The West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program supports communities growing collective power to influence decision makers and secure safe, healthy water for all.
Donor Name: West Virginia Rivers
State: West Virginia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/15/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
This Fund is a project of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice issues related to the presence of industrial pollution in their immediate communities and more.
Through the mini-grant program, WV Rivers has supported dozens of powerful grassroots projects across the state — defending headwaters, uplifting frontline voices, and taking real action on clean water and climate. Grants have:
- Powered marches for justice in Minden, policy summits on chemical safety, and Black Policy Day at the Capitol.
- Funded PFAS testing and air monitoring in impacted communities from the Eastern Panhandle to Wyoming County.
- Supported pipeline resistance, coal mine monitoring, and advocacy for safe drinking water
- Enabled youth-led engagement at E-Day, community art like murals and mapping, and clean-ups on the Little Coal and Town Run.
- Boosted rain barrel workshops, leadership retreats, and climate education through faith-based outreach.
- Backed efforts to fight harmful development, from the Kanawha Forest to the Corridor H highway.
Potential Projects
Event, training, petition drive, advocacy campaign, community organizing, or other project that empowers citizens to take action for clean water in West Virginia.
Funding Information
The program provides grants ranging from $500 – $2,500.
Grant Period
Be completed within 1 year.
Eligibility Criteria
Intended for community-based organizations with budgets under $100,000/year that seek to lead activities with an emphasis on grassroots activism and advocacy.
Ineligibility Criteria
- 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.
For more information, visit WVR.
