Best Public Infrastructure Grants in West Virginia

Local governments and other entities planning public infrastructure and community-based economic development projects in West Virginia can access funding through the West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Grant Program. Grants up to US $4,000,000 support water, sewer, broadband, site development, business development, and workforce training, with matching funds required.

West Virginia 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce readiness, youth development, arts access, or community well-being programs. Focused on skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability, RBC Foundation USA invites nonprofits in communities where it has a business presence and active community involvement to apply.

The FY26 Bollards Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance pedestrian safety by funding bollard installation projects. This initiative targets areas frequented by large crowds to prevent injuries and potential acts of terrorism. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation and local government entities, with a 100% federal funding share for projects. This program is vital for improving public safety in urban environments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Public agencies and other eligible entities developing or expanding marine highway transportation projects, including those serving West Virginia, can apply for the Maritime Administration’s United States Marine Highway Program grants, with awards up to US $12,000,000. Funding supports public infrastructure and mass transit-related projects that offer alternatives to landside transportation and help reduce congestion.

State and local transportation agencies in West Virginia seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies can apply for competitive ATTAIN grants, with awards up to US $12,000,000. Grants from DOT Federal Highway Administration help public infrastructure projects improve safety, mobility, efficiency, congestion management, and overall system performance through innovative technology deployment and operations.

Focused on transportation research and policy, Arnold Ventures invites West Virginia public infrastructure and transit-focused organizations to propose U.S.-based studies or policy reforms. Eligible projects include research, expanded data sets, or implementation models on issues like capital investment reform, cost estimation, mobility access, permitting, procurement, and intergovernmental dynamics, with awards up to US $200,000.

Nonprofit-led community partnerships implementing publicly funded infrastructure projects in West Virginia can seek US $45,000 - US $120,000 to support jobs, workforce development, and inclusive economic strategies. The Funders' Network’s Partners for Places initiative backs human infrastructure for water-related and other public infrastructure efforts, requiring at least a 50% cash match from a place-based or regional funder.

West Virginia public infrastructure entities serving very small, financially distressed rural communities can access funding through USDA: Rural Development for predevelopment planning of water and waste disposal projects. Eligible state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes may use funds for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance to prepare full project financing applications.

Researchers evaluating social programs and policies in areas like public infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, and public finance in West Virginia can apply for support from Arnold Ventures. With a mission to improve systems through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for rigorous quasi-experimental studies that generate causal evidence to inform government decision-making.

Organizations developing industrial energy storage solutions that improve efficiency and support public or industrial energy infrastructure, including those in West Virginia, can compete for up to US $700,000 through the Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize. With a mission to advance industrial decarbonization, the U.S. Department of Energy supports concepts for cooling, high-temperature, and hybrid thermal storage across three phased prize rounds.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes working on public infrastructure in West Virginia can access funding for tribal transportation program (TTP) bridges through the Federal Highway Administration. Support covers planning, design, engineering, pre-construction, construction, and inspection, as well as rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety or deicing countermeasures for eligible bridges in poor condition or with low load capacity.

State and local governments, Tribal governments, counties, transit agencies, and port authorities in West Virginia can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The US Department of Transportation’s BUILD program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional public infrastructure and transit projects across the U.S., including territories.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on community traffic safety and public infrastructure in West Virginia can apply for National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports innovative, evidence-based projects that improve road safety, address disparities, and can be replicated or scaled across U.S. communities.

With a mission to strengthen communities and expand opportunity, SC Johnson Giving provides West Virginia public infrastructure and community organizations with grants for health, sustainability, environmental conservation, and community development projects. Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities and government entities may receive support, particularly when serving communities near SC Johnson operations, including public facilities and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits planning temporary street safety pilot projects in small to mid-sized West Virginia cities may be eligible for up to US $25,000 to improve dangerous arterial roads and reconnect divided neighborhoods. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program supports joint teams in a national cohort with training, technical assistance, and a required one-month demonstration project.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in West Virginia’s ARC-designated Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical public infrastructure and workforce projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides flexible Area Development investments for water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, and related economic development infrastructure.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on public infrastructure, transportation, or related STEM initiatives in West Virginia communities where GM operates may be eligible for this corporate giving program. Focus areas include public infrastructure, transportation access and safety, electrification, and climate-resilient, green infrastructure projects from General Motors Foundation.

West Virginia tax-exempt nonprofits running environmental education, advocacy, or activism projects can access funding through Ittleson Foundation to launch innovative pilot, model, or demonstration initiatives. Programs that build environmental leadership, strengthen grassroots infrastructure, or engage new constituencies in environmental equity may be competitive, including efforts that can inform broader public policy and be replicated beyond a single community.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.