Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation Grants
Eligibility
West Virginia K-12 schools, districts, nonprofits, and education organizations working on systemic education improvement. The Benedum Foundation focuses on deep, lasting change in WV education rather than one-time classroom grants.
Program Goals
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is the largest private education funder in West Virginia. It supports systemic education reform — improving teacher quality, student outcomes, and school systems across Appalachian WV. Large-scale STEM integration and CS curriculum initiatives are a strong fit.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications submitted through the Benedum Foundation at benedum.org. The foundation has both responsive grants (applicant-initiated) and proactive initiatives. Rolling cycle — no fixed annual deadline. Contact the foundation before applying to discuss your project.
Cycle Notes
Rolling responsive grants plus periodic major initiatives. Check benedum.org for current guidelines and whether responsive grants are open.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary widely — from targeted project grants to multi-year, multi-million-dollar systemic investments. The Benedum Foundation makes significant education investments in WV each year.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Benedum Foundation unique?
It is the largest private education funder in West Virginia and focuses on systemic, lasting change rather than small one-time grants.
What types of projects does it fund?
Systemic education reform, teacher quality, and large-scale curriculum initiatives. Large STEM or CS integration projects at the district level are a good fit.
Is my individual classroom eligible?
Individual classroom grants are less common. The Benedum Foundation typically funds district-level or systems-level initiatives.
How do I start the application process?
Contact the Benedum Foundation directly before applying. They provide guidance on fit and the application process.
How can Forward Education help?
We help frame large-scale STEM implementation projects that align to the Benedum Foundation's systemic reform priorities.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — West Virginia standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
