Blanche Woods Ashworth Memorial Fund - Music Education Grant

The Blanche Woods Ashworth Memorial Fund, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports music education in Raleigh County. Established with a $1.1 million seed gift, the fund currently has $1,000 available for projects or programs that must be completed by February 28, 2026. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and public institutions dedicated to advancing music education, ensuring the continuation of cultural enrichment in the community.

It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks.
Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.
Assets were initially delivered to Mountain State University from the Blanche Woods Ashworth estate and from Barry and Connie Woods to establish a memorial scholarship. When MSU ceased operations, the assets were transferred to BAF establishing a field of interest fund that shall further music education in Raleigh County.
​At the current time, this fund has $1,000 available to award. Project or program must be completed by February 28, 2026.

Eligibility

The Foundation considers grant requests from organizations which are:Designated as a non-profit under Section 501-c-3 of the Internal Revenue Code or is a public institution, school or municipality. Programs funded must further music education in Raleigh County.