What you should know before you apply

Our awards committee strongly prioritizes:

• Proposals up to $2,500
• Proposals from groups organizing in directly impacted communities in West Virginia
• Proposals seeking to address environmental harms and/or environmental justice issues
• Proposals must include a clear advocacy component, such as efforts to influence policy, shift public opinion, build community power, or advance environmental protections through civic engagement or grassroots organizing. Past examples include: letter-writing campaigns to elected officials, community meetings, rallies or marches, petition drives, etc.
• Proposals from groups with annual budgets not exceeding $50,000; however, proposals from groups with an annual budget between $75,000 and $100,000 will be considered.
• Projects that seek to organize, inform, or educate community members about the impacts of shale gas and petrochemical development (including gas wells, pipelines, compressor stations, refineries, cracker plants, and other related infrastructure)
• Projects organizing, educating, or mitigating around the harms of coal field extraction, buildout, and/or pollution.
• Projects focused on developing new community leadership, collective strategizing or problem solving, community outreach, or those that support direct action
• Projects that are led by systemically under-represented and under-funded communities (i.e. people of color, rural, and under resourced)
• Activities pursued in collaboration with other activists, groups or communities
• Travel and/or conference expenses for events that increase networking, strategizing, and communication among activists or grassroots groups.
• Funds being used for matching grants

We do not consider:

• Personal Expenses: This includes requests for relief for specific households, such as healthcare costs, temporary housing, or other personal needs.
• Operating Expenses: Funds cannot be used for general operating costs such as rent, utility bills, or permanent staff salaries, unless directly tied to the proposed project.
• Political Activities: Funds may not be used to support or oppose political candidates, parties, or for lobbying efforts beyond what is permissible under nonprofit advocacy guidelines.
• Private Interest or Profit-Making: Projects that primarily benefit private businesses, individuals, or for-profit entities are not eligible.
• Individuals: Grants are only available to organizations, not individuals applying on their own behalf.
• Attorney Fees: Legal fees are not eligible, though limited legal-related costs such as printing, filing fees, or support for expert witnesses may be considered.
• Incomplete Applications: Applications missing required information or documentation will not be considered.

Will You Need a Fiscal Sponsor?

If you are a grassroots group but are not incorporated and do not have a bank account, you will need to find an organization that can accept the funds for your group. Consider asking another non-profit or a faith-based organization if they will serve as your “Fiscal Sponsor.”

Note: All applicants who are approved will be required to submit a W-9 form and MOU before funding is dispersed.

Simple Reporting, Centered on Your Work

We keep reporting simple — because we want you to spend more time healing and organizing in your community, not meeting grant deadlines.

When your project wraps up, just complete a short form that asks a few basic questions about what you accomplished, any challenges you encountered, and how the funds were used. It’s designed to be quick and easy. We also encourage you to share photos or videos that highlight your work. These help us celebrate and promote your efforts across the state.

That’s it! If you have any questions, we’re always here to help!