Detlev and Mary Ellen Preissler Fund Grants

The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) is offering 2025 grant funding through the Detlev and Mary Ellen Preissler Fund for the Arts, Music, Design, and Nature. This fund continues a tradition of supporting creative and educational initiatives that engage children with the arts and natural world. Schools and nonprofit organizations within specific West Virginia counties are encouraged to apply for this annual opportunity. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund programs that inspire and educate children through art, music, design, and nature. The grants support both structured educational programs and experiential learning activities. EWVCF welcomes proposals that integrate natural world elements into arts-based curricula, creating a multidisciplinary learning experience for young participants. Eligible applicants include public schools located in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties in West Virginia, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in these counties. School teachers may apply for funding to support specific classroom or extracurricular projects that are not covered by traditional school budgets. Nonprofit organizations that focus on the arts, music, design, or nature may apply for general support funding. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000, and funding can be applied to programmatic expenses directly tied to the goals of education and artistic development. This includes, but is not limited to, supplies, instructional support, field trips, workshops, and facility use as part of the proposed project. Applications for the 2025 cycle are currently open and must be submitted by June 23, 2025. Although the specific application format and required questions have not been published, all applicants should clearly outline their program goals, methods of implementation, target population, and expected outcomes. Matching funds are not required for this grant. At present, there is no designated contact person or email listed for inquiries. Applicants should refer to the EWVCF website for additional submission details or contact the organization directly for guidance.