Foundations
548
Total Assets
$1.8B
Total Giving
$691.5M
Active Grants
191
National Rank
#43
West Virginia Grant Programs: Community Revitalization, Economic Opportunity, and Appalachian Investment
West Virginia offers a targeted and impactful portfolio of grant programs designed to strengthen communities, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth across the Mountain State.
As a state deeply embedded in the Appalachian region, West Virginia benefits from both state-administered programs and significant federal pass-through funding that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing its rural and small-town communities.
The West Virginia Community Advancement and Development (CAD) office, housed within the Department of Economic Development, serves as a central hub for programs including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, channeling resources toward infrastructure, housing, and economic development in communities that need them most.
Key State Programs
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
A federal anti-poverty program with a total West Virginia award of $8,585,325 for FY2025, distributed through designated Community Action Agencies to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and expand economic opportunities for low-income families.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Provides grants to non-entitlement local governments for housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development projects that principally benefit low- to moderate-income households. Local governments may partner with nonprofit organizations to carry out project activities.
Local Economic Development (LED) Grant
A matching grant program providing up to $30,800 to county or multi-county economic development organizations, administered by the Department of Economic Development to enhance local capacity for business attraction, retention, and expansion activities.
West Virginia Arts Grants
Administered through the West Virginia Culture Center, offering Arts in Education Mini-Grants up to $1,000, emergency support grants up to $10,000 for arts venue renovation and accessibility, and project grants up to $5,000 for artists, community organizations, and small businesses.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Programs
Federal-state partnership providing substantial investment in West Virginia communities for economic diversification, workforce development, infrastructure modernization, and community capacity building across the Appalachian region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers most grant programs in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Community Advancement and Development (CAD) office within the Department of Economic Development administers many of the state's key grant programs, including CDBG, CSBG, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Additional programs are managed by other state agencies, including the West Virginia Culture Center for arts grants and the Department of Tourism for tourism promotion grants.
What is the Community Services Block Grant used for in West Virginia?
The CSBG is a federal anti-poverty program with $8,585,325 awarded to West Virginia for FY2025. Funds are distributed through Community Action Agencies designated by the Governor to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and create economic opportunities. Eligible activities include employment services, education assistance, housing support, and community organizing that addresses root causes of poverty.
Are there grants for arts and cultural projects in West Virginia?
Yes. The West Virginia Culture Center offers several grant programs: Arts in Education Mini-Grants provide up to $1,000 for K-12 student arts experiences with West Virginia artists; emergency support grants of up to $10,000 fund renovation of arts venues and accessibility improvements for schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) organizations; and project grants of up to $5,000 support original arts activities by individual artists, community organizations, and small businesses.
How can small businesses access economic development grants in West Virginia?
Small businesses can benefit from several programs. The Local Economic Development Grant supports county-level economic development activities including business creation and expansion. USDA Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants provide zero-interest financing through local utility organizations for projects that create and retain rural employment. The CDBG program also funds economic development projects that benefit low- to moderate-income areas where small businesses often operate.
What role does the Appalachian Regional Commission play in West Virginia?
The ARC is a federal-state partnership that provides significant investment in West Virginia, the only state entirely within the Appalachian region. ARC funds support economic diversification, workforce development, infrastructure modernization, broadband expansion, and community capacity building. West Virginia communities can apply through ARC's various grant programs, often in partnership with local development organizations and state agencies.
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