Best Grants for Preschools in West Virginia

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Preschools and youth-serving nonprofits in West Virginia that support children may receive in-kind toy donations to enhance play and learning. With a mission to expand access to play, The Toy Foundation provides vetted organizations with quarterly toy pickups from regional facilities for distribution to the children they serve.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to foster green spaces and tree planting on their campuses. By meeting five key standards, institutions can achieve national recognition, which enhances community pride and contributes to environmental sustainability. Participation not only supports ecological health but also offers mental health benefits for students and faculty, making campuses more vibrant and livable.

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The CNX Foundation Grant aims to enhance the Appalachian region through strategic investments totaling $30 million. With a focus on sustainability and community development, the grant addresses pressing socio-economic challenges such as food insecurity, health and wellness for children, and technological access. By fostering local initiatives, CNX Foundation aspires to create measurable impacts that uplift communities and promote long-term growth, embodying their commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

The Sam and Maud Turner & Carole Ann Turner Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from select high schools in Southern West Virginia. This scholarship encourages students to pursue higher education, offering financial assistance tailored to their specific needs and academic goals. By fostering educational opportunities, the foundation reinforces its commitment to enhancing community welfare and student success in the region.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Robert and Margaret Sayre Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports non-traditional students aged 25 and older in their pursuit of higher education. This initiative is part of the Foundation's broader mission to enhance community welfare through charitable giving. By offering tailored scholarships, the Foundation aims to empower local students, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute positively to Southern West Virginia.

The Physician Assistant Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support students from Raleigh County, WV, pursuing a degree as a physician's assistant at accredited West Virginia colleges. This scholarship considers both merit and financial need, providing essential financial assistance to help local students achieve their educational aspirations. Through a universal application process, eligible students can access multiple scholarship opportunities with ease, ensuring a streamlined approach to funding their higher education.

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.

Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Program

The Department of Agriculture developed the Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Program to integrate veterans into the field of agriculture, and support veterans currently working in agriculture. These programs may include, but are not limited to, using post-mine land for agricultural development, promoting high tunnel crops and production, expanding the apiary industry, developing cottage industries, exploring niche crops, raising more livestock, increasing the aquaculture industry and helping veterans promote their agricultural products through farmers markets and cooperatives.

Veterans and Heroes Agribusiness Pitch Competition

The WVDA Agribusiness Pitch Competition aims to encourage law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical service, first responders, veterans, active-duty military, and/or their spouses and family to engage in agriculture, and agribusiness ventures. The initiative also aims to ensure the continuous creation of investible ideas and start up originators that will contribute to enhancing the Department of Agriculture’s food security objectives and economic growth.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Natalie Jo Smith Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in nursing, education, or ministry. Applicants must be West Virginia high school graduates, meet the university's academic standards, and demonstrate active participation in the Nazarene Church within the West Virginia South or North District. This scholarship aims to empower local students and foster their educational ambitions.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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 Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

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.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation aims to foster human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by strategically distributing charitable resources. Guided by principles of collaboration and innovation, the Foundation supports community development and health initiatives. Their focus includes enhancing health care accessibility, promoting leadership, and addressing social determinants of health. They prioritize projects that engage diverse community members and encourage cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact and sustainability in these regions.

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 Dennis Aaron Plumley Scholarship, offered by the Beckley Area Foundation, awards engineering students from Raleigh County, West Virginia, attending WVU or WVU Tech. Founded in 1985, the Foundation promotes charitable giving to strengthen local communities. This renewable scholarship prioritizes academic achievement and financial need, with a preference for Shady Spring High School graduates. The Beckley Area Foundation's mission encompasses various funding priorities, including education, health, and community improvement initiatives.