Education Grants (Proactive Collaborative & Responsive Grantmaking)
Eligibility
West Virginia K-12 schools, nonprofits, and education organizations. Eligibility varies by foundation and grant program. The Benedum Foundation focuses on systemic education improvement in WV.
Program Goals
West Virginia private foundations support both proactive (foundation-initiated) and responsive (applicant-initiated) education grants. Programs that improve STEM outcomes, teacher quality, and student readiness are strong fits.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Application process varies by foundation program. The Benedum Foundation website (benedum.org) provides current guidelines for responsive grants. The West Virginia Community Foundation (wvcf.com) also administers education grants.
Cycle Notes
Varies by program. The Benedum Foundation has rolling responsive grants plus periodic collaborative initiatives. Check benedum.org for current opportunities.
Grant Award Amount
Award amounts vary widely by program type — from small classroom grants to large multi-year systemic investments. Contact the foundation directly for current award ranges.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between proactive and responsive grantmaking?
Proactive grants are foundation-initiated around specific priorities. Responsive grants respond to applications from eligible organizations.
Which foundations run these programs in WV?
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is the primary private education funder in WV. The WV Community Foundation also administers education grants.
Who is eligible?
WV K-12 schools, nonprofits, and education organizations. Eligibility and focus areas vary by program.
Where do I apply?
Benedum Foundation: benedum.org. WV Community Foundation: wvcf.com. Check both for current open grant programs.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment and program documentation to support foundation grant applications.
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
