EXPANDING TGKVF’S PLACE BASED INVESTMENT TO SMITHERS AND MONTGOMERY (UPPER KANAWHA VALLEY)
Overview:
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) is launching a new place-based initiative to strengthen the communities of Smithers and Montgomery in the Upper Kanawha Valley.
Grant applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis from those invited to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be invited
- Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization OR
- Be unit of local government and provide services within Fayette and Kanawha counties
USE OF FUNDS
- Must align with TGKVF’s proactive funding areas of Community Economic Development, Education and Health
- Grant sizes and project activities may vary; TGKVF is allocating up to $200,000 per year through 2028
PROCESS
- Starting in Q2 of 2026, TGKVF will begin targeted grantmaking in the Smithers and Montgomery area
- Only one application per organization (via this initiative) during a 12-month period
- Each grant application will be reviewed by the Special Initiatives Committee
- All grantees will be required to submit a final report outlining outcomes and project expenditures
- After Phase I (years 2026 through 2028), an assessment will take place to evaluate the initiative
Geography
- The communities of Smithers and Montgomery are the focus and priority areas for Phase I
- If the initiative renews for Phase II, other communities along the viewshed corridors of U.S. Route 60 (Midland Trail/Scenic Byway) and WV Route 61 leading to and from Smithers and Montgomery may be considered
For more information, contact:
Todd Dorcas, TGKVF Program Officer • tdorcas@tgkvf.org • 304.346.3620