Getting to Know the Hollowell Dawkins Foundation’s West Virginia Grantmaking

The Hollowell Dawkins Foundation (HDF) is a West Virginia grantmaker based in Lewisburg, focusing on the Greenbrier Valley region. The foundation recently developed a website to publicly inform grantseekers about its priorities, mission and application process.

Here's an update on what we know about the Hollowell Dawkins Foundation and how to approach it for support in West Virginia.

Background and priorities

Since 1975, HDF has operated as a private foundation, maintaining a broad mission of enhancing quality of life for local residents. Otto Hollowell was a mortgage broker and real estate professional who married Margaret Ford, whose family owned and operated the Bluegrass Electric Company. The family grew the business into a national electric supply company and wished to share their success with others in the Greenbrier Valley. Afterward, local businessman and cattleman John R. Dawkins left $2.5 million to the foundation to further its giving in the region. This contribution led to the foundation changing its name to the Hollowell Dawkins Foundation.

Today, the foundation focuses on cultural enrichment in the Greenbrier Valley and fostering a commitment to philanthropy throughout the area. Significant funding topics include youth, education, the arts, community improvements and renovation projects. Mentorship programs, after-school programs, food programs for older adults and equipment needs are also foundation interests.

Recent HDF giving

To date, the foundation has given away over $12 million. In a recent year, the board of directors awarded grants to 64 local organizations, totaling $732,016. The grantees included Communities in Schools of Greenbrier County, Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department, Greenbrier East Choir and Greenbrier County Energy Express.

The previous year, the foundation awarded $777,881 in grants to 54 local organizations. Grantees in that round of giving included Central Greenbrier Little League, Friends of Feral and Homeless Cats and Kittens, Greenbrier County Youth Camp and the Frankford Elementary Autumnfest. HDF typically publishes news of its annual grant awards in local news sources, such as Mountain Messenger and The West Virginia Daily News.

Applying for a grant

Now that HDF has a website, applying for a grant is more straightforward. On the funder's website, nonprofits can download the grant application and provide the required information to apply for funding. Applicants must mail or hand-deliver their completed applications to HDF, since it does not accept electronic submissions. HDF accepts applications at any time of the year with no deadlines. However, you must submit your application before April 1 to be considered at the annual June board meeting and receive an award in June. The foundation team, consisting of an executive director and board members, is available for general questions by mail, phone, fax and email.

You can learn more about other West Virginia funders by browsing our regional guide for this part of the country.

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