Best Youth Sports Grants in West Virginia

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

The A-E SOT Maryanne Stock Student Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, supports student research in toxicology with grants up to $1,000. Open to student members, this award encourages innovative research projects and requires a presentation at an AESOT Spring Meeting. The funds must be used solely for research purposes, ensuring that the topic is original and relevant to toxicology. Applicants are evaluated on the quality of their proposals, and previous awardees are not eligible.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Wyoming County Medical Field Scholarship Fund

Need and merit based; Graduates from Wyoming County East, Westside, or Wyoming County Career & Technical Center located in Wyoming County, West Virginia; Must be pursuing a program of study in medical field at University of Charleston-Beckley. Should UC-Beckley cease to offer majors in medical fields or have a physical presence in southern WV, the scholarship can be award to student pursuing medical field major at any accredited school in WV. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Wyoming County Community Fund, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports local residents pursuing higher education at specific institutions. Eligible applicants include Wyoming County residents enrolling at the Wyoming County Career & Technical Center or Southern WV Community & Technical College, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The fund aims to assist students returning to education after workforce experience or those with a GED, ensuring community service and work experience are considered. This scholarship is not renewable.

The WV Culture: Rural Youth Engagement through Public Art Grant provides up to $5,000 to support public art projects in rural areas. It aims to actively involve local youth in the planning and implementation of these projects, fostering creativity and community engagement. Eligible applicants include schools, 501(c)(3) youth or arts organizations, and local governments, creating opportunities for collaboration and artistic expression in West Virginia.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

Survey & Planning Grants

The Survey & Planning Grant program is a funding opportunity intend to advance preservation through survey, planning, and educational activities. The funding source for this grant program is the Historic Preservation Fund, National Park Service.

Funding is given to projects that fall into one of the following categories:

• Surveys to identify and evaluate properties in area or by theme to determine whether they are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Preparation of nominations to the National Register.
• Writing long-range community historic preservation plans, or historic context statements, or ordinances, regulations, or design standards.
• Development, purchase, or implementation of technologies which advance preservation planning goals.
• Printing and distribution of plans, planning studies, ordinances, regulations or other similar documents.
• Assist in the development of historic structure reports, feasibility studies, or project plans and specifications.
• Programs and publications that increase awareness and knowledge of preservation and the state’s rich heritage. 

Matching Requirement

For grant recipients that are not part of or partnering with a Certified Local Government, the match requirement is 60/40. This means the recipient will be awarded 60% of the total project cost. Match for Certified Local Governments is 70/30, meaning that the CLG will be awarded 70% of the total project cost. Only non-federal monies may be used as sources of cash. Grants are paid as reimbursement, so all grant expenditures and match resources must be expended for services completed (and approved) during the project period. Work conducted prior to entering a grant agreement is not eligible for reimbursement.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

George A. Bragg Scholarship

West Virginia high school graduate attending a West Virginia college or university pursuing a degree in criminal justice, creative writing, or visual art; Awarded based educational merit with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.​

This scholarship is not renewable.

Frontier Statehood Preservation Fund

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia announces $500,000 in special grant funding through the Frontier to Statehood Preservation Fund. This historic preservation grant program is dedicated to the rehabilitation and adaptive or continued use of certified historic buildings constructed as of 1871 – when, in a case called Virginia v. West Virginia (1871), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the legitimacy of the creation of the state of West Virginia in 1863.

Grant funds will support up to ten grant awards for the preservation and restoration of buildings that tell the story of colonial settlement in the Appalachian Mountains, the American Revolution, and the road to statehood, with a focus on creating, advancing, and/or sustaining service/amenity providers and cultural heritage tourism destinations in West Virginia. All properties must be individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or included as a contributing structure in a National Register Historic District. Grant funding is made possible through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant via the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

This is a competitive grant program open to members of the public. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Ritton Family Foundation, along with Par Mar Stores, offers the Par Mar Stores Scholarship Program to support students pursuing higher education. This initiative awards multiple scholarships annually to eligible high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, or Kentucky. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, with opportunities for reapplication each year.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The John W. Eye Family Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support college juniors and seniors from Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Monroe, or Wyoming Counties in West Virginia. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in a Business or Finance degree program with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering student success in the region.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support students in Southern West Virginia pursuing higher education. This scholarship prioritizes educational merit and financial need, requiring applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a connection to the coal industry. Eligible students must reside in designated counties, ensuring local support for aspiring scholars. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enriching community lives through educational opportunities.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

Welcome!

The Culture Center celebrates and preserves the Mountain State’s rich creative spirit, unique cultural traditions, and storied past. From showcasing local artists and musicians to stewarding historic sites and archives, this branch of the Department of Tourism oversees vital programs and facilities. Whether you’re interested in discovering folk art, attending live performances, researching genealogy, or exploring state history, you’ll find it here.

State Development Grant

State Development Grant Program is for brick-and-mortar preservation projects. Properties must be individually listed on or a contributing property in a historic district or/and archaeological development of a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places to be eligible for this funding. The funding source for this grant program is appropriated by the WV Legislature, through Lottery Funds.

Funding is given to projects related to at least one of the following work categories:

• Work to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property.
• Measures to defend or guard the physical condition of a property from deterioration, loss or attack, or to cover or shield the site from further danger or injury.
• Repair and alteration of a property that make it compatible for modern use, while also preserving the features that convey its historical, cultural, and architectural value. This also includes work necessary to facilitate putting the building to an appropriate use, including meeting all codes and accessibility standards.
• Work that accurately depicts the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time.
• Measures to reestablish the physical stability of a deteriorated historic property

Matching Requirement

Development Grants require a match budgeted on one-to-one (50/50) basis. Matching funds may include in-kind contributions but at least half of the sponsor’s matching funds must be cash. Only non-federal monies may be used as sources of cash. Grants are paid as reimbursement, so all grant expenditures and match resources must be expended for services completed (and approved) during the project period. 

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Grant Program (ARC) supports economic development in West Virginia by providing federal grants for community-based projects. Prioritizing infrastructure improvements, particularly in distressed counties, ARC funds projects related to water, sewer, broadband, and job training. Applicants can request varying amounts based on the project's nature and location, with a focus on matching funds. This initiative fosters sustainable growth and revitalization in the region's economy.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation employs a trust-based philanthropy model, fostering collaborative partnerships with organizations in West Virginia dedicated to supporting children's holistic health. This approach emphasizes primary and secondary prevention strategies while promoting systemic change through relationship building and mutual understanding. By prioritizing less restrictive funding and streamlined processes, the foundation seeks to empower organizations that align with its mission to create lasting impact in the community.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural land use. It offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to protect and enhance the conservation values of working farms and wetlands. Through financial assistance, NRCS supports eligible partners in maintaining land for agriculture and restoring degraded wetlands. This program is crucial for preserving West Virginia's agricultural landscape and promoting sustainable land management practices.

The WV Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focuses on conserving agricultural viability through Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). By limiting non-agricultural uses, the program enhances wetlands and grazing lands, providing vital habitat restoration. NRCS supports landowners with technical and financial assistance to restore and protect wetlands. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring ongoing opportunities for eligible participants to engage in conservation efforts and preserve ecological integrity in West Virginia.

The East Beckley Ward V Education Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from Ward V in Beckley, West Virginia. This need and merit-based scholarship facilitates access to accredited higher education programs, including trade schools and colleges. The foundation is dedicated to charitable giving that enriches lives and strengthens communities, making higher education more accessible for local students.