The Women’s Giving Circle of North Central West Virginia is a component fund of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF), an organization that promotes philanthropy and develops endowment funds to benefit local communities. The Giving Circle invites grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Harrison, Taylor, Marion, Preston, and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia. Its mission is to empower women and girls through strategic philanthropic efforts targeting gender equity and overall well-being.
The primary objectives of the grant program are to increase life skills of women and girls through education, economic empowerment, health (both physical and mental), and violence prevention strategies. Additionally, it supports projects that encourage the healthy development of girls and promote gender equity in the community. Applicants must align with at least one of these focus areas to be considered for funding.
Eligible applicants must be charitable organizations in good standing, including nonprofit tax-exempt entities under IRS section 501(c)(3) and public institutions. Faith-based organizations, such as churches, may apply if the proposed activities are non-discriminatory, nonsectarian, and benefit the wider community. The maximum grant request is capped at $5,000 per project.
Applicants are required to complete and upload a “Project Goals and Objectives Table” as part of the application process. Grant funds are restricted and may not be used for fundraising events, alcohol, firearms, tobacco, political contributions, capital campaigns, intermediary funding agencies, scholarships, general operations, or routine administrative staff costs. However, staff time specifically related to the funded project may be covered.
The grant application period for the 2024-25 cycle has closed. Notifications to applicants will be sent by the second week of November, with grant disbursements occurring in the same month. Project reports are due by the following August 31. The next funding cycle for 2025-26 is expected to open in late summer 2025. Interested applicants must submit their applications through YCF’s grant portal, where new users must create an account.
For assistance, applicants can contact YCF at 304-296-3433 or via email at info@ycfwv.org. More information about the program can be found at www.womensgivingcircleofncwv.org.
