Grants and Scholarships

At the Webster County Community Fund, we are first and foremost stewards of our donors' dollars. That means we are involved in the community and know the most pressing needs in our county. We are here to help you find the best way to use your generous donations. Donor’s funds are distributed either through grants or scholarships.

GRANTS

Since 2005 the WCCF has distributed more than $40,000 in grants throughout the community. Grants from the WCCF support organizations and programs benefiting the residents of Webster County. We make grants across a broad range of fields, including:

• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Parks & Recreation
• Beautification
• Education
• Health and Human Services

We make grants to nonprofit organizations qualified for tax-exempt status under the IRS Code and to public entities. We will consider funding a grassroots group under the sponsorship of a fiscal agent with the appropriate tax status.

The Webster County Community Fund currently distributes grants once a year. For more information on how to apply for a grant, contact us at:

Recent Grant Recipients include:

Catholic Charities, Cowen Public Library, Diana Elementary School, First United Methodist Church Cancer Screening Program, Glade District Improvement Council, Holly River State Park Foundation, Tri-County Advocacy Center, Town of Cowen, Webster-Addison Public Library, Webster County Family Resource Network, Webster County Historical Society, Webster County Memorial Hospital, Webster Fitness Center, Webster Springs Elementary School and Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Webster Countians are generous and committed to helping others succeed in life through continuing education. The donors of our scholarships design the criteria for selection.  We, through our partnership with the Beckley Area Foundation, help them find the best candidates and manage the selection process.

The WCCF/BAF currently manages three scholarship funds:

George and Jean Thompson Douglas Scholarship Fund:
George Douglas and his wife, Jean Thompson Douglas, have pledged to donate up to $100,000 to the Webster County Community Fund for their scholarship fund. This fund has endowed a scholarship for a graduate of Webster County High School seeking a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in West Virginia. The Douglas’ have agreed to match every dollar contributed to the Fund by the community. Every time the Scholarship Fund accumulates $5,000 in donations, the Douglas’ will add another $5,000 up to $100,000.

Bill Weese Trades Scholarship:
The daughter of the late Bill Weese (1950-2003), Anissa Meacham, launched a scholarship program beginning with the WCHS Class of 2007, which specifically supports students seeking a professional trade. Trade schools include vocational education programs which offer certification or degree programs designed to teach students skills for a specific segment of employment. Many programs are available statewide through various institutions. Vocational education programs include training in health care assistantship, culinary arts, auto repair, diesel mechanics, cosmetology, computer graphics, heavy equipment operation, electrical repair, welding, drafting and design, computer programming and assistive medical technology among many others.

John Wood Memorial Scholarship
When fully funded, this scholarship will provide assistance to residents of Webster County, based on need, with an emphasis on community service.  Grades are not the primary selection criteria.  Recipients may use the scholarship to attend an accredited junior college, college or university, trade or technical school.  Scholarships for graduate school studies will be considered if the applicant agrees to return to work in Webster County.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are generally available beginning in February of each year and are due by April 1^st for consideration. Please contact the Webster County High School guidance counselor at 304 226-5772 or the Beckley Area Foundation at 304 253-3806 to discuss scholarship availability.

If you would like to help fund any of these scholarships, tax-deductible donations may be made at any time to:

BAF-WCCF
P O Box 11
Webster Springs, WV 26288

Please make a notation as to which scholarship fund your donation is intended for.