UNITED WAY OF THE RIVER CITIES INC logo
Foundation Annual Grants for Youth ProgramsYouth Leadership GrantsGrants for Education
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Funding Amount

$1,529.41 per project (2024 cycle); approximately $26,000-$27,500 total distributed across 16-17 projects annually

Deadline

December 31, 2026

267 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

    Contact: Steve Cline, Director of Community Impact

  • 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

    • How to Apply

    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)

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsyouth-leadershipeducation

    Categories

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