Wheeling Heritage has awarded seven Partnership Grants to local organizations, supporting projects that celebrate arts, culture, and community engagement. A total of $6,675 in funding was distributed to events and initiatives that will take place or be completed this year.
Grant recipients include:
● Foxfire Film Festival – In partnership with Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre, the festival honors West Virginia’s cultural heritage through storytelling. Funding will support the production of a promotional video to help generate funds for the November 2025 festival.
● Centre Market’s “Saturdays at the Market” – A live music series featuring local musicians performing from 12-2 p.m. on Saturdays, May 24 through Sept. 27. The series provides artists with a welcoming platform to showcase their talents.
● Ohio County Solid Waste Authority’s Earth Day Block Party – A community event that brings together artists, musicians, craftsmen, and local organizations to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
● The Friendlier City Project’s Programming – A one-day celebration in June featuring vendors and entertainment celebrating the Friendlier City of Wheeling. The event, which draws thousands of attendees annually, will use grant funding to support programming and logistics.
● Glass Takes Over Wheeling – A citywide celebration of Wheeling’s glassmaking heritage, featuring exhibitions and events highlighting the city’s rich history in glass production. Events are planned throughout April 2025.
● Bullfrogs and Butterflies – A children’s consignment shop in Elm Grove that will use funding to replace aging display racks and work tables, improving organization and customer experience.
● Ohio Valley Trail Partners’ Heritage Trail Tour – The 18th annual tour of the Wheeling Heritage Trail, offering 10-, 30-, and 62-mile ride options. The event, held on Sunday, May 25, supports trail maintenance, improvements, and advocacy efforts.
“I am grateful to the Partnership Grant Committee made up of Wheeling Heritage Board members and community partners that help us in choosing these projects that will benefit from our support. Wheeling Heritage is proud to be able to use these grants to build up a strong community,” expressed Scott Schenerlein, executive director at Wheeling Heritage.
Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage, highlighted the impact of the latest round of funding. “We’re super excited that, with this round of Partnership Grants, we’re able to fund at least one project in each of our five grant categories—Education & Interpretation, Small Business Development, Artist, Recreation, and Fairs & Festivals,” Carpenter said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to support such a wide range of impactful projects, and I can’t wait to see them coming to life and contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of our community.”
Wheeling Heritage’s Partnership Grants are open to individuals, community groups, local institutions, public entities, and private enterprises, with joint ventures and public-private partnerships encouraged. The next round of applications opens on April 2.
For more information, visit wheelingheritage.org/grants or contact Wheeling Heritage at (304) 232-3087.
