Best Grants for Youth Programs in West Virginia

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth can apply for up to US $15,000 from the Dan Paul Foundation to support health, education, development, and welfare programs, including in West Virginia. Funding may back early childhood development, youth enrichment, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee support, environmental education, and related youth-focused initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in West Virginia counties served by this funder can seek support for community economic development, education, health, arts and culture, and basic needs projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation provides quarterly discretionary grants, including initiatives that may benefit youth-focused programs.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Grants from Appalachian Community Fund help West Virginia youth-focused LGBTQ organizations in Central Appalachia build capacity, strengthen institutional resources, and support organizational development. Community-led 501(c)(3) groups or fiscally sponsored projects working in eligible Appalachian counties, especially new and emerging efforts among LGBTQ youth, can request up to US $2,000 for grassroots social change organizing and education.

West Virginia youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for community enrichment, STEM education, and environmental programs, with typical awards around Approximately US $15,000. EQT Foundation prioritizes organizations in northern West Virginia counties such as Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel that demonstrate strong community impact and effective resource management.

Youth-serving and community organizations in West Virginia and the broader Appalachian Basin can seek funding for food security, children’s health and wellness, technology access, reentry support, domestic abuse awareness, opioid response, workforce readiness, and water quality projects. CNX Foundation supports tangible, impactful, local initiatives within its operating footprint in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based groups, and government entities in West Virginia counties served by this fund can apply for Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley’s Community Impact Grants, offering up to US $7,500 for youth leadership, mentoring, and recreation programs. Funding also supports economic mobility initiatives that build long-term financial stability for local families.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education, human services, or community programs in Jefferson County, West Virginia, can seek funding to support local residents’ needs. Penn National Gaming supports community development, youth and family services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support in the communities where it operates, including parts of West Virginia.

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.

Tax-exempt organizations providing youth services, human services, faith-based programs, or public safety initiatives that benefit Cabell County residents in West Virginia can apply for Chaney Family Foundation support. Grants from Robert and Frances Chaney Family Foundation help West Virginia youth programs address abuse, addiction, poverty, and family welfare within the foundation’s defined service area.

West Virginia youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations, public institutions, and municipalities addressing Raleigh County youth experiencing poverty can access funding through Beckley Area Foundation’s Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists Grant, with awards up to US $1,000. Programs must benefit Raleigh County youth and accommodate at least one student site visit during the grant period.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions serving youth and families in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio can apply for up to US $20,000 to support capital projects, programs, capacity building, or operations. With a mission to improve community quality of life, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation prioritizes projects in its 11-county service area, including youth services and education initiatives.

Focused on youth and outdoor activities, Greater Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation invites West Virginia youth organizations to apply for funding that improves quality of life. Nonprofit organizations located in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties may be eligible for awards up to US $1,500 to support local youth and recreation projects.

Established 501(c)(3) public charities seeking funding for tangible items to support youth services and related community programs in West Virginia and nearby priority areas can apply for grants up to US $10,000. The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation favors projects that measurably benefit the broader community across education, human services, environment, health, arts, and religion.

Community organizations, schools, religious institutions, and government entities in West Virginia’s Middlebourne community can seek support for educational, religious, and community programs that benefit local residents. Grants from Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley may particularly help projects enhancing youth services, recreation, libraries, and municipal services in and around Middlebourne.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofits, schools, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups serving youth in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia can seek up to US $5,000 for programs benefiting disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation supports educational, health, athletic, arts, and community-based youth services, especially those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofits, public institutions, schools, and municipalities in West Virginia can access funding through Beckley Area Foundation for environmental preservation projects emphasizing anti-littering and youth-focused activities. Grants from the Buckner Woodford Clay, III Memorial Fund provide up to US $27,000, with projects or programs to be completed by February 28, 2027, and a preference for Raleigh County initiatives.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, schools, and municipalities running youth, arts, education, economic development, or historic preservation programs in McDowell County can access funding through Beckley Area Foundation. The Community Fund of McDowell County awards up to US $2,000 to support charitable initiatives that enhance local well-being and opportunity.

Nonprofits, schools, and public institutions supporting education initiatives for disadvantaged youth in Raleigh County, West Virginia can seek funding for innovative academic and enrichment programs. Beckley Area Foundation’s Lewis McManus Memorial Fund focuses on K–12 and academic success projects that can be completed by February 28, 2025.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public or private schools, and municipalities in Raleigh and Fayette Counties, West Virginia can apply for Beckley Area Foundation’s Youth Soccer Fund, with awards of $1,400 for youth soccer programs. Funding supports youth services that can be completed by February 28, 2026.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt, or Wood counties in West Virginia may be eligible for grants supporting financial education, youth programs, teachers, community and cultural development, seniors, veterans, and food insecurity. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation administers WV Central Federal Credit Union's Day of Giving Grant through its regional affiliates.

Nicholas County 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, and government entities in West Virginia can receive funding for youth and family services, education, recreation, and related programs. Nicholas County Community Foundation offers one-year grants of US $250 - US $10,000 for capital and equipment projects and special programs, including seed money, expansions, and pilot initiatives.

Parkersburg-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions in West Virginia can receive up to US $20,000 for youth services and related community programs. Parkersburg Area Community Foundation funds capital projects, program development, capacity building, and operating support across its 11-county region, including West Virginia counties such as Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, and others serving local youth and families.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - West Virginia

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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.