Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation

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2025 Mini Grants to Teachers

These grants are now CLOSED.

NEW DEADLINE TO APPLY! We have extended the deadline to FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 2025.

We are so excited to announce that our 2025 Mini Grants to Teachers are now OPEN! Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan County public school educators are invited to apply for grants of up to $500. This year, we are using our new Grant software for applications! Teachers, please visit https://goapply2.akoyago.com/ewvcf and register as an individual.

The Need

More and more, teachers are faced with the challenge of keeping children interested and engaged with few resources beyond the basics. We are proud to announce that we are hosting our Mini Grants to Teachers again this year! Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan County public school teachers are invited to apply for grants of up to $500 starting Monday, August 25th.

Our Mini Grants to Teachers have funded recorders, classroom libraries, a snack cart, headphones, robotic kits, murals, virtual field trips, and so much more. These grants are meant to encourage and support teachers who have great ideas that will enhance the learning experience for students.

Grants can be used to purchase supplies and materials for special projects, provide resources for the classroom, and support projects and programs that are not covered by school budgets or other means. Mini Grants will range from $100 – $500.

Who Can Apply?

All Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan County public school teachers are invited to apply. Public schools are defined as being supported by public funds and are part of the free public education system. Any school that charges tuition to students is NOT eligible.

If you have any questions, please call 304-264-0353, or email [email protected].

Deadlines and Instructions

Application Period: August 25 – October 3rd.

Grant Notification: Should your grant application be approved, you will be notified via email in early October. Soon after, you will receive your grant payable to your school.

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Dunn Serves as Panelist at the West Virginia Student Success Summit

Karin Hammann Dunn, scholarship manager for Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, served as a panelist at the recent West Virginia Student Success Summit held in Charleston, WV. Presented by CFWV – College for West Virginia, “Empowering Student Success”, brought together educators, administrators, and industry professionals to equip educational leaders with additional tools and inspiration to empower students statewide.

Dunn is part of the West Virginia Community Foundation Student Success Network (WVCFSSN), a group of experienced scholarship administrators committed to supporting students across the state. The network was invited to present the session titled:
“Community Foundation Scholarships: WV’s Best Kept Secret for Your Students’ Success.”

“In our session, we shared the what and the why of community foundations, the scholarship application and selection process, and described the real-world impact community foundation scholarships have on West Virginia students,” said Dunn. “The WVCFSSN is especially interested in knowing how they can further support and collaborate with educators for the benefit of students in WV.”

Hosted collaboratively by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, West Virginia Department of Education, and West Virginia GEAR UP, the summit served as a vital forum for sharing innovative strategies, spotlighting best practices, and building statewide networks aimed at improving outcomes for West Virginia students.

Currently there are 26 state-wide community foundations serving West Virginia students through scholarships and grants.  For more information about scholarships offered by the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, please contact Karin Hammann Dunn at [email protected], or visit www.ewvcf.org.

Pictured above: L/R: Jennifer Randolph, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, Laurie Abildso, Your Community Foundation of North Central WV, Karin Dunn, Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation, Melanie Stewart, Beckley Area Foundation, Jess Puglisi-Sanders, Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, Katie Ferrell, Emily McCormick, The Greater Kanawha Foundation

 

 

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New Staff Welcomed to EWVCF

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) recently welcomed Kirsten Avey as Systems Manager and Elaine Bobo as Donor Relations and Communications Director. These staff additions underscore EWVCF’s commitment to growing, serving, and supporting the communities of Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire, Hardy, and Morgan Counties through endowed grants and scholarships. 

“The past few years have been ones of exciting change, positive transitions and organizational growth, including welcoming new faces to our staff,” said Susan Caperton, EWVCF Executive Director/CEO. “We are thrilled to have Elaine and Kirsten join us in these new roles, enabling us to focus even more attention on strengthening donor relationships, supporting our non-profit partners, and helping with community-wide initiatives. They both bring a wealth of experience to EWVCF and are all-around lovely and accomplished individuals.”  

As the donor relations and communications director, Elaine’s background in communications and community engagement will be instrumental in strengthening relationships with donors, non-profits, and professionals, as well as cultivating new relationships with community agents of change.  

Kirsten brings experience managing multi-faceted projects and processes with absolute attention to detail. Combined with her financial background and experience in higher education management, Avey will enhance the effectiveness of the day-to-day operations of the office in her role as Systems Manager.  

“Our board is extremely pleased with the growth and direction of the Foundation. We recognize the need to support the administration of grants and scholarship so that our communities can thrive and grow from the generosity of our donors,” commented Jen Rolston, EWVCF Board President. “Welcoming new staff to support our mission is important to our Board, and we are fortunate to have Elaine and Kirsten’s experiences, and skill sets added to our team.” 

To learn more about the EWVCF and how you can be involved, visit our website at www.ewvcf.org. 

Pictured left to right: Elaine Bobo and Kirsten Avey

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2025 Berkeley County Industrial Park Development Fund Grants Now Open

Our 2025 BCIPD Fund grants are now OPEN! Berkeley County organizations addressing the following issues are encouraged to apply:

  • Economic development
  • Business recruitment and/or creation
  • Workforce development
  • Job creation
  • Career training and job skills development

THESE GRANTS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Grant Guidelines & Application

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation will consider grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies serving Berkeley County.

Application Deadline, Reviews, and Reports

All grant applications must be submitted no later than August 1st, 2025 to be considered. Our representatives may contact applicants for phone or Zoom interviews. Grants will be announced in late August.

Grant Size, Payment, and Final Reports

Grants will generally range from $2,000 to $12,000. A final report, including a summary of grant expenses, must be provided to the Community Foundation by April 30th of the following year. Extensions may be allowed with prior approval.

Organizations Eligible to Apply

Charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, technical institutes, colleges, and universities serving Berkeley County are eligible to apply.  Also eligible are Berkeley County-based units of government and quasi-governmental agencies so long as funded programs meet the grant guidelines and benefit the public good.

Grantmaking Priorities

Grantseekers are encouraged to submit proposals for specific projects and programs rather than for general support or operations. Programs that have already been completed are unlikely to be funded. No grants to individuals will be made.

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 Berkeley County Industrial Park Development Fund grants upfront. A final report, including a summary of grant expenses, must be provided to the Community Foundation by April 30, 2026. Extensions to complete the grant funded program may be allowed with prior approval; however, grantees receiving an extension should still file an interim report.

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Growing Impact Across Our Region

Our 29th year marked incredible growth and progress.  We proudly continued supporting nonprofit programs across all five counties and launched our inaugural Veterans Grant Program. Our endowments reached new heights, fueling the growth of our grants and scholarship programs. This annual report highlights the hopes and dreams of many in our community. Whether they be known as a recipient or donor, may their inspiration become yours as well.

Please contact our office at 304-264-0353 for a copy of our 29th Annual Report to the Community or enjoy it below.

Martinsburg Office
127 Crimson Circle
Martinsburg, WV 25403
[email protected]
304.264.0353

Romney Office
Post Office Box 40
91 South High Street
Romney, WV 26757
[email protected]
304.822.7200

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Vision

To build vibrant communities that provide opportunities for everyone living in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Mission

To inspire philanthropy, serve donors, strengthen communities, and improve the quality of life in Eastern West Virginia now and for future generations.

Values

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.