West Virginia First Foundation Grants

Our goal is to support initiatives that align with our mission to combat the opioid crisis in West Virginia through evidence-based strategies and community-driven solutions.

Thank you for your interest in the Initial Opportunity Grants. Submissions were due on October 5, 2024 by 11:59PM EST and are no longer being accepted. Awardees will be announced on or before December 31, 2024. See below for more information on the Supplemental Round that was announced on December 12, 2024.

Criteria for Application


Initial Opportunity Grants were open to:

  • Non-profit organizations that qualify for IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
  • Tax Exempt organizations under IRC 115 or other similar organizations that fulfill a charitable or public purpose, excluding for profit entities.
  • Organizations with a statewide presence may apply in the region where they are headquartered or where the project will be located.

What Can These Funds Be Used For?


The Foundation has allocated a budget of $19,200,000 for the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants. Each region will receive $800,000 per Target Area, with up to four awards per Target Area per Region.

Applicants can apply for up to $800,000 in total across all Target Areas. The Foundation may award less than the amount requested by an applicant, and applicants must apply for a minimum amount to be considered.

Target Areas


The 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants focus on four key target areas. These areas have been identified as critical in the fight against the opioid crisis and are prioritized for funding:

Diversion Programs and Interdiction Programs:

  • Examples include LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion), CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams), QRTs (Quick Response Teams), Police and Peers programs, Day Report Centers, etc.
  • These programs aim to divert individuals from the criminal justice system and provide them with the necessary support and treatment.

Youth Prevention and Workforce Development:

  • Initiatives that focus on preventing substance use among youth and developing workforce skills.
  • Programs may include educational campaigns, school-based prevention programs, and job training initiatives.

Child Advocacy Centers/PPW Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Programs:

  • Programs that support children and families affected by substance use disorders.
  • Includes services for pregnant and parenting women (PPW) and programs addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

Transitional/Recovery Housing Expansion:

  • Limited to currently certified operators within the State of West Virginia.
  • Programs that provide transitional and recovery housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
  • Includes supportive housing services and recovery housing programs.

Funds must be used for Core Strategies and Approved Purposes as defined in the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) Supplemental Round

 

Earlier this year, WVFF launched the Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) to support opioid crisis initiatives. Of the 174 applications received, after intake and scoring, the Board approved funding totaling $10.4 million and further announced a supplemental round to reach its original goal of $19.2 million. 

Introducing the IOG Supplemental Round

Recognizing West Virginia’s value of second chances, WVFF is offering applicants who did not get funded in this first disbursement of the IOG the opportunity to address application deficiencies and reapply for the remaining $8.8 million. These applicants will receive notice prior to December 31, 2024 and work with WVFF staff directly on how to meet necessary criteria. All grant-seekers from the initial round whose submissions were not funded are eligible to participate. Applicants must have submitted their initial applications by the original deadline (October 5, 2024).

Applications for the Supplemental Round will then be reviewed by the Initial Opportunity Committee and Expert Panel, and final approval will be made by the Board of Directors. Deficient applications must be cured no later than 11:59PM EST on January 31, 2025. Notification of awards will take place on or before March 31, 2025. 

 

 

Scoring Methodology:

The scoring methodology is divided into five key criteria, each aligned with best practices and evidence-based approaches. Each criterion is weighted to reflect its importance in achieving WVFF’s guiding principles, with the total possible score of 100.

Scoring Rubric:

  1. Evidence-Based Strategies (25)
  2. Relationship to Foundation’s Strategic Vision (20)
  3. Implementation and Sustainability (20)
  4. Transparency and Fairness (15)
  5. Impact and Measurability (20)

 

Evidence Based Strategies (25)

  • 25-20: The application clearly outlines a plan to use evidence-based interventions and practices. It includes comprehensive strategies supported by research and data, with a focus on proven methods for reducing SUD and overdose rates.
  • 19-15: The application mentions evidence-based strategies but lacks detail or comprehensiveness. Some strategies are well-supported by research, but others are less certain.
  • 14-10: The application includes a mix of evidence-based and unproven strategies. Limited detail on how evidence will guide implementation.
  • 9-5: The application includes few evidence-based strategies, relying mostly on untested methods.
  • 4-0: The application lacks evidence-based strategies and does not reference relevant research or data.

Relationship to Foundation's Strategic Vision (20)

  • 20-16: The project outcomes or activities align with WVFF’s mission, vision, and goals of the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants. The project description and application provide evidence of this alignment and a clear path towards deploying the funds to achieve such goals. 
  • 15-11: The project elements align with WVFF’s mission, vision, or the goals of the 2024 Initial Opportunity Grants, but not all.
  • 10-6: The project is tangentially but not directly related to the WVFF strategic vision or RFP goals.
  • 5-1: There is a lack of an explicit relationship between the project and the WVFF vision or RFP goals.

Implementation and Sustainability (20)

  • 20-16: The application provides a clear, realistic plan for implementation with detailed timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder involvement. It includes strategies for long-term sustainability and ongoing funding.
  • 15-11: The application includes a general implementation plan but lacks some details. Sustainability is addressed but not comprehensively.
  • 10-6: The application includes an implementation plan with significant gaps or lack of clarity. Sustainability is minimally addressed.
  • 5-1: The application provides a vague or incomplete implementation plan with no clear sustainability strategy.

Transparency and Fairness (15)

  • 15-12: The application outlines a transparent decision-making process with clear criteria for fund allocation. It includes plans for community involvement and regular reporting on progress and outcomes.
  • 11-8: The application mentions transparency and fairness but lacks detailed plans. Some elements of community involvement and reporting are present.
  • 7-4: The application provides minimal information on transparency and fairness. Limited community involvement and reporting plans.
  • 3-1: The application briefly mentions transparency and fairness without providing substantial plans or details.

Impact and Measurability (20)

  • 20-16: The application includes clear, measurable goals and outcomes. It outlines specific metrics for tracking progress and evaluating success, with plans for regular data collection and analysis.
  • 15-11: The application includes measurable goals but lacks some detail on metrics and evaluation. Plans for data collection and analysis are present but underdeveloped.
  • 10-6: The application includes general goals with limited measurability. Plans for tracking and evaluation are unclear or incomplete.
  • 5-1: The application provides vague goals with no clear metrics for tracking progress. Minimal plans for evaluation.

Grant Disbursement

 

Funds will be disbursed in four tranches: 40% initially, followed by three tranches of 20% each.

Recipients must submit financial and accounting reports showing the use of each tranche of funds.

Statewide Expert Panel

The Expert Panel Committee of the WVFF nominated these individuals to serve as volunteers on the Statewide Expert Panel to guide decision-making processes for opioid abatement strategies. The areas of expertise covered by the Panel include treatment, prevention, recovery and lived experience, corrections and reentry, systems of care, law enforcement, and first responders.

Treatment (to include Mental Health and Pharmacology)


Laura Lander

Bringing extensive experience in substance abuse treatment and mental health services, Laura Lander will provide invaluable insights into treatment strategies. Laura is an Associate Professor in the department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry in the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University.

Prevention


Greg Puckett

With a strong background in evidence-based prevention programming, Greg Puckett contributes significantly to the development and deployment of effective prevention initiatives. Greg currently serves as a commissioner in Mercer County and as Executive Director of Community Connections Inc., which serves as the County’s Family Resource Network.

Recovery & Lived Experience


Emily Birckhead

With extensive experience in addiction and recovery support services, Emily Birckhead will provide a vital perspective on recovery strategies. Emily serves as Executive Director of West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences.

Corrections & Reentry


William Marshall

With years of direct experience and oversight in addressing addiction within criminal justice populations, William Marshall will focus on reducing recidivism and supporting reentry efforts. William serves as Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Systems of Care, Health Policy, & Management


Christina Mullins

An expert in health policy and management, Christina Mullins will help guide the integration of care systems and providership strategies to enhance the effectiveness of WVFF opioid abatement efforts. Christina currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders at the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Law Enforcement & Judicial Systems


Jess Gundy

Bringing a wealth of experience in coordination between law enforcement, courts, and specific programmatic training, Jess Gundy will play a key role in linking judicial systems with addiction care. Jess serves as the Criminal Justice Program Director at the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

First Responders


Adam Crawford

With a focus on the mental health and wellness of first responders, Adam Crawford will ensure that first responders are well-supported in their critical roles. Adam serves as Medical Director for the General Division Emergency Department at Charleston Area Medical Center Health System.

The establishment of this Expert Panel is a significant step forward in our mission to combat the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. The Panel will not only provide strategic guidance but will also ensure that our efforts are informed by the latest evidence-based practices and the lived experiences of those impacted by addiction. This inaugural term of the Statewide Expert Panel commences immediately and will run to January 1, 2025.

WVFF is committed to making a lasting impact on the opioid crisis through collaborative and innovative approaches. The Board is confident that the expertise and dedication of the appointed members will drive meaningful progress in our fight against this epidemic, and that their local knowledge and expertise will greatly enhance and further expand the effectiveness of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations are eligible for IOG funding?

Initial Opportunity Grants are open to non-profit organizations that qualify for IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and, tax exempt organizations under IRC 115 or other similar organizations that fulfill a charitable or public purpose, excluding for profit entities.

What kind of financial and accounting reports should be included in an application?

As noted in the Application packet under Section D(10), a detailed overview of the organization’s finances, including current operating budget with itemized expenses and revenues, a cash flow budget, and the latest audited or compiled financial statements (e.g., 990, Profit and Loss Statement, etc.) are required.

Do applicants seeking support under the target area, “Traditional/Recovery Housing Expansion” need to be currently certified?

Yes.

Can an organization that is in-process or in anticipation of being certified apply for support under the target area “Traditional/Recovery Housing expansion”?

No, to apply in this target area, the applicant must already be certified.

Under the target area “Transitional/Recovery Housing expansion,” what certification is required?

That which is provided by the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (https://wvarr.org/certification/)

In the target area “Youth Prevention and Workforce Development,” is workforce development limited to youth?

Yes.

What age range is covered by “Youth?”

Those individuals aged 10 – 24.

May a grant-seeker submit applications in more than one target area, provided that the total of each application (in each target area) does not exceed $800,000?

Yes, as noted in section II of the application, applicants may apply for up to $800,000.00 in each Target Area.

May applicants apply for grants in more than one region?

Applicants may not apply for Initial Opportunity Grants in more than one Region. Applicants may apply for Initial Opportunity Grants in multiple Target Areas within the same Region.

What is the maximum allowable indirect expense?

Applicant’s project budget may not allocate more than 10% of the requested funds to indirect costs.

If an applicant operates throughout the state, what organizations are approved for letters of support?

Letters of support for Statewide organizations may be requested from municipalities and counties and other public entities wherein the applicant operates.

May an organization apply for two target areas in the same application?

Yes, and it is recommended that organizations address each target area directly and independently.

Can funds be used to purchase commercial property?

As noted in section III of the application: “If funds are used by a recipient to purchase real property, and such real property is sold within ten (10) years from the date of purchase, then recipient shall use the proceeds from the sale of the real property to further the goals and objectives of the Foundation as stated in the MOU.”

Should applicants use one specific budget form?

Best practices and general formatting will suffice so long as it satisfies the requirements articulated in the application.

Can funds be used to support payroll expenses, fringe benefits, and staff salaries?

Such expenses are not prohibited, but will require detailed articulation in financial reporting.

Is there a minimum amount that must be met in order to be considered for application?

No.

May an applicant use IOG funding in a region in which it did not make application?

Initial Opportunity Grants must be deployed within the region in which an applicant applied. An applicant may focus its Initial Opportunity Grant throughout the entire region or within a specific area of the region. Applications should include how and where the funds will be deployed.

In accordance with best practices, the West Virginia First Foundation reserves the right to modify or add to this FAQ to better assist organizations interested in applying for this grant.