Barth Charitable Trust

The Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust is a private philanthropic fund administered by Wesbanco Bank and associated with the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley. The Trust is designed to support charitable activities primarily within West Virginia, with a geographic preference for organizations located in or serving Sistersville and Tyler County. The fund reflects a localized philanthropic intent, prioritizing community-based organizations while still allowing broader eligibility within the state. Its administration through a regional community foundation ensures structured grantmaking processes and oversight. The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that are engaged in charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational activities. Specific focus areas include animal welfare, nature conservancy, preservation of buildings in Sistersville, West Virginia, and other mission-aligned community initiatives. The Trust emphasizes programmatic support rather than unrestricted funding, indicating that applicants should present clearly defined projects or initiatives aligned with these thematic priorities. Funding is intended to support activities that generate tangible community benefits rather than general operational expenses unless tied directly to program outcomes. Eligible applicants include organizations designated as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with additional consideration extended to schools, churches, and governmental entities. While the program expresses a geographic preference for Sistersville and Tyler County, it does not explicitly exclude other West Virginia organizations, suggesting a broader statewide eligibility with prioritized review for local applicants. The Trust does not specify any cost-sharing or matching requirements, and there are no stated restrictions regarding indirect costs, though applicants are expected to align expenditures with programmatic objectives. The application process is conducted through an online grant portal managed by Foundant Technologies. Organizations must establish an account in the system at least seven days prior to the application deadline, which is a required step to ensure eligibility for submission. Only one application per organization is permitted during each grant cycle. Applicants are advised to begin the process early to avoid technical issues, as technical support is not guaranteed on the day of the deadline. Assistance with account setup is available through a designated contact person at the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley. The grant cycle operates on an annual schedule. Applications are accepted beginning on the first Monday in August and close on the first Friday in September. Following submission, applications are reviewed and funding decisions are typically announced in October. Successful applicants are required to submit grant reports within twelve months of the award date, indicating a one-year performance and reporting period. The program’s recurring nature suggests consistent annual opportunities for funding, making it a predictable source of support for eligible organizations. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the available materials, but the emphasis on program support and alignment with stated focus areas implies that proposals are assessed based on mission fit, community impact, and organizational capacity to execute the proposed activities. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposals clearly demonstrate how their programs align with the Trust’s priorities. For additional information or support, applicants may contact the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley via phone or email, which serves as the primary administrative body for this funding opportunity.

Apply early to avoid technical issues; ensure account setup at least one week prior; align proposal clearly with stated focus areas