Spotlight on West Virginia Grants: Not Just Coal Miners Anymore

Once known primarily for coal mining, West Virginia is now a diverse manufacturer of a wide variety of products, including cosmetics, window seals, spark plugs, tableware, charcoal and kitchen cabinets. Workers here have a lower turnover rate in manufacturing jobs than any other state in the U.S. GrantWatch shines our spotlight to recognize the important contributions made by the good people of West Virginia. As a result, GrantWatch wants to support continued economic development by offering a list of grants to help in their efforts. In fact, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1600 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants category. These funding opportunities are far reaching, from individual states to countrywide to even international listings of grants.

Some Interesting Facts About the State

The first Mother’s Day was in West Virginia.

The Golden Delicious apple was discovered here. …wvpublic.org says that on February 20, 1995, the Golden Delicious apple was officially named the state fruit of West Virginia.

Children chose the state flower. The West Virginia state flower is the rhododendron.

Outdoor advertising got its start in Wheeling when the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company painted bridges and barns with “Treat Yourself to the Best, Chew Mail Pouch.”

Cecil Underwood made history in 1956 when he became the state’s youngest governor at 34 – then again in 1996 when he became the state’s oldest governor after being reelected at 74.

Contrary to its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest in the world and unusually flows south to north.

The first brick street in the world was laid in Charleston on Summers Street.

wvnstv.com,”Ten Interesting Facts You Might Not Have Known About West Virginia“

In closing, we’ll leave you with a beautiful quote from John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It’s rather universally accepted that while this song is a tribute to West Virginia, it’s lyrics speak to the quiet grace, beauty, and fortitude of the human spirit. It’s a theme exemplified by the residents of this great state and shared with the nation. And, by the way…it’s okay to sing it to yourself while you read…we did!

“Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads…”

With that, we leave you with this list of grants for community and economic development.

West Virginia Grants and Prizes

1. Grants to eligible West Virginia nonprofits and government entities to promote health-education and economic-growth, with projects and programs in the areas of health, education, and economic development. Moreover, applicants will discuss their proposal with program staff prior to submitting an application.
2. There are grants averaging $20,000 to eligible West Virginia nonprofits to benefit local communities. Funding supports programs in the areas of education, diversity, community and economic development, and arts and culture.
3. In addition, there are grants of up to $7,500 to eligible West Virginia nonprofits, government agencies, public schools, and faith-based entities to address a wide range of community needs. Funding is for community-based initiatives to promote economic development, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for residents.
4. Grants to eligible West Virginia charitable organizations to address the needs of local residents/communities. As a result, funding will be for programming in the areas of education, health and human services, the arts, public recreation, beautification, and other charitable endeavors.
5. There are prizes to eligible West Virginia nonprofits, cities, towns, and municipalities for community development projects. In fact, past projects supported by prize money include park improvements, community gardens, and agricultural education programs.
6. Also, grants to West Virginia nonprofits, and universities for scholarly research on public policy issues that impact the personal/economic liberties of the nation’s citizens. Funding supports scholarship that leads to the publication of policy papers, journal articles and books. The Foundation will also fund public interest litigation and outreach initiatives.

Additional Grants for West Virginia, Along with Loans and Opportunities

1. Grants and loans to West Virginia state and local government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and Tribes to expand broadband access in rural areas. Funding is to be for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband service. Applicants will be requesting grants, loans, or a combination of both.
2. There are grants to eligible West Virginia nonprofits, qualifying municipalities, and educational institutions for programs to benefit local communities. Funding supports programs and projects in the the areas of safety, community building, and environmental responsibility.
3. In addition, grants to West Virginia nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to expand the use of telecommunications for healthcare/distance-learning in rural communities.
4. Grants to eligible West Virginia nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions to promote local folklore and increase cultural tourism through the designation of significant cultural destinations. Moreover, funding is to recognize folklife, legends, and folktales by marking important cultural sites. Funds are to be for marker, pole, and shipping expenses.
5. There are grants to nonprofits to advance diversity in the fields of entrepreneurship/investments. Funding supports programs to benefit women, minority and other under-represented communities. Also, the program goal is to facilitate progress to diversify entrepreneurship and empower a more diverse group of investors.
6. Lastly, an opportunity for West Virginia startups to participate in a business development program. Applicants will include businesses in all industries, verticals, and models. Participants will receive investment funding, mentoring, deals and perks, and networking support. Startups will also attend a 12-week program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

We hope that get some benefit from one of these grants. If not with one of these, then be sure to view the thousands of other grant listings to choose from!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.