EWVCF Housing Grants

EWVCF Housing Grants is sponsored by Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF). EWVCF Housing Grants fund nonprofit-led projects that address and improve housing needs in Eastern West Virginia through annual competitive awards.

Blog Archives - Page 4 of 26 - Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation Please monitor our website for additional grant offerings throughout the year. Register for our newsletter for additional updates. The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) is now accepting Spring grant applications from Eastern Panhandle organizations.

Grants for Historic Cemeteries, Housing, and Senior Programs will be awarded this spring. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 30, 2026 and grants will be awarded in May. The Helen Parker Willard Fund will award grants to Jefferson County-based historic cemeteries.

Organizations leading the way in preserving local Civil War gravesites and public-use areas of community history are highly encouraged to apply for one of these grants. Organizations tackling homelessness and affordable housing are encouraged to apply for a grant from the Housing Action Fund .

An emphasis will be placed on programs that promote inter-county collaborative efforts, increase community knowledge, serve high-need populations, and/or focus on underserved towns or counties. Additionally, organizations that support housing activities in Jefferson County, specifically, should also apply for a grant from the Partnership for Affordable Housing Fund .

The Kings Daughter Senior Citizens Charitable Fund will award grants to programs providing elderly persons with housing facilities and/or services specifically designed to meet their physical, social, and psychological needs, and to promote their health, security, happiness and usefulness in longer living. The application can be found here: https://goapply2. akoyago.

com/ewvcf . New applicants, please register with this website before submitting. If you are a a public school teacher or church/church group representative applying, please register as an individual.

All others, please register as an organization. Eligibility, Deadline, Reports, and Requirements Eligible Organizations: The Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations providing a wide range of direct benefits in Morgan, Berkeley, and/or Jefferson counties of West Virginia. Programs that celebrate diversity and/or promote equity and inclusion are encouraged.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: An already existing nonprofit, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(13) organization in good standing with the IRS, or An existing government/quasi-governmental agency, or public school applying for a project that is not funded by tax revenue, or A religious organization requesting funding for a non-sectarian charitable purpose, or A civic group that is not a 501(c)(3) organization requesting funding for a charitable community cause.

Required Financial Information for 501(c)(3) Organizations Applications must include financial information for the organization as a whole, and in addition: Applicants with charitable contributions over $300,000 but less than $500,000 must provide the most recent financial review performed by an independent certified public accountant.

Applicants with charitable contributions over $500,000 must provide the most recent audit performed by an independent certified public accountant. In addition, 501(c)(3) organizations must be in good standing with: West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business & Licensing and also the Charities Division: http://apps. sos.

wv. gov/business/corporations/ & https://sos. wv.

gov/business/Pages/Charities. aspx IRS, as assessed via IRS Pub 78 and GuideStar: https://apps. irs.

gov/app/eos/ & https://www. guidestar. org/Home.

aspx Application Period: March 9-30, 2026 Grant Notification: Grantees will be notified and grants will be awarded in May 2026. Trust-Based Philanthropy Reporting Requirements: In an effort to streamline the grants process for nonprofit organizations, the Community Foundation has adopted trust-based philanthropy and will award and pay the Spring grants upfront. Donor Advised Funds are Still Essential.

If you know the basics of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) but have a hard time envisioning exactly what to say and do when they come up in a client conversation, you are not alone! Whether you are an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, you will find yourself in the middle of a QCD conversation. Here is a case study to help you prepare.

Meet Margaret, a 74-year-old widow and longtime client of your practice. She scheduled a meeting early in the year to discuss her charitable giving plans. When requesting the meeting, Margaret mentioned that she was now taking required minimum distributions from her IRA and her taxable income was higher than she expected or needed.

As you reviewed Margaret’s file prior to the meeting, you were reminded that Margaret had established a donor advised fund at the community foundation several years ago. You recall from prior conversations that she has enjoyed using the donor advised fund to organize her charitable giving to dozens of her favorite charities.

Margaret arrived at your office, and after catching up on each other’s lives lately, Margaret said, “I’ve read about this thing called a Qualified Charitable Distribution. If I’m going to give to charity anyway, I want to understand whether doing a QCD in 2026 makes sense, especially if I want the gift to go through the community foundation where I already do all of my giving.

” You nod and explain that a QCD does indeed allow individuals like her who are age 70 ½ or older to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a qualified charity without including that amount in taxable income. You mention that this can be especially powerful after age 73, when required minimum distributions begin, because the QCD can satisfy all or part of the RMD while keeping adjusted gross income lower.

“This can help address Medicare premiums, taxation of Social Security, and overall tax efficiency. With the annual QCD limit increasing through inflation adjustments to $111,000 in 2026, it’s a timely strategy to consider,” you explain. Margaret was glad to hear all of this.

Then she asked, “I already have a donor advised fund at the community foundation. Can I simply direct my QCD straight into that fund? ” You are prepared for this question!

It is a common point of confusion. “That’s a great question, and you’re not alone in asking it,” you reply. “Under current IRS rules, unfortunately, QCDs can’t be made to donor advised funds, even if they’re housed at a community foundation.

” Seeing her puzzled expression, you continue with a broader explanation. “QCDs are limited to certain types of charitable recipients,” you say. “They can go directly to public charities that are ‘operating’ nonprofits, and in limited cases to certain split-interest arrangements like a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, subject to specific rules.

Donor advised funds are excluded, evidently because the IRS does not want the money to flow into an account where the taxpayer retains advisory privileges. Donor advised funds are of course entirely dedicated to charity, so the rule does not make a lot of sense. Yet here we are.

” Margaret frowned slightly. “That feels frustrating,” she said. “I love the donor advised fund because it gives me flexibility and lets me support multiple causes over time.

” You acknowledged her concern. “I understand. The good news, though,” you say, “is that the community foundation offers other types of funds that do qualify for QCDs and can still accomplish many of the same goals.

” You go on to explain that instead of directing the QCD to her donor advised fund, Margaret could direct the QCD to a designated fund at the community foundation that supports specific charities she already knows she wants to help, or to a field of interest fund focused on causes she cares about deeply, such as education or the arts, or to an unrestricted fund to support the community as a whole.

“Those types of funds are fully managed by the community foundation, without your advisory role after setup,” you say, “which makes them eligible recipients of a QCD while still aligning with your charitable intentions. ” Margaret paused, considering the options. “I don’t want to make the wrong choice,” she said.

“I also want to be sure the fund is set up properly and really reflects what I care about. ” You agree that is exactly the point where collaboration matters most. “This is where I’d recommend looping in the community foundation,” you say.

“They can help us think through which type of fund fits best, provide a fund agreement document, and enable me to fulfill my professional duty to ensure that the structure complies with QCD rules. ” You go on to suggest a joint meeting with a community foundation representative. “The community foundation knows the nuances of the fund options and the local charitable landscape,” you explain.

“That’s a great match for the legal and tax obligations on my side of the transaction. Together we can help ensure that your QCD in 2026 is clean, compliant, and aligned with your values. ” Margaret was relieved.

“That makes sense,” she said. “I don’t want this to be just about taxes. I want it to be meaningful.

” By the end of the meeting, you and Margaret have agreed on the next steps: you said you would review Margaret’s IRA custodian requirements for executing a QCD, and the community foundation will set up a fund to receive the distribution. The plan will allow Margaret to use her required minimum distribution to support the community she loves, reduce her taxable income, and create a charitable structure she feels confident about.

As Margaret leaves your office, you can tell that she feels reassured that she didn’t have to navigate the rules alone. The conversation had clarified not only why a QCD in 2026 made sense for her financially, but also why working collaboratively with you and the community foundation was essential.

Together, you and the community foundation can turn a confusing tax rule into a thoughtful charitable strategy that supports both Margaret’s personal financial goals and the broader community she intends to impact. If Margaret’s situation sounds familiar, or if you anticipate any type of charitable giving conversation with a client, we are here for you!

We are always happy to collaborate as you explore solutions to achieve your clients’ charitable goals. In nearly every situation, we can help. At the very least, we will point you in the right direction.

Thank you for the opportunity to work together! As you talk with clients over the coming weeks, keep in mind that tax laws are always subject to change–and sometimes for the better. Case in point related to Margaret’s situation?

A small, bipartisan tax law change has been proposed that would allow Qualified Charitable Distributions into donor advised funds. Fingers crossed! Thank you for your interest.

These grants are now closed. Please check back regularly. The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) is now accepting Winter grant applications for a variety of program areas including Human Welfare, Animal Welfare, Healthcare, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community & Economic Development, and more to awarded this spring.

Specific timelines and criteria are further explained below based on availability by county served. Be sure to select the appropriate grant application based upon your location and grant criteria. If you are a student seeking a scholarship please use this link: Scholarships BERKELEY, JEFFERSON, MORGAN COUNTY GRANTS The deadline to apply for these grants is Friday, February 6, 2026 and grants will be awarded at the end of March.

Organizations assisting sick, needy, dependent, neglected, or disadvantaged populations throughout the Eastern Panhandle should apply for a Human Welfare Grant from the Joan Roach Volunteer Fund for the Needy. These grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, public schools, churches, and/or non-501(c)(3) civic groups in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

Eastern Panhandle organizations addressing the needs of our animal friends are encouraged to apply for an Animal Welfare Grant that will be awarded from the Don and Polly Roach “Friends of Animals” Free Spay and Neuter Fund or the Burke Family Charitable Fund for Animals. The Eastern Panhandle CARE Fund will award Healthcare Grants to related programs in our area.

Eastern Panhandle organizations providing empowerment through health education; connection to community healthcare resources; or access to affordable, high-quality, patient-centered care are highly encouraged to apply for one of these grants. The application can be found here: https://goapply2. akoyago.

com/ewvcf . HAMPSHIRE & HARDY COUNTY GRANTS The deadline to apply for these grants is Monday, February 16, 2026 and grants will be awarded in late March.

Applications are now being accepted for a wide range of competitive grants supporting a wide range of community interests and programs, including: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community & Economic Development, Conservation & Preservation, Education, Mental and Physical Health & Wellness, and Human Services. Requests of up to $1,000 will be considered.

Learn more about these Hampshire & Hardy County grants and apply : Hampshire County Info. & Application: https://www. ewvcf.

org/grants-hampshire/ Hardy County Info. & Application: https://www. ewvcf.

org/hardycountycf/grants-hardy/ DETAILS: BE SURE TO SELECT THE APPROPRIATE GRANT OPPORTUNITY BASED UPON YOUR LOCATION/GRANT CRITERIA. All NEW applicants, please register with this website before submitting. If you are a a public school teacher applying, please register as an individual.

All others, please register as an organization. Eligibility, Deadline, Reports, and Requirements Eligible Organizations: The Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations providing a wide range of direct benefits in Morgan, Berkeley, and/or Jefferson counties of West Virginia. Programs that celebrate diversity and/or promote equity and inclusion are encouraged.

Please note: Organizations will only be able to submit one application per funding category.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: An already existing nonprofit, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(13) organization in good standing with the IRS, or An existing government/quasi-governmental agency, or public school applying for a project that is not funded by tax revenue, or A religious organization requesting funding for a non-sectarian charitable purpose, or A civic group that is not a 501(c)(3) organization requesting funding for a charitable community cause.

Required Financial Information for 501(c)(3) Organizations Applications must include financial information for the organization as a whole, and in addition: Applicants with charitable contributions over $300,000 but less than $500,000 must provide the most recent financial review performed by an independent certified public accountant.

Applicants with charitable contributions over $500,000 must provide the most recent audit performed by an independent certified public accountant. In addition, 501(c)(3) organizations must be in good standing with: West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business & Licensing and also the Charities Division: http://apps. sos.

wv. gov/business/corporations/ & https://sos. wv.

gov/business/Pages/Charities. aspx IRS, as assessed via IRS Pub 78 and GuideStar: https://apps. irs.

gov/app/eos/ & https://www. guidestar. org/Home.

aspx The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation is celebrating an incredible milestone- 30 years of shared success . For three decades, people across our region have come together to strengthen our communities, creating opportunities that will last for generations. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Your generosity, trust and belief in our mission make all of it possible. Please enjoy the stories and pictures of our 30th annual report. These are the stories that remind us why we do this work and what 30 years of shared success truly means.

Please contact our office at 304-264-0353 for a copy of our 30th Annual Report to the Community or enjoy it below. The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation provides dozens of scholarships in Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Start researching and applying to schools that will be a good fit for your academic/career interests, learning environment needs, and financial circumstances. Parents, guidance counselors, teachers or other adults you respect can be excellent sources of advice.

Ask someone (not a friend or relative) who can attest to your academic ability, school/community involvement, and character to serve as your reference. If they agree, ask them for their email address as you will need it in or to complete your application. Prepare a list of your academic accomplishments and extracurricular involvement.

Start a list of ten things that make you uniquely you.

Familiarize yourself with our scholarship funds to find out which ones may apply to you : EWVCF Scholarship Funds – residents of Berkeley, Jefferson, or Morgan Counties Hampshire Funds – residents of Hampshire County Hardy Funds – residents of Hardy County You can also download a spreadsheet list of all our scholarships and their unique criteria here: EWVCF 2026 Scholarships by County February 27– Applications are Due. No Exceptions.

The system will not accept new applications after 5:00 P. M. March/April – Our committees will review applications and conduct interviews for certain scholarships.

May – We will notify applicants only if they’ve been selected to receive a scholarship. June 15 – Recipients must submit a completed scholarship acceptance form before we can process their scholarship for payment. July – Scholarship awards are mailed to schools (made payable to the school to benefit the recipient).

For answers to common questions about our scholarship program, download Scholarship_FAQs Questions may also be directed to Karin Hammann Dunn: [email protected] or 304-671-8167. For information about non-traditional scholarships, click here: Scholarships with Separate Applications To build vibrant communities that provide opportunities for everyone living in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

To inspire philanthropy, serve donors, strengthen communities, and improve the quality of life in Eastern West Virginia now and for future generations. We honor the philanthropic vision of our donors and value their generosity. We respect the work of nonprofit organizations and the passion they bring to carrying out their missions.

We earn the trust of our grantees, donors, and partners through our commitment to excellence in our stewardship and our dedication to accountability, integrity, professionalism, and transparency in all our actions. In all our work, we actively embrace accessibility, inclusion, racial and social equity, and the unity that comes from diversity.