
Eligibility
- Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS or use a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 status;
- Provide services within West Virginia;
- Have an annual operating budget of less than $1.5 million; and
- Be African American–led organizations and/or serve African American communities.
AAPA is a giving circle that is comprised of individuals and businesses committed to addressing the societal ills facing the African American community.
Our Vision & Future
- Educate members about the benefits of collective philanthropy
- Increase awareness of local needs in West Virginia
- Make investments in organizations that are directly impacting African American children, youth, and families
- Create a legacy of giving among African Americans as an effective vehicle for social impact and change
Grant Information
AAPA will provide grants for organizations serving African American children, youth, and families in West Virginia.
Use of Funds
Annual grant awards will average $5,000 in three priority areas:
Grant funds may be used for the following activities:
- Out-of-school time tutoring, mentoring, and/or learning programs that focus on Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STREAM) education
- Programs at school and community centers that connect families to their children’s development
- Programs that provide proven post-secondary guidance and career advice
Grant funds may be used for the following activities:
- Programs that provide opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in diverse and artistic experiences and particularly those that foster creativity, self-expression, and cross-cultural exchange.
Grant funds may be used for the following activities:
- Workforce development including:
- Career and technical education for in-demand fields
- Guidance and support for unemployed residents pursuing post-secondary education
- Soft skills training and job placement assistance
- Business development programs that teach participants business planning and business operations skills
- Rebuilding the community’s social fabric through economic means such as new gathering places and visible improvements
Process:
Applications shall be submitted via The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s online application system
Only one application per organization is allowable.
The African American Philanthropy in Action (AAPA) Grant Committee will review applications and announce grant awards.
All grantees will be required to submit a final report outlining their activities, outputs, outcomes, and project expenditures.
Contact
Todd Dorcas
Email: tdorcas@tgkvf.org
Contact Phone: 304-3466-3620
Candace Krell
Email: ckrell@tgkvf.org
A giving circle is formed when a group of people come together to pool their money, decide where to give that money, and learn about needs in their community.
In addition to pooling money, members contribute their time and talents to significantly contribute to the causes they care about.

Visit the WV Hebert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs here, for the application to be considered for a positon on WV Boards and Commissions
Students attend free ‘Hidden Figures’ screening
On January 14, 2017 AAPA and the Charleston-Institute Chapter, of the Links, Incorporated played host to over 600 students and their families from across the area for a private screening of “Hidden Figures” at the Park Place Cinemas in Charleston, WV. Read more about the event at The Charleston Gazette-Mail.
The Giving Back Project:
The Giving Back Project: Reframing Portraits of Philanthropy was presented on February 18, 2016. Ms. Valaida Fullwood, author of the book Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, led a panel discussion and hosted a multimedia art exhibit, “The Soul of Philanthropy, Reframed and Exhibited “ in the Davis Fine Arts Building on WVSU’s campus.
AAPA is in the news
The African American Philanthropy In Action hosted a Jazz & Jambalaya Father’s Day Brunch at the Clay Center June 21, 2015 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
The AAPA has established a Donor-Advised Fund with The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
For more information or to make a gift, please contact Melvin Jones, AAPA President & Founding Member, at Melvin@wvaapa.org or tgkvf@tgkvf.org
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