Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in West Virginia

Nonprofits, churches, and community organizations within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, including parts of West Virginia, can apply for Pitcairn Crabbe Foundation’s grants supporting religious work, Christian education, community improvement, and relief of distress. West Virginia educators and schools with qualifying community or Christian education initiatives may be eligible and must first submit an online LOI.

Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help West Virginia 501(c)(3) organizations fund literacy, children’s programs, arts, social justice, and environmental initiatives, with awards up to US $5,000. Nonprofits focused on teacher-led literacy or youth education efforts may be eligible for project, program, or related general operating support.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The Dunn Foundation Grant supports initiatives focused on social justice, population stability, and environmental issues in West Virginia. Preference is given to non-profit organizations engaged in coalition building, climate change, sustainable forestry, and alternative energy. The foundation encourages innovative funding methods, including real estate acquisition and donations, to achieve its goals. Applicants must be public charities with a 501(c)(3) determination letter, ensuring their projects lead to meaningful societal and environmental improvements.

Welcome!

The Culture Center celebrates and preserves the Mountain State’s rich creative spirit, unique cultural traditions, and storied past. From showcasing local artists and musicians to stewarding historic sites and archives, this branch of the Department of Tourism oversees vital programs and facilities. Whether you’re interested in discovering folk art, attending live performances, researching genealogy, or exploring state history, you’ll find it here.

State Development Grant

State Development Grant Program is for brick-and-mortar preservation projects. Properties must be individually listed on or a contributing property in a historic district or/and archaeological development of a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places to be eligible for this funding. The funding source for this grant program is appropriated by the WV Legislature, through Lottery Funds.

Funding is given to projects related to at least one of the following work categories:

• Work to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property.
• Measures to defend or guard the physical condition of a property from deterioration, loss or attack, or to cover or shield the site from further danger or injury.
• Repair and alteration of a property that make it compatible for modern use, while also preserving the features that convey its historical, cultural, and architectural value. This also includes work necessary to facilitate putting the building to an appropriate use, including meeting all codes and accessibility standards.
• Work that accurately depicts the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time.
• Measures to reestablish the physical stability of a deteriorated historic property

Matching Requirement

Development Grants require a match budgeted on one-to-one (50/50) basis. Matching funds may include in-kind contributions but at least half of the sponsor’s matching funds must be cash. 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. 

Frontier Statehood Preservation Fund

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia announces $500,000 in special grant funding through the Frontier to Statehood Preservation Fund. This historic preservation grant program is dedicated to the rehabilitation and adaptive or continued use of certified historic buildings constructed as of 1871 – when, in a case called Virginia v. West Virginia (1871), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the legitimacy of the creation of the state of West Virginia in 1863.

Grant funds will support up to ten grant awards for the preservation and restoration of buildings that tell the story of colonial settlement in the Appalachian Mountains, the American Revolution, and the road to statehood, with a focus on creating, advancing, and/or sustaining service/amenity providers and cultural heritage tourism destinations in West Virginia. All properties must be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or included as a contributing structure in a National Register Historic District. Grant funding is made possible through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant via the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

This is a competitive grant program open to members of the public. 

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.

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.

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 HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in West Virginia provide crucial funding to eligible communities for preparing and recovering from emergencies threatening their drinking water supply. This federal program, administered by USDA Rural Development, supports projects such as constructing or repairing water transmission lines and sources. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring access to safe drinking water in rural areas affected by disasters like floods or chemical spills.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The NRA Foundation: West Virginia Grants aims to support charitable initiatives that promote firearm safety, education, and shooting sports. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and can include 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, and recognized nonprofits. Ineligible groups include labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. This funding opportunity is dedicated to fostering educational and safety programs aligned with the Foundation's mission.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

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 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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Ritton Family Foundation, along with Par Mar Stores, offers the Par Mar Stores Scholarship Program to support students pursuing higher education. This initiative awards multiple scholarships annually to eligible high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, or Kentucky. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, with opportunities for reapplication each year.

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.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

George A. Bragg Scholarship

West Virginia high school graduate attending a West Virginia college or university pursuing a degree in criminal justice, creative writing, or visual art; Awarded based educational merit with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.​

This scholarship is not renewable.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural land use. It offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to protect and enhance the conservation values of working farms and wetlands. Through financial assistance, NRCS supports eligible partners in maintaining land for agriculture and restoring degraded wetlands. This program is crucial for preserving West Virginia's agricultural landscape and promoting sustainable land management practices.

West Virginia residents pursuing law or engineering degrees at the WVU School of Law or the WVU School of Engineering and Mineral Resources can apply for this need- and merit-based scholarship. Grants from Beckley Area Foundation give preference to students from Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming Counties, supporting their higher education costs and professional preparation.

Students and prospective students attending the WVU School of Law or the WVU School of Engineering and Mineral Resources in West Virginia can apply for Beckley Area Foundation’s Ragland–Bowers Scholarship, awarded based on financial need and academic ability. West Virginia residents, with preference for Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming County residents, may benefit.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on conserving agricultural viability through Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). By limiting non-agricultural uses, the program enhances wetlands and grazing lands, providing vital habitat restoration. NRCS supports landowners with technical and financial assistance to restore and protect wetlands. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring ongoing opportunities for eligible participants to engage in conservation efforts and preserve ecological integrity in West Virginia.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.