Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in West Virginia

Agricultural producers, nonindustrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in West Virginia can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding and technical assistance may support soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-smart improvements that could include energy efficiency measures alongside other environmental upgrades.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support operating, project, or occasional capital needs. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits, including those in West Virginia, with flexible funding that may complement solar or energy-related initiatives.

West Virginia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may benefit nonprofits focused on clean water or sustainable infrastructure, including solar-powered systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health in West Virginia can access funding through Highmark Foundation for evidence-based, health-related programs. Grants support chronic disease prevention, family and mental health, nutrition and physical activity, and improved access to care, which may benefit nonprofits integrating solar or energy-efficiency into health facilities or clinics.

Nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in West Virginia can seek support for community development, housing, education, and environmental stewardship projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides more than US $1,000 for programs that improve quality of life and may include renewable energy or green infrastructure components like solar projects.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with humanitarian, education, or self-sufficiency programs can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S. nonprofits in West Virginia working on solar-powered facilities or operations that support adult readiness, child welfare, health care, or disaster relief may be eligible.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in West Virginia and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, offering up to US $375,000 for small-scale biomedical research projects. Colleges and universities that grant baccalaureate science degrees and receive limited NIH funding may use these grants to expand faculty-led research involving undergraduates.

Nonprofit public charities seeking funding for tangible items for community-serving programs in West Virginia and nearby regions can apply for grants up to US $10,000. With a mission to foster transformative community programs, Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation provides support across areas like education, environment, health, human services, religion, and related community development efforts.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored global health research, including clinical trials. Focused on biomedical and public health fields, the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health may benefit West Virginia partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on solar or health-related initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation grants to support education, environmental projects, and healthy, vibrant communities. Organizations working on sustainability, environmental conservation, STEM education, community development, or public safety in areas where Cleveland-Cliffs operates may be eligible for program or project support.

Agricultural producers and private forest landowners in West Virginia can receive funding to enhance conservation practices such as cover crops, rotational grazing, buffer strips, and pollinator habitat while maintaining production. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture and natural resources, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of West Virginia offers 5‑year CSP contracts that may benefit farms or ranches adding solar alongside broader stewardship efforts.

Grants for West Virginia K–12 education nonprofits and schools support after-school and summer academic enrichment, tutoring, and youth development programs, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $250,000. Grants from West Virginia Department of Education may benefit organizations whose solar projects are part of broader community learning centers serving students and families outside school hours.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations (501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1)) serving West Virginia communities with programs for low- and moderate-income people can seek support for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. With a mission to build self-sufficiency and advance social and economic equality, Huntington National Bank provides program-specific grants that may benefit nonprofits adding or operating solar-powered facilities within its footprint.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can seek multi-year support for mentored health research careers through the Emerging Global Leader Award. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports projects in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, genetics, and related medical fields, which may include work by West Virginia partners.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving community health and economic resilience in West Virginia can seek support for programs that enhance access to care, wellness, education, housing, and economic stability. Highmark supports initiatives that reduce health disparities and strengthen quality of life, which may include projects where solar installations advance health, safety, or economic wellbeing.

Who We Are

Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service, challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. The Commission administers West Virginia’s AmeriCorps service programs. We also administer additional programming to help meet the state’s volunteer and community service needs.

Purpose of AmeriCorps Funding

AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture. An organization that receives an AmeriCorps Planning Grant will work with Volunteer West Virginia to develop a viable AmeriCorps program that addresses identified community needs.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps Focus Areas

Economic Opportunity

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to the improved economic well-being and security of economically disadvantaged people; help economically disadvantaged people, to have improved access to services that enhance financial literacy; transition into or remain in safe, healthy, affordable housing; and/or have improved employability leading to increased success in becoming employed.

Education  

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged children; improved school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children; improved educational and behavioral outcomes of students in low-achieving elementary, middle, and high schools; and/or support economically disadvantaged students’ preparation for success in post-secondary educational institutions.

Healthy Futures

Grants will provide support for activities that will address the opioid crisis; increase seniors’ ability to remain in their own homes with the same or improved quality of life for as long as possible; and/or increase physical activity and improve nutrition with the purpose of reducing obesity. 

Environmental Stewardship

Grants will support responsible stewardship of the environment, while preparing communities for challenging climate and environmental circumstances and helping Americans respond to and recover from disruptive events: programs that conserve natural habitats; protect clean air and water; maintain public lands; support wildland fire mitigation and sustainable forest management; cultivate individual and community resilience; and provide reforestation services after floods or fires, such as nature based solutions.

Veterans and Military Families

Grants will improve the quality of life of veterans and improve military family well-being; increase the number of veterans, wounded warriors, military service members, and their caregivers, families, and survivors served by AmeriCorps programs; and/or increase the number of veterans and military family members engaged in service through AmeriCorps programs.

Disaster Services

Grants will support increased and improved disaster services for individuals and communities to prepare and adapt to disasters, including but not limited to climate change events. Activities will provide support to increase preparedness for disasters, improve readiness to respond to disasters, support recovery efforts from disasters, and/or assist in the implementation of pre-disaster mitigation and adaptation measures. Grants will support communities and individuals in planning for disasters, in particular engaging disadvantaged communities in the planning process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia seeking funding for education-focused programs can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support initiatives like scholarships, tutoring, literacy, journalism, youth programs, arts education, community services, environmental education, and historic preservation, which may include projects that incorporate solar or energy-related education components.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions improving health, neighborhoods, or mental health and addiction in parts of West Virginia and nearby Ohio can seek project, capacity building, equipment, small capital, or operating support. Focused on community health and well-being, Sisters Health Foundation funds work that benefits residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley; awards are more than US $5,000.

Health-focused organizations planning congresses, conferences, or educational events in West Virginia can seek corporate sponsorship to support program costs in exchange for visibility and marketing benefits. Grants from Biogen Foundation help entities working in areas like neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related diseases; solar or energy-efficiency initiatives may be eligible when tied to such events.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for general operating support from Clif Family Foundation. Focused on environmental sustainability and climate justice, the foundation invites West Virginia nonprofits working on regenerative agriculture, healthy food access, or pollution-free environments to apply through its twice-yearly open call.

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

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development works to encourage strong civic engagement through INFRASTRUCTURE, SUSTAINABILITY, COMPLIANCE, and RESILIENCY. WV CAD administers state and federal programs designed to improve the quality of life in West Virginia.

Neighborhood Investment Program

What is NIP?

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. 

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.

Projects generally eligible for program participation include but are not limited to the following:

• Health clinics
• Homeless shelters
• Educational programs
• Housing programs
• Preservation/revitalization activities
• Domestic violence shelters
• Children's shelters
• Meal delivery programs
• Senior citizens' centers
• Community foundations
• Scholarship programs
• Hospice care
• Transportation programs
• Day care centers
• Counseling services
• Services for the disabled

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The EWVCF Two Rivers Giving Circle Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties focused on historic preservation and natural resource conservation. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 are available for projects like safeguarding habitats, engaging children with nature, and promoting recycling efforts. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and civic groups. A final report detailing outcomes and expenses is required by August 31 of the following year.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.