Grantmaking & Initiatives
Thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses, our Foundation administers several opportunities for nonprofits in our region to apply for financial support. Each opportunity is unique. This is because the donors who established the funds have thoughtfully constructed areas of focus and parameters for support to fulfill their own visions for improving the quality of life in our community.
Types of Grants:
- Community Action Grants: Twice a year the Foundation's competitive grant process matches community needs with grants available from the Foundation's Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds.
- Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Grants: SUN grants (up to $4,000) help organizations with non-budgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that arise from time to time and for which a quick response regarding Foundation support is necessary.
- Donor Advised Grants: Grants are made from Donor Advised Funds established by individuals who wish to remain actively involved with how their donation is distributed to the community.
Competitive Grant Opportunities:
The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates (PACF) works to meet the needs of the communities that it serves through its Community Action Grants Program, a competitive grant application process. The PACF's Community Action Grants Program serves ten West Virginia counties (Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood) and Washington County, Ohio. Community Action Grants are not made outside of the service region.
Application Timeline:
- Spring Community Action Grant Program:
- Application Opens: January 1
- Application Deadline: March 21
- Fall Community Action Grant Program:
- Application Opens: July 15
- Application Deadline: September 15
Community Action Grants Program FAQ
The Proclaimers Gospel Quartet Fund for Christian Youth in Memory of Harold E. Board provides support for Christian youth and Christian youth groups in need of financial assistance in order to attend or participate in Christian service-related events. Grants may be made, for example, for attendance at Christian camps or for participation in educational events or church or community service activities.
Application Timeline
- Application Open: January 1
- Application Deadline: June 1
The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation School-Based Health Fund supports school-based health centers in West Virginia. Grants of up to $2,000 may be requested for training and competency building, broadening of public awareness, advisory or consultancy services, improvements to facilities or equipment, or for response to COVID-19. School-based health centers are defined as primary care clinics based on primary or secondary school campuses.
Application Timeline
- Application Open: January 1
- Application Deadline: April 29
To be considered for a Lewis County Community Foundation grant, an applicant must be a private, nonprofit organization, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a public institution. The proposed project must benefit residents of Lewis County, WV.
Applicants can apply for support for trails and greenways, develop a recreational center, support affordable housing, address dilapidated structures, or support arts and culture.
The Foundation also has funding available to support programs and organizations with requests related to arts and culture, education, human services, recreation, community development, youth and family services, emergency services and public safety, and/or health. Requests can be made for: capital and equipment, program development, or capacity building.
Application Timeline:
- Application Open: July 15
- Application Deadline: September 15
The Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund provides support for humane societies in West Virginia, with particular emphasis on supporting the needs of new humane societies. Grants have been made from this fund to support projects such as humane education programs, shelter construction and renovation, and the purchase of equipment. Grants typically range in size from $500 - $3,000. The fund does not provide support for spay/neuter programs.
Application Timeline:
- Application Open: January 1
- Application Deadline: March 1
SUN grants (up to $4,000) help organizations with non-budgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies or opportunities that arise from time to time and for which a quick response regarding Foundation support is necessary.
To begin the process of applying for a SUN grant, contact the Foundation’s Associate Director at 304-428-4438 or by e-mail. Foundation staff will provide you with an access code to the PACF's online Grant Application Portal in order to complete the grant application.
Applications for the PM Company's Spirit of Giving are accepted annually with a deadline of September 1. Applying organization must be a recognized 501(C)(3) group serving the vulnerable and underserved populations in Wood County, WV, and/or Washington County, OH, where the PM Company primarily does business.
Organizations who have previously applied for a grant through the PACF can simply log-in to access the Spirit of Giving application. For organizations that have not applied recently to the PACF, you will need to create an account in order to apply.
For questions about the online application, please contact the PACF at info@pacfwv.com.
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Here to Help
Amy Nahley
Senior Program Officer