Field of Interest Grant Opportunities 2023

BAF  offers  Field of Interest grant opportunities to help identify specific projects in our area that fulfill our donor's philanthropic goals. There are 12 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.

The application window for these funds has ended, but if any of these funds seem like a good fit for your organization and project, please email samuel@bafwv.org or call 304-253-3806.

The Kaplan Family Fund for Learning Disabilities in Southern WV - Educator Training

Dr. Seth and LaRinda Kaplan have established the "Kaplan Family Fund for Learning Disabilities in Southern West Virginia" to support educators pursuing training in reading programs with a focus on dyslexia methodologies.
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Educator Training Info
  • The full two-day training is Thursday, July 27th and Friday, July 28th, 2023. Each day will start at 9:00am and finish at 3:30pm. You must agree to attend this full two-day training.
  • The Multisensory Structured Phonetic Training will be provided by Marshall University's H.E.L.P. Center Coordinator, Laura Rowden, MA.
  • This training will be held at the Casteel Event Center, Pineville, WV.
  • Educators will also receive program materials after the training has been completed.

Grant Application
  • You must currently be an educator in one of the following counties: McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh or Wyoming.
  • Two years of experience teaching within the county you currently serve is required.
  • Priority will be given to educators in lower performing schools based on ranking determined by the WV Dept. of Education.
  • The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on June 21st.
  • You must agree to track progress, give feedback on the program and student response to the program if requested by the foundation.

At the current time, this fund will accept 14-28 teachers into the program.
  • If selected, you must fully complete both days of training in order to have your registration and training materials paid for by the Kaplan Family Fund.

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 May 1, 2023 - June 21, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th, 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $1,200 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $30,000 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $2,400 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $6,000 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $6,000 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $25,000 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 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.
  • 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $1,800 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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, 2024.
  • Submission of an application, including all required documents and information, by the application deadline.   Deadline is June 15th 11:59 p.m.

​At the current time, this fund has   $825 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 May 15, 2023 - June 15, 2023.   

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Address

1210 South Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801

Telephone

304-253-3806

Fax

681-207-7242
Privacy Policy
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards Beckley Area Foundation is a member of the National Council on Foundations, Philanthropy WV, , Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and WV Leave A Legacy. The Beckley Area Foundation annual audit, 990 and 990-T (if filed) are available for review in the BAF office.  "WV residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV  25305.  Registration does not imply endorsement."