Sigmund Family Fund - Interdenominational Projects

Sigmund Family Fund - Interdenominational Projects is sponsored by Beckley Area Foundation. The Sigmund Family Fund, part of the Beckley Area Foundation, supports interdenominational projects for those in need within Raleigh County, West Virginia. The fund, established in honor of William R.

Sigmund, aims to empower local initiatives that reflect his Christian values.

Field of Interest Grant Opportunities – Beckley Area Foundation Field of Interest Grant Opportunities Field of Interest Grant Opportunities 2026 BAF offers Field of Interest grant opportunities to help identify specific projects in our area that fulfill our donor’s philanthropic goals.

There are 13 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 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026 .

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.

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, 2027. 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 $1,600 available to award. 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.

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, 2027. 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 $27,000 available to award.

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. 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, 2027. 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.

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. 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, 2027.

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 $3,800 available to award. 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.

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, 2027. 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. 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.

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, 2027. 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. 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.

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, 2027. 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 $13,000 available to award. 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.

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, 2027. 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 $12,000 available to award.

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. 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, 2027. 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 $9,500 available to award.

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. 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, 2027.

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 $1,600 available to award. 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. The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund was started by a group of active citizens who formally organized the Greater Mount Hope Community Fund, Inc. in May, 2007. Frances Carter Birdsong and Sandra McIntrye acted as representatives for establishing this endowment.

These citizens are committed to the revitalization of the historic Mt. Hope area and have launched successful programs and fund raising efforts to achieve this goal. The group has designed, printed and sold calendars depicting local sights, and conducted direct mail campaigns to raise funds for this permanently endowed donor advised fund.

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. Distributions will be used to maintain and improve the quality of life for the citizens of the city of Mount Hope in Fayette County, WV.

Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2027. 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 $41,000 available to award. 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. Thomas W.

Jarrett Memorial Fund The “Thomas W. Jarrett Memorial Fund” was established in 2024 in memory of Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett by his children, Allison and Jordan Jarrett.

This field of interest fund will provide economic impact with an emphasis on environmental causes in Raleigh County, WV. Tom was a 1968 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and went on to WVU for his undergraduate studies. He continued his education in Morgantown at WVU School of Dentistry, graduating in 1975.

Tom loved his profession, and teaching orthodontics to students brought him great joy. He was an active member of the dental community and Raleigh County area. He served on the Beckley Area Foundation Board of Directors, was influential in building the YMCA Youth Soccer Complex, involved in economic development through starting FORWARD WV and the Youth Museum.

An entrepreneur he started Foster’s Hardware restaurant and initiated developing the Brookshire Professional Park. His interests became action as he was an advocate and supporter of Feed Our Local Kids (FOLK) and Operation Backpack, and the Raleigh County Humane Society.

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. Distributions will be used for programs committed to environmental preservation and protection in Raleigh County, WV.

Preferences will be given to projects showing a direct impact on the community. Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2027. 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 $3,500.

00 available to award. 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. 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, 2027.

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 $2,400 available to award. 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.

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, 2027. 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 $1,400 available to award. 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.