Best West Virginia Grants for Nonprofits

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in West Virginia provide crucial funding to eligible communities for preparing and recovering from emergencies threatening their drinking water supply. This federal program, administered by USDA Rural Development, supports projects such as constructing or repairing water transmission lines and sources. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes, ensuring access to safe drinking water in rural areas affected by disasters like floods or chemical spills.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations building pathways out of poverty through education, job training, or economic mobility programs in West Virginia can access funding and intensive capacity-building support. Arbor Brothers offers US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year in largely multi-year, unrestricted support plus consulting to strengthen strategy, financial management, data, and leadership for second-stage organizations.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) enforces state and federal environmental laws in West Virginia to help protect our air, water, and land. With the enactment of Senate Bill 217 during a special session of the West Virginia Legislature, the Division of Environmental Protection was established in October 1991. Following years of restructuring and reorganizing, the Division was elevated to a cabinet-level agency in 2001, and thus the Division of Environmental Protection became the Department of Environmental Protection.

The WVDEP’s mission is to promote a healthy environment. To do this, the agency uses more than 800 employees in nine locations around the state to administer programs that allow industry and the environment to coexist.

Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program

The WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML) administers funding for economic development projects through its AMLER Program. This program helps projects located in communities which have been impacted by legacy coal mining.

An advisory committee comprised of representatives from the WVDEP, State Departments of Commerce, Tourism, and Transportation, and the Governor's Office, is responsible for selecting the projects. Since 2016, the AMLER Program has committed over $268 Million in grant funding to assist projects all across the West Virginia coalfields.

The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program invites proposals for funding to tackle aquatic invasive species (AIS) challenges. Key priorities include research on AIS management, innovative control methods, and educational outreach. Eligible applicants range from individuals in government agencies to non-profit organizations. The program seeks to support initiatives that align with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force standards and aims to enhance regional AIS management strategies.

Volunteer West Virginia is offering AmeriCorps State Formula grants to support eligible programs starting in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024. This initiative requires at least five AmeriCorps members and aims to enhance volunteerism across the state. With $3 million in yearly funding, Volunteer West Virginia, established in 1994, administers national service programs and provides vital support to local nonprofits, ensuring the growth and sustainability of community engagement efforts.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

The WV Culture: Survey & Planning Grant Program supports various projects including architectural and archaeological surveys, National Register nominations, and heritage education initiatives. Funded by the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, this program aims to enhance cultural preservation efforts in West Virginia, enabling communities to document and promote their historical significance through structured planning and development.

The WV Culture: State Development Grant Program provides financial support for the rehabilitation of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative, backed by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, aims to assist various organizations and individuals in preserving historic resources. Eligible applicants include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private citizens. The program emphasizes compliance with federal and state standards, ensuring effective use of funds for approved projects.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

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 State Fund Grant Program - West Virginia

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The CNX Foundation Grant aims to enhance the Appalachian region through strategic investments totaling $30 million. With a focus on sustainability and community development, the grant addresses pressing socio-economic challenges such as food insecurity, health and wellness for children, and technological access. By fostering local initiatives, CNX Foundation aspires to create measurable impacts that uplift communities and promote long-term growth, embodying their commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in West Virginia serving children or advancing environmental stewardship can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions, with awards ranging from US $250 - US $10,000. Funding supports impactful community programs, particularly where modest grants can help organizations achieve significant results for local youth and environmental initiatives.

The Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help West Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund literacy-focused programs, with awards up to US $5,000. Organizations serving children or working in the arts, social justice, or environmental initiatives may also be eligible, including those providing youth services, humanitarian aid, and cultural programming across the state.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation promotes human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing strategic charitable resources. The foundation focuses on education and economic development, prioritizing projects that enhance teacher quality, support early childhood education, and foster innovative economic initiatives. By investing in programs that bridge geographical boundaries and encourage collaboration among sectors, the foundation aims to cultivate leadership and sustainable growth in the region.

Nonprofits and community organizations serving communities within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, including parts of West Virginia, can seek funding for religious work, Christian education, community improvement, and relief of distress projects. With a mission to improve spiritual and material conditions, Pitcairn Crabbe Foundation requires an online LOI outlining your organization and proposed project.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.