Focus Areas for 2025-26 grant cycle: Basic Needs & Addiction Prevention
Who is eligible to apply?
Applications will be accepted from 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or public institutions. We encourage you to contact YCF Vice President Laurie Abildso at laurie@ycfwv.org or 304-296-3433 to discuss your project and determine eligibility/fit.
1. Basic Needs:
Qualified organizations may apply for funding to support basic needs, including housing, utilities, and food. Funding requests must support individuals in one or more of the following counties: Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor. A maximum of $5,000 may be requested.
2. Addiction Prevention:
Qualified organizations may apply for funding to support programs geared to lessen and alter, through education and professional support at the grassroots level, the destructive impact of alcohol and drug addiction on children and their families. A maximum of $2,500 may be requested.
Projects should be a grassroots cooperative effort. Collaboration is strongly encouraged as 501(c)(3) agencies should consider partnerships with, but not limited to: local prevention coalitions, other nonprofit agencies, county health departments, boards of education, county probation offices, town councils, county commissions, regional, state, and federal bodies, civic groups, religious organizations, etc.
Preference will be given to projects in communities that demonstrate high need and low resources. Priority will be given to counties in the following order: Preston, Taylor, Marion, Harrison, and Monongalia.
Proposals must include individuals with addiction experiences.
Capital expenditures above $1,500 shall not be considered, as focus should remain on programs.
Applicants should strive to be creative and demonstrate awareness of current best practices in the addiction prevention discipline, such as those outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Use Prevention (CSAP):
- Information Dissemination
- Prevention Education
- Positive Alternatives
- Environmental Strategies
- Community-Based Processes
- Problem Identification and Referral
Deadlines and Application Review
Applications for the 2025-26 funding cycle closed September 22, 2025. Please check back in July 2026 for the next grant opportunity.
Grant requests are reviewed by our Grants Committee and approved by our Board of Directors. Applicants will be notified of decisions by November 3, 2025.
Reporting Process
Grantees must submit a final report to the Foundation at the completion of the grant-funded project and no later than August 31 of the year following the grant award date. The staff will review such reports for completeness and to ensure that the project was completed as outlined in the grant application. The staff and Grants Committee shall use information gathered from the reports to report on and assess the effectiveness of the grant making program. If awarded, reporting instructions will be included in your award letter.