestablish the physical stability of a deteriorated historic property

Matching Requirement

Development Grants require a match budgeted on one-to-one (50/50) basis. Matching funds may include in-kind contributions but at least half of the sponsor’s matching funds must be cash. Only non-federal monies may be used as sources of cash. Grants are paid as reimbursement, so all grant expenditures and match resources must be expended for services completed (and approved) during the project period. 

Raleigh County high school graduates pursuing early childhood education degrees at West Virginia colleges or universities can receive renewable scholarship support based on both financial need and academic merit. With a mission to advance the community, Beckley Area Foundation provides regional students with a universal application that may benefit those preparing for preschool and early childhood careers.

Students of good moral character from Raleigh County high schools in West Virginia pursuing degrees at accredited in-state colleges or universities can receive need-based scholarship support through Beckley Area Foundation. This renewable award supports higher education costs and may benefit preschool-affiliated programs helping local families transition children into K–12 and beyond.

Survey & Planning Grants

The Survey & Planning Grant program is a funding opportunity intend to advance preservation through survey, planning, and educational activities. The funding source for this grant program is the Historic Preservation Fund, National Park Service.

Funding is given to projects that fall into one of the following categories:

• Surveys to identify and evaluate properties in area or by theme to determine whether they are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Preparation of nominations to the National Register.
• Writing long-range community historic preservation plans, or historic context statements, or ordinances, regulations, or design standards.
• Development, purchase, or implementation of technologies which advance preservation planning goals.
• Printing and distribution of plans, planning studies, ordinances, regulations or other similar documents.
• Assist in the development of historic structure reports, feasibility studies, or project plans and specifications.
• Programs and publications that increase awareness and knowledge of preservation and the state’s rich heritage. 

Matching Requirement

For grant recipients that are not part of or partnering with a Certified Local Government, the match requirement is 60/40. This means the recipient will be awarded 60% of the total project cost. Match for Certified Local Governments is 70/30, meaning that the CLG will be awarded 70% of the total project cost. Only non-federal monies may be used as sources of cash. Grants are paid as reimbursement, so all grant expenditures and match resources must be expended for services completed (and approved) during the project period. Work conducted prior to entering a grant agreement is not eligible for reimbursement.

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

Preschools and other 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia can use this funding for literacy-focused programming, including projects serving children through the arts or environmental and social justice themes. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help eligible nonprofits cover project costs and, when tied to programming, related general operating needs; typical awards are up to US $5,000.

The Maier Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing higher education in West Virginia. It provides grants to support educational initiatives and cultural organizations within the Kanawha Valley. To be eligible, applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The foundation does not fund direct scholarships to individuals or grants to non-tax-exempt entities, ensuring its resources support educational advancement effectively.