Best Grants for Rural Development in West Virginia

West Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies working on community development or health initiatives can receive support for innovative programs and systems change. Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation provides up to US $200,000 for projects such as improving health care access, preventive health, civic engagement, leadership development, and technology access, which may benefit rural communities statewide.

With a mission to strengthen communities, nonprofits and government entities in West Virginia can seek support for community economic development, education, health, arts and culture, and basic needs projects through the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Eligible applicants must serve Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and/or Putnam counties, with quarterly application opportunities and required coordination with a program officer.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations with scalable solutions for underserved communities can receive up to US $300,000 in flexible support, plus intensive capacity-building and community. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports social and environmental ventures in the U.S., including West Virginia, whose rural development work can reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified government agencies in West Virginia can access funding through the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation for education and economic development initiatives, including rural communities. Grants support teacher development, early learning, extended learning, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic growth that create high-quality jobs and strengthen local economies.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in West Virginia can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Rural development projects involving neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, job training, or community safety may be eligible.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

West Virginia health-focused 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding through Highmark Foundation to run evidence-based programs improving community health. Eligible projects include chronic disease prevention, family and mental health, maternal and senior care, and improved access to care and screenings, including for rural residents, at hospitals, community health centers, clinics, and other health service organizations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations supporting health, education, or community programs in rural West Virginia can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to expand services and outreach. Funding may support food pantries, healthcare for underserved residents, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives that strengthen local communities and rural development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S. and demonstrate sound management, broad service reach, and a substantial impact on their target populations and general welfare.

Rural, grassroots community groups in West Virginia working on social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for organizing, capacity building, and travel assistance. Eligible projects include education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement efforts, with awards up to US $3,500 per year for organizations in the rural South.

West Virginia rural development organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for community development, basic needs, housing, workforce training, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program supports projects that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural life of communities.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

West Virginia rural development organizations such as nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions can access funding to capitalize microloan revolving funds and provide training for rural microentrepreneurs. West Virginia rural development groups can access funding through USDA to offer working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, and other support to very small rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Awards range up to US $500,000.

West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program

WV Rivers is here to support YOUR efforts in YOUR community!

The WV Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program supports communities growing collective power to influence decision makers and secure safe, healthy water for all.

Since 2019, WV Rivers has provided more than $100,000 to support more than 60 projects to improve water quality and awareness across the state. Through our mini-grant program, WV Rivers has supported dozens of powerful grassroots projects across the state — defending headwaters, uplifting frontline voices, and taking real action on clean water and climate. Grants have:

• Powered marches for justice in Minden, policy summits on chemical safety, and Black Policy Day at the Capitol
• Funded PFAS testing and air monitoring in impacted communities from the Eastern Panhandle to Wyoming County
• Supported pipeline resistance, coal mine monitoring, and advocacy for safe drinking water
• Enabled youth-led engagement at E-Day, community art like murals and mapping, and clean-ups on the Little Coal and Town Run
• Boosted rain barrel workshops, leadership retreats, and climate education through faith-based outreach
• Backed efforts to fight harmful development, from the Kanawha Forest to the Corridor H highway

Whether it’s helping to upgrade Big Laurel Learning Center’s rain cistern and supporting their water policy advocacy lessons or helping neighbors in crisis through From Below’s water distribution in southern West Virginia, these mini-grants are more than dollars — they’re a spark for justice, resilience, and community-powered change.

This Fund is a project of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice issues related to the presence of industrial pollution in their immediate communities and more. This fund is made possible by The Cloud Mountain Foundation, The Justice and Peace Fund, The Heinz Foundation, Erol Foundation, and Beyond Petrochemicals, a project of Resources Legacy Fund made possible by support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This program is also made possible by the support of individual donors – people like you who share our belief that small, localized actions can make a powerful difference.

Rural West Virginia communities seeking to renovate certified historic school buildings can apply for competitive, reimbursable funding that supports economic development and community revitalization. Focused on rural development, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia will award one US $50,000 grant, with priority for projects in high-poverty areas that provide local benefits, create housing or jobs, and leverage matching funds.

Nonprofit organizations seeking funds for tangible items to support community, human services, education, environment, health, arts, or religious programs in West Virginia can apply for grants up to US $10,000. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation gives precedence to northern West Virginia counties, and rural development or community improvement projects may be especially competitive.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia using grassroots organizing strategies can apply for the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle to support general operations or specific projects. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups advancing social, economic, and environmental justice, which may include rural development efforts in underserved Appalachian communities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Public and nonprofit transportation providers in West Virginia serving seniors and individuals with disabilities can seek funding for mobility management and specialized transit services through the Section 5310 Program. West Virginia Department of Transportation administers these federal funds to improve public transportation and basic human needs access, including in rural communities, with coordinated services across urban, small urban, and rural areas.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in West Virginia can receive US $100,000 - US $500,000 to support small rural businesses through USDA Rural Development. Funding may cover technical assistance, training, facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, business planning, and broader community and technology-based economic development benefiting eligible rural areas.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofit corporations, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural West Virginia can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Eligible projects include health care, public safety, community support, educational, utility, and local food system facilities in communities under 20,000 residents.

State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural West Virginia can seek USDA Rural Development support to address emergencies threatening safe drinking water; awards up to US $1,000,000 fund waterline repairs, extensions, and new water sources or treatment. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, USDA: Rural Development (RD) provides rural development projects with critical emergency water infrastructure funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in West Virginia can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation funds charitable initiatives that respect people, the environment, and rural communities, so rural development projects that fit these priorities may be eligible.