Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in West Virginia

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund aims to enhance community-based organizations' capacity for urban forestry through training and support. This initiative focuses on addressing environmental justice issues across the Mid-Atlantic region, promoting health and sustainability through increased tree canopy. By fostering inclusive decision-making, the Fund empowers organizations historically marginalized in securing funding. Projects must align with EPA's disadvantaged community criteria, ensuring equitable access to resources for environmental stewardship.

The Research Initiation Grant, offered by the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, supports new and established faculty pursuing NASA-related research. This initiative aims to foster collaborations between faculty and NASA researchers, enhancing research infrastructure at West Virginia institutions. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and align their proposals with NASA mission directorates. This funding opportunity particularly encourages those in STEM fields to apply, promoting innovation and educational outreach in science and technology.

About Us

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) is comprised of more than 6,000 men and women who work in the Division of Highways; Division of Motor Vehicles; Division of Public Transit; the Public Port Authority; the Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority (W.V. Turnpike); the State Rail Authority; and the Aeronautics Commission.

WVDOT provides essential services in transportation, tourism and economic development, including:

• Safety and protection for citizens through modern operating standards for our highways, rail and airport facilities and licensing and permitting of drivers and motor vehicles.
• Transportation services including public transit, railway operation and maintenance, airport and river port development and highway construction and maintenance.
• Community and economic development through accessible roads, rivers, railways and airports and support for the artisan community through Tamarack and other development initiatives.
• ​​Revenue generation through the highway trust fund; air, railway and waterway fuel funds and tolls and concession fees.
• ​Information and education through driver education, travel information, safety guidance, public involvement in transportation planning and continuing education.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the West Virginia Department of Transportation to create and maintain for the people of West Virginia, the United States and the world a multi-modal and inter-modal transportation system that supports the safe, effective and efficient movement of people, information and goods that enhances the opportunity for people and communities to enjoy environmentally sensitive and economically sound development.

Section 5310 Mobility Management Grant

Title 49 U.S.C. 5310 (CFDA Number 20.513) amended by MAP 21, authorizes a formula grant assistance program for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as well as, the West Virginia Division of Multimodal Transportations Facilities - Transit (Public Transit), refers to this program as “the Section 5310 Program.” FTA, on behalf of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, apportions the funds appropriated annually to the States based on an administrative formula that considers the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in each state.

The goal of the Section 5310 Program is to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the country. Towards this goal, FTA provides financial assistance for transportation services planned, designed and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas - urbanized, small urban, and rural. The program requires coordination with other federally assisted programs and services in order to make the most efficient use of Federal resources. 

Emergency Solutions Grant Program

What Is the ESG Program?

The Emergency Solutions Grant program (ESG) provides any individual experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter and essential supportive services as well as homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. Additionally the ESG program supports the activity of street outreach with the goal of connecting those individuals and families living on the streets or in areas not meant for human habitation to emergency shelter or housing options. For those unwilling or unable to access shelter, outreach workers will provide these most vulnerable individuals with portable shelter, food, clothing, and more.

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development’s (WVCAD) goal is to enable those experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of being homeless to get back on their feet by providing stable housing environments throughout the State of West Virginia. The ESG program is by no means a “hand out”, but instead a “hand up” in providing housing and supportive services with hopes that the end result is self-sustainability with no return to homelessness.

To achieve this, WVCAD provides funding and resources to multiple agencies throughout the State with dedicated staff having the local reach and knowledge necessary to serve those experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless in their communities. This includes individualized case management, equitable provisions of supportive services, housing and utility assistance, housing information, and any additional referrals as needed. These funds are made possible through an annual funding allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

ESG services are a vital component to the stability and economic development of communities throughout West Virginia by assisting individuals and families who without this program’s assistance could become or remain homeless.

What Can the ESG Program Do for You? 

ESG provides emergency shelter, including domestic violence shelter options, for individuals who are living in a place not meant for human habitation. This includes facilities that provide shelter during the day or overnight and are dedicated to providing clients with the necessary tools and services to help them get back on their feet. These agencies are staffed by employees and volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals in their communities.

The program rapidly rehouses individuals who, by no fault of their own, find themselves in a situation where they are literally homeless and are living in a place not meant for human habitation. This can be due to loss of income tied to a job loss, being trapped in a domestic violence situation, or being forced out of a residence. Agencies who provide this service follow a ‘housing first’ approach to ending homelessness in West Virginia, by getting clients into a stable housing environment as quickly as possible while providing essential services to help individuals get back on their feet. 

ESG also provides housing and utility assistance for homelessness prevention to keep individuals and families that are at imminent risk or at-risk of losing housing and have nowhere else to go gain the stability necessary to avoid experiencing homelessness. Agencies who provide homelessness prevention services can often assist individuals to keep their current housing arrangement, settle unpaid rent, provide utility assistance, or move individuals into a new location.

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

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.

Weatherization Assistance Program

What is Weatherization?

The West Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program that helps to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons or to provide such persons renewable energy systems or technologies, reduce their total residential expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden. The full scope of the WV Weatherization Assistance Program can be read in the current State Plan. 

The State of West Virginia does not provide direct assistance to households. The State awards program funds to local non-profit Community Action Agencies that provide Weatherization services in all 55 counties of West Virginia. To see who provides Weatherization in your county, check out our resource map here.

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

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.

Community Service Block Grant

The Community Service Block Grant is a federal anti-poverty program administered by the Community Advancement and Development office of the WV Department of Economic Development. CSBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and administered by the Office of Community Services ACF-OCS.

CSBG is not a competitive grant. Eligible applicants are Community Action Agencies that are designated by the Governor of West Virginia to administer the Community Services Block Grant. CSBG does not directly fund individuals but provides funding to Community Action Agencies throughout the state. The purpose in West Virginia is to aid a network of 15 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in the reduction of poverty, revitalization of low-income communities, and to provide economic opportunities for low-income families.

Organizations which were officially designated as Community Action Agencies (CAAs) under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and were specifically designated by the 1981 CSBG Act as eligible entities to receive CSBG funds.

All recipients of CSBG funds submit community action plans and budgets detailing the programs, services, and activities to be conducted using CSBG funding.

Benefits of CSBG

WV's Community Action Agencies are independent non-profit organizations each providing a unique mix of community services. CSBG funding supports projects that:

• Lessen poverty in communities
• Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless, migrants and the elderly
• Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities working on reproductive health and rights can receive support for projects expanding access to abortion and contraception in West Virginia. The Educational Foundation of America backs litigation, direct support for providers, abortion funds, and communications efforts that improve reproductive health access, including in Appalachian communities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in West Virginia aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, with no maximum limit and no cost-sharing required. Grants can be utilized for various projects, including training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community economic development, thereby fostering growth in rural areas.

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia's Saving Historic Places Grant Program aims to fund the renovation and preservation of historic school buildings in rural communities facing economic challenges. With $665,000 available for grants ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, the program seeks to combat blight and encourage community engagement in preserving significant local landmarks. The application period closes on March 1, 2024, with awards expected by May 2024, promoting sustainable development and investment.

The Highmark Foundation's School Grants Program offers up to $7,500 for schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to enhance children's health and well-being. The program supports initiatives focusing on basic needs, environmental health, mental and social health, physical health, and school nursing support. By empowering schools with these resources, the foundation aims to create nurturing environments that foster healthy habits and improve educational outcomes for all students.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Students of good moral character from Raleigh County high schools in West Virginia pursuing accredited in-state colleges or universities can receive higher education scholarship support through Beckley Area Foundation. This need-based, renewable award requires at least a B high school average and maintaining a 2.0 GPA in college, and may benefit aspiring or current teachers continuing their education.

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.

Raleigh County high school graduates pursuing early childhood education at a West Virginia college or university can receive renewable scholarship support based on both financial need and academic merit. With a mission to advance community well-being, Beckley Area Foundation provides regional students with a universal application that may also connect them to additional higher education funding opportunities.

The Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust Grant Program, managed by Wesbanco Bank, offers funding to non-profit organizations in West Virginia, particularly those from Sistersville and Tyler County. Eligible entities include schools, churches, and government organizations. The fund focuses on areas such as animal welfare, nature conservancy, and the preservation of local historical sites, supporting activities that are charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

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 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 Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in West Virginia provide essential funding for qualified organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants enable organizations to supervise and guide community members through the self-help process, fostering collaboration and skill development. Eligible areas can be determined through the USDA Eligibility Site, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. This program ultimately aims to enhance housing opportunities and empower families in rural communities.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Northeast SARE Research and Education Grants

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States. A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

• The primary audience are farmers, ranchers, and farm employees (henceforth “farmers”) that meet Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm.
• Farmers must be engaged in demonstrating the need for and the design of the project.
• Anyone who works in farming, including farmers, can lead a Research and Education project.
• The education program must be useful to farmers regardless of the results of any optional research component.

This grant program seeks innovative projects that improve existing practices or introduce existing practices to new farmer audiences.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.