Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants Program

The Sisters Health Foundation offers the Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants Program to support organizations providing material aid to under-resourced communities in its defined service region. The foundation, grounded in the values and mission of the Congregation of St. Joseph, aims to promote health and well-being through funding that directly impacts individuals' basic needs. This grant program reflects the foundation’s commitment to empowering local nonprofits and public institutions working at the front lines of poverty relief. This specific grant program is tailored to provide immediate and tangible assistance to individuals facing urgent needs. Eligible projects include the provision of food, clothing, personal care products, and emergency support for housing-related costs such as utility or rent payments. Funding amounts range from $500 to $5,000, with a clear stipulation that funds must be used solely for the specified purpose during the grant period. Administrative expenses are limited to no more than 10% of the grant total, ensuring that the majority of funds are allocated to direct service delivery. Organizations applying for this grant must meet specific eligibility criteria: they must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be public institutions; they must have been operating for at least one year and have already provided direct material aid; and they must be actively engaged in meeting the basic needs of underserved populations. Moreover, funded projects must impact at least one of the counties within the foundation’s service area, which includes eight counties in West Virginia (Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Ritchie, Wirt, Calhoun, Roane, Jackson) and three counties in Ohio (Washington, Athens, Meigs). The application process is intentionally designed to be accessible and efficient. It begins with an initial conversation between the applicant and the foundation’s staff. To initiate this, applicants are encouraged to email Marian Clowes, Associate Director, at [email protected], or call 304-424-6080. This preliminary discussion helps the foundation determine fit and allows the staff to draft an initial grant application. The applicant is then responsible for reviewing, editing, and submitting the final application through the foundation’s online portal, including attaching a project budget. Applicants should reach out at least two weeks prior to the deadline to ensure ample time for preparation. The program operates on a biannual cycle, with two deadlines each year. For Spring 2026, the application opens on January 21, 2026, with notifications to be sent in February. The Fall 2026 cycle has not yet published a specific opening date but is expected to conclude in August 2026. Applications must be submitted online by midnight of the posted due dates. Organizations are only eligible to receive one grant within any 12-month period, and a final report must be submitted within one year of the award or upon expenditure of funds, whichever comes first. Evaluation of applications will consider the alignment of the project with the foundation’s funding priorities, the degree to which the project serves under-resourced communities, evidence of community need, and the applicant organization’s capacity to deliver. This focused and streamlined approach to funding ensures that organizations can access support efficiently while maintaining accountability and impact in addressing urgent community needs.

Contact at least 2 weeks in advance; prepare for conversation using guide.