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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ADCMS Competitive Grant Program, administered by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, aims to incentivize eligible State Departments of Transportation and partners to implement innovative technology in construction projects. This initiative promotes collaboration among various entities, including local governments and private industries, with a required cost share of 20% to enhance project viability and effectiveness. The program encourages joint applications to maximize the impact of technological advancements in the construction sector.

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.

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.

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: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

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 EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism 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 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

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.

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.