Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program

The West Virginia Rivers Community Action Mini-Grant Program is an initiative of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WV Rivers), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the state’s rivers and streams through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Since its inception in 2019, the mini-grant program has awarded over $78,000 to 46 grassroots projects aimed at improving water quality and raising environmental awareness across West Virginia. The program reflects WV Rivers’ commitment to building collective power at the community level to influence policy decisions and ensure access to safe, healthy water for all residents. The mini-grant program supports small, community-led initiatives that focus on environmental justice and the impact of industrial pollution. Funded projects often include organizing campaigns, educational events, public art, monitoring efforts, and advocacy work. Specific examples of previously funded activities include PFAS testing, pipeline resistance, youth-led civic engagement, and policy summits. Projects also include creative expressions like murals and mapping, cleanup events, and support for infrastructure improvements like rain barrels and water cistern upgrades. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate a clear advocacy component such as influencing policy, shifting public opinion, building community power, or engaging in civic organizing. Grants of up to $2,500 are prioritized, and applicants must be grassroots groups working in directly impacted communities within West Virginia. The program favors groups with annual budgets below $50,000, though proposals from organizations with budgets up to $100,000 will be considered. The fund does not support individuals, for-profit enterprises, general operating expenses, legal fees (except for limited support related to filings or expert witness costs), or projects primarily benefiting private interests. Additionally, applicants who are not formally incorporated or lack a bank account must secure a fiscal sponsor to manage funds on their behalf. The mini-grant application cycle occurs five times annually—in January, March, June, August, and October—with awards announced by the 15th of each cycle month. Applications received after the deadline are automatically rolled into the next month’s cycle. Once a project concludes, grantees must submit a brief completion form within 30 days, detailing what was accomplished, challenges faced, and how funds were used. WV Rivers encourages sharing photos or videos to help showcase and amplify grantee efforts. Grantees receive support beyond funding. WV Rivers offers optional peer learning cohorts, access to technical and scientific expertise, organizing and advocacy guidance, and communications support to help projects gain visibility. The fund is supported by numerous philanthropic partners including The Cloud Mountain Foundation, The Justice and Peace Fund, The Heinz Foundation, Erol Foundation, and Beyond Petrochemicals via the Resources Legacy Fund, as well as by individual donors. In cases requiring urgent attention, WV Rivers may provide rapid response funding; interested parties must contact WV Rivers directly before submitting an application. All applicants are required to submit a W-9 form and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) upon approval before disbursement. For questions or assistance with the application, individuals can reach the Community Engagement Team at minigrant@wvrivers.org or call 304-637-7201. WV Rivers affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination across all its programs and activities, aligning with federal, state, and local protections.