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.

Smaller 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs, including those serving rural West Virginia communities, may be eligible for support. Focused on new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, Creag Foundation invites letters of inquiry from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

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.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

Nonprofit and community organizations addressing food security, children’s health, workforce readiness, technology access, clean water, or related needs in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian Basin can seek project support from CNX Foundation. Grants prioritize tangible, measurable local impact in communities facing socio-economic challenges within CNX’s operating footprint.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.

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.