Grants

Grant Application Instructions

The Women’s Giving Circle, a component fund of Your Community Foundation for North Central West Virginia, welcomes grant applications for organizations in Harrison, Taylor, Marion, Preston and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia that are addressing one or more of the following needs of women in our community:

• Increasing life skills of women and girls through education, economic empowerment, physical and mental health, and strategies for prevention of violence and crime
• Encouraging the healthy development of girls
• Promoting gender equity in our community

Empowering Women Through Philanthropy

The Women’s Giving Circle of North Central West Virginia is pleased to announce our eleventh annual community grant opportunity. This year’s grants total $23,835.00. Awards were presented to seven local charitable organizations: Hope Inc; St. Ursula Food Pantry and Outreach.; Girls on the Run of North Central West Virginia, Inc.; Kingwood Elementary School, Libera, Monongalia County Health Department, and WV DiaperPlus Initiative.

Since its inception in 2014, the Women’s Giving Circle has gifted over $188,750.

In 2015, our first grant cycle, seven organizations received awards totaling $10,000 for their projects to support women and girls. In 2016, six organizations received awards totaling $11,500. In 2017, six organizations received awards totaling $14,000. To date over $188,750 has been awarded. Grant funding has increased annually. With continued membership growth our future granting can be evermore generous.

2025 Grants Awarded

Girls on the Run of North Central West Virginia, Inc.==Participation Scholarships

The program provides a running-based curriculum designed to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by emphasizing social and emotional learning, physical activity, and life skills development. Since its inception, GOTR-
NCWV has served over 6,100 girls, with 371 girls participating in the 2024 season, spanning counties including Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Harrison,
Lewis, Taylor, and Barbour.

HOPE, Inc. Task Force on Domestic Violence — Food Assistance and Rapid Rehousing:

HOPE, Inc. is implementing a 12-month Food Assistance and Rapid Rehousing project in Marion and Harrison Counties, West Virginia, targeting victims and survivors of domestic violence and
sexual assault. The organization aims to provide comprehensive support including shelter, case management, legal assistance with Domestic Violence Protection Orders, transitional housing,
counseling, and financial aid. Funded by VOCA, COC, and United Way, the project’s primary goals are to offer food and utility
assistance while creating a stable environment for women in crisis, ultimately ensuring their safety, encouraging self-sufficiency, and
promoting violence-free lives

Kingwood Elementary School — Project Fresh & Clean: Meeting Basic Needs for Academic Success:

Project Fresh & Clean at Kingwood Elementary School in Preston County, West Virginia aims to support student health and hygiene
by providing a washer/dryer and essential hygiene products. With 367 students, 63% of whom are economically disadvantaged, the project focuses on purchasing a washer/dryer set and lice
treatment products to assist students, particularly females more vulnerable to lice. The initiative, funded through a grant and supported by the school nurse, social worker, and PTA, will be
implemented from November to May, with procurement, installation, staff training, and program monitoring planned across these months.

Libera — Libera Community Center and Transitional Housing

The Libera Community Center and Transitional Housing project aims to provide safe housing and comprehensive support for 8 girls and young women ages 18-24, particularly those from low-income, foster, and justice-impacted backgrounds. Scheduled to operate from October 2025 to October 2026, the project will offer mentorship, education, and wraparound services through an
evidence-based Libera Model focusing on mental health and hope.

Monongalia County Health Department — Postpartum Planning and Support Class:

The Monongalia County Health Department is launching a Postpartum Planning and Support Class focusing on mental health support for pregnant and postpartum women in Monongalia
County, WV. The project aims to provide mental health education, conduct perinatal screenings, host monthly support groups, and offer early intervention for Perinatal Mood Anxiety Disorders. Targeting WIC recipients, women at risk for postpartum
depression, and their partners, the initiative will collaborate with
WVU Medicine and Monongalia General Hospital. Scheduled from
November 2025 to August 2026.

St. Ursula Food Pantry & Outreach — Every Stage, Every Need:

The Feminine Wellness Project: The Feminine Wellness Project aims to address feminine hygiene product access for underserved women in Monongalia County, West Virginia. Through St. Ursula Food Pantry & Outreach Center, the project will provide essential products like tampons, pads, and incontinence items to low-income expecting mothers, girls, and elderly women, with a special emphasis on elderly clients.

WV DiaperPlus Initiative — Monthly Bundles of Hope:

The Monthly Bundles of Hope project, initiated by West Virginia DiaperPlus Initiative in Harrison and Monongalia Counties, aims to support 10 mothers with children under two who are experiencing diaper need. The project partners with West Virginia Perinatal
Partnership and Drug Free Moms and Babies program to distribute diapers through Community Health Workers during existing community visits