Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public agencies in West Virginia can access funding for community development and health initiatives, including prevention, access to care, and leadership development. The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation offers grants up to US $200,000 for projects that strengthen public health infrastructure, expand technology access, and improve nonprofit and public sector effectiveness.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities serving Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, or Putnam counties in West Virginia can seek support for community economic development, education, health, arts and culture, and basic needs projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation provides quarterly discretionary grants through a multi-step application process involving program officers.

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation provides West Virginia nonprofits and public agencies with grants for education and economic development initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified government units can seek support for teacher development, early childhood education, extended learning, career readiness, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic growth, with an emphasis on innovative, collaborative, and cross-regional projects.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in West Virginia can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Funding may benefit programs in areas like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education success.

West Virginia nonprofits focused on community health can access funding through Highmark Foundation to run evidence-based programs improving health outcomes. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities may propose initiatives in chronic disease prevention, family and mental health, access to care, community health clinics, screenings, or healthcare workforce development across communities served by Highmark and its affiliates.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions facing unforeseen, time-sensitive needs can access funding through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Grants, with awards up to US $4,000. Eligible projects must serve the foundation’s 11-county area, with priority for communities where PACF is the only community foundation.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on health care or education can apply for funding to benefit residents of Harrison and Lewis Counties. Focused on improving local health services and educational opportunities, the George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply through the JPMorgan foundation finder portal.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 from the Hansen Family Foundation for programs in children’s services, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture. Focused on broad community and humanitarian impact, the foundation welcomes requests from West Virginia nonprofits that fit its mission.

Parkersburg Area Community Foundation provides West Virginia nonprofits and public institutions with grants up to US $20,000 for community programs and projects. Funding supports arts and culture, education, health and human services, youth and family services, recreation, and community and economic development, with emphasis on capital needs, program development, capacity building, and operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio can seek up to US $20,000 for capital projects, program development, capacity building, or limited operating support. With a mission to improve community quality of life, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation prioritizes arts, education, health, human services, recreation, youth, family, and community and economic development projects in its 11-county service area.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations may be eligible for project support, including those connected to West Virginia. Focused on educational access and equity, the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund offers approximately US $77,000 for year-round, direct-service programs with proven impact and strong financial accountability.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms in West Virginia pursuing impact litigation can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Cases advancing economic, environmental, racial, or social justice for communities facing systemic oppression may be supported, including class actions and significant multi-plaintiff cases.

Nonprofit organizations, most state and local governments, and federally recognized tribes in rural West Virginia can seek USDA Rural Development funding to address emergencies threatening safe drinking water, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Grants support constructing or repairing water transmission lines, and developing new water sources, intakes, or treatment facilities in eligible low-income rural areas.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural West Virginia can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program to fund water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects. Eligible rural areas include towns under 10,000 people, tribal lands, and colonias lacking commercial credit options.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, local governments, and individual artists in West Virginia can receive up to US $5,000 for group arts projects that teach new skills to adults. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History supports creative aging, adult education, and art education initiatives that engage community members in lifelong learning.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions offering professional development for artists can apply for up to US $5,000 to help artists expand their work or share their expertise. The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History supports organizations providing training and development opportunities for professional and emerging artists statewide.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

West Virginia nonprofits and community partners working on farming and food systems can access funding through Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education for social science research and education projects. Awards of US $50,000 - US $250,000 support community-based, farmer-informed initiatives that improve the health and sustainability of agricultural communities across the Northeast region, including West Virginia.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in West Virginia can seek funding for fee and easement land acquisition projects that enhance resilient, connected habitats and community benefits. The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program offers up to US $100,000 for eligible projects within its Appalachians Program boundary.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in West Virginia working on youth education, basic needs, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can seek funding for community programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Chick Fil A Foundation provides grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 to U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities in select countries.

Nonprofit and community organizations in West Virginia working on historic preservation, community heritage, or land conservation planning can apply for grants up to US $7,500 to support preservation planning and education projects. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help fund professional consulting, feasibility studies, community forums, and innovative public outreach that protect natural and cultural resources.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in West Virginia can seek $100,000 - $500,000 to support small rural businesses through training, technical assistance, and community economic development projects. USDA Rural Development funds land and facility improvements, revolving loan funds, transportation, incubators, and technology-based rural business development.