WHEELING, W.Va. — The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) and its affiliate, GIVE Belmont County, are pleased to announce the 2025 grant recipients of the Belmont County Enrichment Fund (BCEF). This year, 13 organizations have been awarded grants totaling $50,135 to support projects that enhance the quality of life in Belmont County.
The BCEF grant program offers a competitive funding opportunity to organizations that serve Belmont County. Originally established in 2013 as the Smith-Goshen Rice Enrichment Fund, the program was founded by a group of Belmont County landowners and the former Rice Energy with a shared vision of giving back to the community. While the fund has since evolved into the Belmont County Enrichment Fund, its mission remains unchanged: to strengthen and uplift Belmont County through strategic philanthropic efforts.
We continue to recognize and appreciate our valuable relationship with EQT Corporation and its Foundation, which acquired Rice Energy in 2017. This partnership reinforces the commitment to supporting impactful initiatives and expanding opportunities for community growth.
Since its inception, GIVE Belmont County has provided over $600,000 in grant funding, demonstrating the power of place-based philanthropy and the importance of collaborative giving.
“Every year, we witness the difference these grants make in Belmont County,” says CFOV Executive Director Susie Nelson. “It is inspiring to see the dedication of local organizations working to improve the lives of those in our community, and we are honored to support their efforts.”
The 2025 grants have been awarded to the following organizations:
| Organization Name | Project Name | Grant Amount |
| Bellaire Local Schools | OMNIVERSE | $4,300.00 |
| Belmont County General Health District | Be a Lifesaver! | $2,545.00 |
| Calvary Presbyterian Church | Little Kidz Kloset Outreach | $1,500.00 |
| Faith in Action Caregivers, Inc. | Volunteer Match Program | $3,000.00 |
| First Christian Church | 5 Loaves Food Ministry | $5,000.00 |
| First United Methodist Church | “Blessing Bags” weekend backpack food program | $5,572.00 |
| OR&W Fire District | Lifting air bags | $5,918.00 |
| R.L. Strength & Conditioning | Guiding the youth | $5,500.00 |
| Somerton Volunteer Fire Department | Hazardous Weather Emergency Equipment | $1,400.00 |
| St. Clairsville City Schools | Lego Education to Benefit STEM Classrooms | $4,800.00 |
| Thoburn United Methodist Church – St. Clairsville Council of Churches Food Pantry | St Clairsville Food Pantry Freezer Replacement | $1,100.00 |
| Tri-County Help Center, Inc. | Impacting the Community Through Anti-Violence Initiatives | $5,000.00 |
| Union Local Schools | Trust-Based Relational Intervention at ULSD | $4,500.00 |
| TOTAL GRANTED | $50,135.00 |
These grants will help fund a diverse range of initiatives, from educational programs and public safety enhancements to community development projects and essential services.
For more information about the Belmont County Enrichment Fund and future grant opportunities, please click here. To view photos from the event, click here.
