By Stephen Smoot
A slew of announcements from the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation in recent days share information about opportunities for individuals and organizations and adults and youth.
First, the Foundation released statements on a number of scholarship opportunities, starting with those from its own organization. The EWVCF started accepting applications for the 2026 academic year with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Feb 27 “for students pursuing university, college, community college, or other higher education opportunities.
“In 2025, more than 80 different funds awarded scholarships totaling over $250,000 to students from our five-county region,” shared Karin Hammann Dunn, Scholarship Program Manager for EWVCF. “To be prepared for the application process, I encourage students to visit our website to learn about the different types of scholarships available and their specific eligibility requirements, as some are quite specialized.”
The Foundation welcomes applications from graduates whose schools serve students in Hardy, Hampshire, Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson. They can earn awards that range from $500 to $6,000.
Hardy County students have a specific opportunity to get scholarship funding from EWVCF. Seniors are encouraged to apply for the Robert H and Loraine W. Strickler Scholarship Fund. It assists students “with demonstrated financial need and a preference for those pursuing a vocational or technical education.”
The scholarship honors the legacy of Robert H. “Twig” Strickler and his wife, Lorraine, dedicated their lives to agriculture, community service and faith, leaving a lasting impact across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley,” according to a release from EWVCF. The scholarship can go to graduates of either “ a public school or home-school program who plan to pursue post-secondary education. Preference is given to students with average academic performance who are first in their family to attend college and who intend to enroll in vocational, technical or trade programs.”
EWVCF also announced another scholarship opportunities for regional students.
Qualifying students from high schools in Hardy, Grant, Hampshire, or Pendleton counties may apply for the The Lost River Pride Scholarship which issues $1,000 awards. According to a release, it “recognizes students who have demonstrated support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community through active engagement in efforts that promote equality and oppose discrimination.”
Releases encouraged interested students to review eligibility requirements for each scholarship and submit applications by visiting the Hampshire or Hardy County tabs of Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation’s website.
Additionally, the EWVCF scholarship window is open with applications for over 80 various scholarships being accepted now through 5:00 p.m. on February 27, 2026. All graduating seniors from Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties pursuing university, college, community college, or other higher-education opportunities are eligible to apply for EWVCF scholarships.
Application details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for all scholarships are available on the EWVCF website, www.ewvcf.org.
According to Dunn, most EWVCF scholarships are administered through the GOapply online application portal. Students can access the portal and additional scholarship information at www.EWVCF.org/scholarships. “The application process is not difficult, but it requires time if you are not prepared with the necessary information and documents,” said Dunn, who added “While users can create credentials allowing them to save information and re-enter the application, you are encouraged to be familiar with the scholarship requirements and necessary documents prior to starting.
Letters of reference are not required this year; however, an individualized top ten is required. Check out our website to learn about the top ten requirement.”
For scholarship questions or assistance, applicants are urged to contact Karin Hammann Dunn at khdunn@ewvcf.org or 304-671-8167.
Organizations in Hardy County and qualifying other counties may apply for 2026 winter/spring grants to support a broad spectrum of community interests and programs including , but not limited to, “Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community & Economic Development, Conservation & Preservation, Education, Mental and Physical Health & Wellness, and Human Services.”
The release goes on to state that “applicants who are 501(c)3 organizations or other nonprofits, government entities, and public schools (for school-wide programs only) are encouraged to apply. Requests of up to $1,000 will be considered. Applications close on Monday, February 19, 2026.
Please visit our website to learn more and to apply: Hampshire https://www.ewvcf.org/grants-hampshire/
Hardy https://www.ewvcf.org/hardycountycf/grants-hardy/
