Big Cover Up Grants

Purpose: Match-based grant program providing funding to student-led school projects that serve fellow students in need by providing warm winter clothing, food, hygiene items, and personal care products.

Program History: Started more than 20 years ago

Geographic Scope: Six-county service area including Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne counties in West Virginia; Lawrence and Gallia counties in Ohio

Award Structure:

• 2024 Cycle: $26,000 total for 17 projects at $1,529.41 per project
• 2023 Cycle: $27,500 total for 16 projects at $1,720 per project
• 2022 Cycle: $15,000 total for 8 projects (ranging $1,000-$2,000)

Eligible Applicants:

• Middle and high school student organizations
• Student clubs (Key Club, Beta Club, Student Council, etc.)
• Student-led groups
• Youth organizations within schools

Focus Areas:

• Winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, warm apparel)
• Food (holiday meal boxes, food baskets)
• Personal hygiene items
• Infant essentials
• Services for elementary students and families in need

Program Benefits:

• Students learn about community needs
• Develop fundraising skills
• Practice budgeting and project management
• Take active role in addressing community needs
• School projects often ongoing for multiple years

Sponsors (2024):

• Advantage Toyota
• Toyota Dealer Match Program
• Johnson & Johnson
• Randy and Ashley Saunders (individual donors)

Selection Process: School organizations submit applications; Community Impact Council reviews and scores proposals

• Email: steve.cline@unitedwayrivercities.org
• Phone: 304-523-8929

Organization Info:

• United Way of the River Cities
• Address: 820 Madison Ave, Huntington, WV 25704
• Website: unitedwayrivercities.org

Application Process

1. Eligibility Check: School must be in UWRC's six-county service area
2. Application Submission: Student organizations submit grant application
3. Project Planning: Outline student-led project goals, target population, and budget
4. Fundraising Component: Students raise funds that UWRC will match and exceed through sponsor contributions
5. Review: Community Impact Council reviews applications
6. Awards Announcement: Typically announced in December
7. Project Implementation: Funded organizations implement winter clothing/food/personal care distribution projects

Required Information:

• Student organization name and school
• Project description and goals
• Target population (which students/families will benefit)
• Budget and itemized expenses
• Timeline for implementation
• How funds will be used (clothing, food, hygiene items, etc.)
• Amount student organization has fundraised

Contact for Application Information: Steve Cline, Director of Community Impact

• Email: steve.cline@unitedwayrivercities.org
• Phone: 304-523-8929

Typical Timeline:

• Applications accepted during annual cycle
• Review period: several months
• Awards announced in December
• Projects implemented during winter season (December-February)