Encova Foundation of West Virginia

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,265,000 (2024)
• Total Assets: $51.7 million
• Decision Time: 1 month
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $2,000,000
• Geographic Focus: West Virginia
• Application Deadline: Quarterly (March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.encova.com/our-story/encova-cares/

Application Portal: https://apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/5325aa06-937c-454c-9177-c0e268ae80f7

Address: 400 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301-2010

Overview

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia was established in August 2012 as the BrickStreet Foundation, serving as the philanthropic arm of Encova Insurance (formerly BrickStreet Insurance). With total assets of $51.7 million and annual giving of approximately $2.27 million, the foundation focuses on improving communities and families, promoting education, and encouraging wellness. Since 2015, the foundation has invested over $8 million to establish endowed scholarships across West Virginia's colleges and universities. The foundation is particularly committed to helping children succeed, improving communities, and supporting industry initiatives. In 2022, the foundation awarded 76 grants, demonstrating sustained commitment to West Virginia nonprofits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a rolling grant program with quarterly review cycles:

• General Grants: Range from $1,000 to $2,000,000 (online application, quarterly deadlines)
• Scholarship Programs: Endowed scholarships at eight West Virginia colleges and universities (administered through individual institutions)

Priority Areas

Core Focus Areas:

• Health and wellness
• Education (elementary through higher education)
• Safety
• Children and youth development

Additional Supported Fields:

• Family services and human services
• Youth development programs
• Medical care and disease-related organizations
• Sports, performing arts, science, and environmental programs

Priority Populations: Projects serving children and youth, students, economically disadvantaged people, and low-income populations are of special interest. Organizations with Encova associates involved as board members, committee members, long-time volunteers, or active partners receive preference.

What They Don't Fund

• Political organizations
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Organizations that discriminate
• Organizations serving only their own membership

Governance and Leadership

Key Officers (as of 2024):

• Marty Becker, Executive Chair
• Thomas J. Obrokta Jr., President and CEO
• James Christopher Howat, Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer

All officers serve without compensation from the foundation. The foundation is classified as a private grantmaking foundation and has been tax-exempt since August 2012.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online portal at https://apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/5325aa06-937c-454c-9177-c0e268ae80f7. Organizations must demonstrate they are based in the United States and have legitimate federal classification with a verifiable tax identification number.

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on four annual review cycles:

1. March 31 deadline → Decisions by April 30
2. June 30 deadline → Decisions by July 31
3. September 30 deadline → Decisions by October 31
4. December 31 deadline → Decisions by January 31

Timeline: Approximately 1 month from application deadline to decision notification.

Applications received after a deadline are automatically moved to the next review cycle. Review cycles provide the foundation committee sufficient time to review applications and request additional information if needed.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 76 grants in 2022, 73 grants in 2021, and 96 grants in 2020 from total annual giving of approximately $2-2.3 million. Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Priorities: The foundation explicitly states their mission as "improving communities and families, promoting education and encouraging wellness." Applications that clearly demonstrate impact in health, education, safety, and children's welfare are prioritized.

Encova Connection: Organizations with Encova associates involved as board members, committee members, long-time volunteers, or active partners receive preference. If your organization has any connection to Encova employees or affiliates, highlight this in your application.

Recent Successful Projects:

• WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute: $2 million grant (2024) for experimental ultrasound treatments to transform addiction treatment
• WVSL Solutions (West Virginia Sober Living): $1,000 grant for children's supplies at women and children's sober living homes, with Director of Recovery Housing Krista White stating, "This funding will provide crucial support for the children living in our home along with their mothers"
• Multiple educational institutions: Over $8 million in endowed scholarships since 2015 to eight West Virginia colleges and universities
• Community organizations: Recent grants to American Red Cross, YWCA, YMCA, and food pantries

Financial Management: The foundation expects partner organizations to demonstrate strong financial management and governance in accordance with Better Business Bureau accreditation guidelines.

Language and Terminology: The foundation uses language focused on community impact, family support, and wellness. Applications should emphasize measurable outcomes in these areas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply strategically around deadlines: With quarterly cycles, timing your application to align with when your project needs funding provides flexibility
• Highlight Encova connections: Organizations with existing relationships to Encova associates receive preference—make any connections explicit
• Focus on the foundation's giving pillars: Health, education, children, and equity are core priorities; align your proposal with these areas
• Geographic focus is exclusively West Virginia: The foundation supports West Virginia-based organizations and West Virginia populations
• Small and large grants both possible: The foundation has awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $2 million, so organizations of all sizes can apply
• Demonstrate financial responsibility: Strong governance and financial management practices are valued
• Consider multi-year impact: The foundation's major scholarship commitments demonstrate interest in sustained, long-term community impact

References

• Encova Cares webpage: https://www.encova.com/our-story/encova-cares/ (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Encova Foundation of West Virginia 990 filings: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/800772825 (accessed January 2026)
• West Virginia Daily News: "Funds from the Encova Foundation of West Virginia to Benefit Children of Sober Living Participants": https://wvdn.com/149537/ (accessed January 2026)
• WVSOM News: "Students receive $38,000 through Encova Foundation scholarships" (September 2024): https://www.wvsom.edu/news/2024/september/students-receive-38000-through-encova-foundation-scholarships (accessed January 2026)
• WV MetroNews: "Experimental ultrasound treatments continue at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute with new grant funding" (March 2024): https://wvmetronews.com/2024/03/25/experimental-ultrasound-treatments-continue-at-wvu-rockefeller-neuroscience-institute-with-new-grant-funding/ (accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/encova-foundation-of-west-virginia (accessed January 2026)
• West Virginia Executive Magazine: "Top 10 Grantmaking Foundations": https://wvexecutive.com/top-10-grantmaking-foundations/ (accessed January 2026)