BAF offers Field of Interest grant opportunities to help identify specific projects in our area that fulfill our donor's philanthropic goals. There are 11 different funds to choose from and each grant opportunity will vary based on the purpose of the fund & the available dollars to spend from each fund. Scroll through the funds below to see what is available this year. Applications will be accepted from June 2, 2025 - June 30, 2025.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 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 at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$35,000 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund is not accepting applications.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 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 at our grant portal.
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.
God's Creatures Fund - Animal Services
This anonymous donor advised fund was established in 2021. Distributions from this Fund, which honors The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit from Whom all blessings flow, who makes all things possible and Whose love endures forever, will be used to provide support for any 501(c)3 shelter, humane society, pet/farm sanctuary or rescue organizations in good standing with the IRS in the state of West Virginia to assist in the welfare and care of animals. Funds may be used for general operating expenses, veterinary care, spay/neuter assistance, transportation costs, adoption expense, food expense and any other cost associated with the total welfare of the animal. Funds may be used both for animals being rehomed through adoption or provided for in a permanent sanctuary care setting.
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 assist in the welfare and care of animals in the state of West Virginia.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$2,000 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$1,500 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$9,000 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$22,500 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$12,500 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 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 at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 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 at our grant portal.
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.
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.
Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline. Deadline is June 30th, 11:59 p.m.
At the current time, this fund has$2,500 available to award.
How to apply
Create an account, or log in with an existing username at our grant portal.
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.
