Best Head Start Grants in West Virginia

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia working on early childhood education, family empowerment, health, or environmental conservation can apply for the James M Cox Foundation Grant to support capital projects or special program expansions. Organizations must operate in a community served by a Cox business and may benefit Head Start or similar early learning initiatives.

Preschool and early learning organizations in West Virginia offering family literacy services can receive up to US $10,000 to support adult education, children’s education, and Parent and Child Together Time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children and young adults up to age 21 through arts, education, health, welfare, or early learning programs can apply for up to US $10,000 from the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation. Grants from Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation help West Virginia preschool and Head Start programs expand services for young learners.

Summers County classroom teachers in grades Pre-K–12 can receive up to US $500 to implement innovative, creative learning projects that directly involve and benefit students. With a mission to support education, Hinton Area Foundation provides West Virginia early learning and K–12 educators with mini-grants to enhance instruction and improve measurable student achievement.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in West Virginia can apply for National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day School Grants Program, with awards up to US $1,000 for park-based learning experiences. Funding supports trips to parks and public lands, program fees, transportation, materials, and stewardship-focused activities that incorporate outdoor recreation, environmental education, or history.

Preschool and early learning educators in West Virginia can use this grant to purchase and care for small classroom pets that support student development. Focused on classroom-based animal interaction, Pets in the Classroom invites pre-K through 9th grade teachers and other school staff in the U.S. and Canada to apply for up to US $50.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government entities working on early learning, youth development, family services, or community wellness can seek operating, program, or capital support in West Virginia and beyond. With a mission to help people reach their full potential, Cdv5 Foundation provides flexible funding reviewed quarterly for child, family, and community-focused initiatives.

Early learning and K–12 education providers in West Virginia and across the U.S. can seek support for innovative, student-centered education models. Yass Foundation for Education supports organizations advancing sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless learning through the Yass Prize, which awards US $1,000,000 to a leading education changemaker each year.

501(c)(3) organizations improving early learning and youth educational outcomes can apply for Comis Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $75,000. With a mission to equip children to explore, learn, and thrive, the foundation supports pilot programs, capacity building, and innovative models, including national initiatives that may benefit Head Start efforts in West Virginia.

Preschool and early learning providers, schools, and 501(c)(3) charities in West Virginia working in AEP’s service territory can seek funding for STEM education and basic needs programs. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help support early childhood through higher education, hunger and housing services, social justice initiatives, and related community programs; invitations to apply come via local AEP operating companies.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers serving early childhood educators can request up to US $500,000 over three years to scale or innovate workforce models that improve outcomes for young children. With a mission to strengthen early educator quality, Stranahan Foundation supports projects like coaching, leadership development, and substitute teacher pools, which may benefit Head Start and preschool networks in West Virginia.

Early learning and education nonprofits in West Virginia can seek large-scale support for programs, scholarships, capital projects, and limited general or endowment needs that strengthen student success. Focused on higher education but also funding early childhood, K–12, STEM, and educator development, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation backs U.S. 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses over $2 million; awards more than US $100,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in West Virginia can apply for the Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation’s grants of More than US $10,000 to support early childhood education and related community needs. Programs in preschool or early learning, especially in rural communities, may be competitive alongside projects in health, arts, disabilities, and support for veterans and first responders.

Nonprofit and community organizations supporting early childhood development and preschool learning can apply for Ohio Children’s Foundation grants, including work in West Virginia. Grants up to US $20,000 fund programs for at-risk children ages 0–5, parent engagement, early literacy, and advocacy to expand access to high-quality early childhood education.

Head Start and early childhood organizations in West Virginia can use this program to access free bilingual kindergarten-readiness materials for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers. Grants from The Molina Foundation help distribute the On My Way to Kindergarten/En Camino al Kinder activity books and online songs, games, crafts, and stories to support preschool and early learning.

High school seniors planning to study early childhood education can receive scholarship support for higher education, benefiting future preschool and early learning programs in West Virginia and beyond. Greater Salina Community Foundation’s Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship assists students in good academic standing who are accepted to an accredited college with this intended major.

Private or Christian pre-school, primary, and secondary schools in West Virginia serving students with disabilities under IDEA can access funding through the Chloe E. O’Neal Education Scholarship Fund. Beckley Area Foundation provides need-based, renewable scholarships for eligible Raleigh County, WV residents, which may benefit early learning and Head Start–adjacent programs in the region.

AISD high school students aspiring to become early childhood educators can receive scholarship support for higher education, including programs similar to Head Start, from Austin Community Foundation; awards US $5,000. This national listing may benefit West Virginia early learning stakeholders seeking examples of funding focused on preschool and early childhood education pathways.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Meghan Lynn Rippeon by providing a scholarship for any senior graduating from a Carroll County, Maryland high school who has shown academic achievement and is pursuing an education in early childhood development and who has been accepted at an accredited College, University, or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students, i.e. those that are already in college, who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.

The Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Fund, established in 1948, supports graduating seniors from Albuquerque metro area high schools who demonstrate strong academic performance and community service. Annually, one to four scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to students pursuing careers in child development and teaching. The fund emphasizes the importance of community involvement and academic excellence, encouraging students to share their career goals and financial needs through an essay as part of their application.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The Fash Foundation Grants aim to support and enhance children's education and the arts in Tarrant County, Texas. The Foundation prioritizes contributions to higher education institutions that align with its mission statement. Grants are awarded to initiatives that promote health and educational advancements in various disciplines including sciences and the arts. The Foundation seeks to foster a nurturing environment for children's educational growth.

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.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.