Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation supports education, human services, and community development in portions of West Virginia and Virginia.

FUNDING AREAS: Education, human services, community development

IP TAKE: Although this funder does not have a website, it is accessible to West Virginia and Virginia nonprofits and a good one to know for building and equipment needs.

PROFILE: Established in 1984, the Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation is a private foundation based in Bluefield, West Virginia. This is one of the top grantmakers in the state of West Virginia. Shott (1866-1953) was a newspaper editor, broadcaster, and Republican politician in the U.S. House of Representatives for West Virginia. Shott wished to improve the lives of residents in his hometown of Bluefield and throughout the state of West Virginia with his legacy. The foundation supports local efforts for education, human services, and community development.

The Hugh I. Shott, Jr. Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers through the grant application process. However, tax records suggest that this funder supports broad interests that improve the economic and social quality of life within the founder’s home region. Shott often makes grants that pay for capital and equipment costs, such as signs, safety upgrades, and police and fire department needs. Other funds have gone towards playground equipment, transit station upgrades, roof repairs, and demolition efforts. The City of Bluefield is a major grantee of the Shott Foundation.

Grants range between about $10,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the area of circulation of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. The foundation primarily awards grants in southern West Virginia and occasionally extending to southwest Virginia. Past local grantees include the City of Bluefield, the Bluewell Improvement Association, and Big Creek People in Action.

According to recent tax records, this foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Organizations should submit application materials via mail to the foundation, which is managed by Summit Community Bank. There are no submission deadlines to apply for a grant. Direct general questions to the staff at 304-324-3222.

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