WNHAC | Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation

Wheeling Bank & Trust

Interpretive Grant Program

The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation established its grant program to support local partnerships for interpretive projects, activities, and opportunities in Wheeling. Projects should advance the Mission of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation.

Mission: The Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation leads community efforts to preserve and communicate our heritage, enhance our identity, and improve our self-image, creating a vibrant and engaging urban experience in our downtown by assisting public and private sector investment in projects and programs that support the "Plan for the Wheeling National Heritage Area."

The Interpretive Grant Program utilizes funds made available to the Wheeling National Heritage Area through the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Interpretive Grant Program is designed to be flexible. Applicants are encouraged, however, to form partnerships with existing organizations, groups, neighborhoods, and institutions. From the basic to the innovative, all proposals will be given thoughtful consideration.

General Information:

The Interpretive
Grant
Program

The WNHAC Board recognizes that there are many ongoing projects and activities within the Wheeling community that support the current Plan and that effort. WNHAC also recognizes that there may be projects and programs that will be identified as the plan is updated. There are some projects that simply require “seed money” to get started.

Pending the availability of funds,

• Mini-grants of $1,000 or less will be considered monthly.

The Interpretive Grant Program has been established to provide funding to support interpretation activities and opportunities in Wheeling. Grants will be based on applications submitted by local neighborhood groups, organizations, institutions, public entities, and private enterprises. Having nonprofit status is not a requirement.

The Interpretive Grant Program Awards are recommended by a Grant Committee established by the WNHAC Board and are approved by the Board.

Funding Guidelines:
*General*	It is not the intention of the WNHAC Board to establish elaborate and confining guidelines for the Interpretive Grant Program. The intention is to encourage innovative programs and projects from a variety of applicants. The program’s purpose is to support projects that strengthen the development of the Wheeling National Heritage Area and implement the Plan.
*Eligible* *Activities/* *Categories*	Interpretation, conservation, education and economic development are activities eligible for the Interpretive Grant Program. Projects involving these activities should relate to the following funding subcategories.
	• *Themes*	The River and the Land Transportation The Union Commerce and Industry The Landscape of Culture
	• *Periods*	Prior to 1818 - The End of the East 1818 to 1849 - The Gateway to the West 1849 to 1865 - Secession and Statehood 1865 to 1926 - Prosperity in the Panhandle 1926 to Present - The Stage of the Mountain State
	• *Conservation*	Cultural resources
*Available* *References and Resources*	• Plan for the Wheeling National Heritage Area • Community Venue Plans for the Wheeling National Heritage Area • Summary Plan for the Wheeling National Heritage Area • Interpretive Master Plan for the Wheeling National Heritage Area • Summary Report for the Wheeling National Heritage Area • A Handbook for Conservation, Wheeling, West Virginia
*Ineligible* *Activities*	The proposal of projects and activities meeting the above broad parameters is limited only by the applicant. WNHAC does not wish to predefine projects. However, proposals cannot request funds for the following: • Payments for previous activities • Reduction of existing debt • Purchase of buildings • Support of existing staff
*Eligible* *Applicants*	WNHAC encourages neighborhood groups, community organizations, local institutions, public entities, and private enterprises to apply for the Interpretive Grant Program funds. Joint ventures, public/private partnerships are encouraged. Applicants need not have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. However, applicants must demonstrate that they have the capacity to administer responsibly and account for funds.
*Applicant* *Match*	The Interpretive Grant Program will fund 75% of direct project costs. The applicant can provide its matching share either in dollars or in-kind services, which are necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient accomplishment of the project.

Applications:
	Interpretive Grant Application (46KB PDF)
*Deadlines & Submission of* *Proposals*	WNHAC invites proposals for Standard Grants each year in the spring and again in the fall. The Grant Application Form can be found separately. The original and four copies of the proposal are required. Mini-grants for interpretive projects up to $1,000 are due by the 15^th day of the month. The original and two copies of the proposal are required. Mail or deliver all proposals to: Interpretive Grant Program Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation 1400 Main Street Wheeling, WV 26003
*Selection* *Criteria &* *Process*	The Grant Committee will review proposals based on: • eligible activity within a funding subcategory • support for the objectives Wheeling Heritage Area and the Plan • demonstrated commitment to partnerships • innovative methods • widespread and long term benefit to the community. Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the WNHAC Board for final approval.
*Technical* *Assistance*	Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the WNHAC office (232-3087) prior to submitting a proposal in order to receive guidance and answers to any questions. Technical assistance may be available to applicants depending upon the request.
*Notification*	All applicants will be notified by the WNHAC Board whether or not the proposal was funded. Funding will commence upon the execution of a signed grant agreement.
*Reporting* *Requirements*	Written status reports containing financial and programmatic information will be required quarterly. A final report is due no later than 60 days after the end of the grant.