Field of Interest Grant Opportunities

Field of Interest 2021 Grant Opportunities

BAF is excited to announce Field of Interest grant opportunities! There will be 11 different funds to choose from and each grant opportunity will vary based on the purpose of the fund and the available dollars to spend from each fund. Scroll through the funds below to see what is available this year for granting.

Online applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 – July 15, 2021.

Blanche Woods Ashworth Memorial Fund - Music Education

Assets were initially delivered to Mountain State University from the Blanche Woods Ashworth estate and from Barry and Connie Woods to establish a memorial scholarship. When MSU ceased operations, the assets were transferred to BAF establishing a field of interest fund that shall further music education in Raleigh County.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must further music education in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $4,500 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Buckner Woodford Clay, III Memorial Fund - Environmental Preservation

Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett, a retired Beckley orthodontist, established this fund in memory of a friend who had been interested in environmental issues, particularly anti-littering education and enforcement. The Clay family has made several generous contributions to this fund. Income is intended for environmental causes.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs must support environmental preservation in West Virginia (Raleigh County preference) with emphasis on anti-littering and youth-oriented activities. While the proposed program itself must serve West Virginia, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in West Virginia.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $20,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Community Fund of McDowell County - Arts, Education, Economic Development, etc.

The mission of the Community Fund of McDowell County is to enhance the lives of those who live, work and visit McDowell County; to promote the emotional, intellectual and physical well-being of McDowell County citizens; to support the advancement of education, arts, culture, historic preservation, good citizenship, character development and youth activities; to inspire economic independence among McDowell County citizens; and, to serve as a versatile vehicle through which donors may realize their charitable objectives. The income from this fund will be distributed for charitable purposes in McDowell County.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support arts, education, economic development, historic preservation, or youth activities in McDowell County. While the proposed program itself must serve McDowell County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in McDowell County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $1,250 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Higgins Family Fund - Performing Arts in the Schools

Long time residents of Beckley, Connie and Millie Higgins, their ten children and extended families established this fund in 2005 to benefit the Beckley community. James C. Higgins was a local attorney and past member the BAF Board of Directors. Income is intended for performing arts in the schools.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support presenting performing arts exhibitions to Raleigh County school children. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $3,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

William C. (Bill) and Dr. Patra Moss Janney Fund - Education

Dr. Janney established this donor advised fund as a permanent memorial to her husband. Income is intended for education. Upon the death of Dr. Janney in 2019, the fund was converted to a field of interest fund for education.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support education in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $4,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Lewis McManus Memorial Fund - Education for Disadvantaged Youth

This field of interest fund was established with a testamentary gift from the estate of Lewis McManus, Beckley native and the 24th President of the University of Charleston, 6 term member of the WV House of Delegates, and Speaker of the House from 1971-76. The income will be used to support education initiatives and innovative programs for disadvantaged youth.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support education initiatives and programs for disadvantaged youth in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $10,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

New River Highlands Development Fund - Economic Development

Citizens concerned about the economic problems of Southern West Virginia formed the New River Highlands Corp. in 1986, for the purpose of "promoting economic development in the nine county area of Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Mercer, Pocahontas, Monroe and Wyoming counties. This fund exists to aid economic development opportunities in the New River Highlands.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support economic development in the New River Highlands areas of Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Nicholas, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Mercer, Monroe or Wyoming counties. While the proposed program itself must serve one of these counties, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in these counties.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $15,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Sigmund Family Fund - Interdenominational Projects

Mr. William R. Sigmund’s Christian philosophy came by the way of his parents, Ray and Elise Sigmund. Ray “Doc” Sigmund was a pharmacist in Beckley. Elsie was active in the Beckley Presbyterian Church, the Woman’s Club, and the “Pink Ladies” who volunteered at the local hospital. Their grandchildren described them as “angels on earth.” Their son Bill became a successful businessman and role model for those who aspire to improve our community. Bill Sigmund died in January, 2006, knowing that his family had established this fund as a Christmas gift. This Christian based fund will generate income to support interdenominational causes for those in need.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support interdenominational projects for those in need in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $5,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Nancy R. Smith Family Fund - Environmental and Wildlife Preservation

Nancy Richards Smith grew up in Beckley, married Joe L. Smith Jr. and raised her son in this area. She was a civic and business leader involved in many projects for the good of our community. She was always interested in animals, domestic and wild, as well as the ecosystem in which we live. This field of interest fund will provide grants for programs that are committed to environmental and wildlife preservation and protection; the education of individuals, government and private industry on the importance of environmental preservation; and support of those charitable organizations who advance such work.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must further environmental and wildlife preservation, provide education on environmental preservation or support an organization advancing such work in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $10,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

David Bledsoe Tieche Memorial Fund - Dance, Theatre or Music Education

David Tieche died Dec. 28, 2007, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 46. Family and friends established this endowment as permanent memorial to this talented, brave, creative, optimistic gentleman who always remembered his Beckley roots. This field of interest fund will generate income to support projects or organizations that deal with theatre, music, and/or dance. David grew up in Beckley, attended WWHS, and graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He loved theatre, and he particularly loved being on stage.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support dance, theatre or music in Raleigh County. While the proposed program itself must serve Raleigh County, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in Raleigh County.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $1,000 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Youth Soccer Fund - Soccer Programs

Established by anonymous donors, this fund is to provide support for youth soccer programs in Raleigh and Fayette County, WV. Distributions can be used for public or private schools and non-profit youth programs.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status and is required to apply for a BAF grant.
Programs funded must support youth soccer programs in Raleigh and Fayette Counties. While the proposed program itself must serve these counties, the applicant organization is not required to be headquartered in these counties.
Project or program must occur within the defined grant period: September 1, 2021 — February 28, 2022.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is July 15th 11:45 p.m.

At the current time, this fund has $700 available to award.

How to apply

Create an account, or log in with an existing username.
New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen.
Find which grant opportunity you are looking for and click "Apply" in the top right corner of that process.

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2021 -- July 15, 2021.

Apply Now

Closed Grant Opportunities

Landry Family Grant Opportunity

The Landry Family Foundation was generous to award the Beckley Area Foundation with funds to distribute to programs related to children with special needs, education, food insecurity and homelessness. The application to apply for this grant opportunity is due March 15, 2021.

Eligibility
The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status.
Programs funded must benefit Raleigh, Fayette, McDowell, Webster and Wyoming County.
Deadline is March 15th, 2021, at 11:45 p.m.

BAF places priority on the following types of projects:

Projects designed to respond to unmet or emerging community needs.

Sudden or urgent needs where prior planning for such needs could not reasonably have been made.
Projects that either serves a significant number of residents or reaches a group of under-served residents in one of the counties mentioned above.

Grants are not considered for:

Endowments
Annual Campaigns
Sectarian religious programs
Political Purposes or Lobbying

After your request is submitted, it is reviewed by staff before being presented to the BAF Board of Directors. It is vital that information for the contact person be correct. It is critical for the contact person to respond promptly to emails or phone calls from BAF staff requesting supplemental information to help clarify or expand an understanding of your application. Next, the BAF Board of Directors will consider all proposals and make the final approval on award recommendations. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible regarding their grant request.

When applicants are notified of their grant award they are required to complete two follow-up documents. The first is a grant acceptance contract which must be returned within one week. The second document is a final report which is submitted upon completion of the funded project. Failure to submit these reports in a timely manner will negatively impact the organization’s grant eligibility for the next funding cycle.

The Foundation's staff welcomes the opportunity to discuss possible projects for funding by the Foundation. Please feel free to contact us at 304-253-3806.

Mac's Toy Fund

For 90 years, Mac's Toy Fund has been helping families in Raleigh County have a special Christmas every year. Toys, coats, bikes and more have been donated over the years to families who need them most. Due to COVID-19, Mac’s Toy Fund officials have made the decision to make major changes to what would be the 90th edition of the toy distribution. Rather than buy toys to distribute, Mac’s Toy Fund will offer grants to charitable organizations that give out toys, coats and the like to children.

Eligibility
The Grant Program will consider grant requests from organizations which are:

Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or are a public institution, school or municipality. An IRS determination letter verifies 501-c-3 status.
Organizations funded must be located in Raleigh County.
The project must directly benefit low-income children in Raleigh County and be focused on Christmas projects
Deadline is September 15th, 2020, at 11:45 p.m.

How to apply:
1) Click the "apply now" button below, this will take you to our grant portal.
2) You will need to create an account, or log in with an existing username.
3. New users will be required to enter their contact info, starting with their organization.
3) Once you have created your account, you will click the "Apply" tab located at the top of your screen. Select the Mac's Toy Fund Grant Opportunity application to begin.