Wheeling Heritage is now accepting applications for its Partnership Grant Program through January 31, 2025. The nonprofit organization offers these grants to support projects that align with its mission of revitalizing Wheeling through historic preservation, community development, and the arts.
Partnership grants are reviewed quarterly by an ad-hoc committee that evaluates each application to ensure the proposed project aligns with the program’s goals. Grants of up to $1,000 are available, funding up to 75 percent of direct project costs.
Wheeling Heritage offers five types of partnership grants in the following categories:
- Education & Interpretation Grant: Funds projects that support the heritage area, interpret its historic significance, and provide long-term community benefits.
- Small Business Development Grant: Available to organizations or small businesses for projects that contribute to Wheeling’s economic vitality.
- Artist Grant: Supports projects such as supplies, recordings, studio time, exhibits, performances, and attendance at workshops or seminars.
- Recreation Grant: Funds projects or programs that enhance recreation within the heritage area, with priority given to projects along the trail system.
- Fairs & Festivals Grant: Supports events within the heritage area that advance Wheeling’s culture and history, from community-based celebrations to large-scale events.
Applicants may provide their matching share in dollars or through in-kind services. Individuals, community groups, local institutions, public entities, and private enterprises are eligible to apply. Nonprofit status is not required, but applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage and account for funds responsibly.
“Wheeling Heritage is a powerful force for positive change, and the Partnership Grant Program is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and turn ideas into action,” said Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage. “It’s truly inspiring to see the creativity, passion, and vision of individuals and organizations working to make Wheeling an even better place to live, work, and grow. With the support of these grants, we’re not just preserving history – we’re shaping the future, one project at a time.”
Follow us on Facebook as we track the progress of projects from previous Wheeling Heritage Partnership Grant recipients. These include Ohio County Schools for their History of Ohio County Schools: A Wheeling Museum project, King’s Daughters Child Care Center Wheeling for their Interactive Mural Project, East Wheeling Clayworks for their Print Studio Setup Project, Symphony Orchestra for the WSO 95th Anniversary Community Choir Premiere, Be Kind Ceramics for The Kindness Pottery Project, and Making Magic LLC for their Making Magic Workshops.
For more information or to apply, visit wheelingheritage.org/grants. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Riley Carpenter, Director of Programming, at rcarpenter@wheelingheritage.org.
2025 Grant Schedule:
- Open Jan. 6 – Close Jan. 31 | Award Month: February
- Open April 2 – Close April 30 | Award Month: May
- Open July 2 – Close July 31 | Award Month: August
