WEST VIRGINIA – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is reflecting on three years of progress, partnership, and purpose-driven investment ahead of the Foundation’s three-year anniversary on May 18.
Created through the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding to steward opioid settlement funds with transparency, accountability, and long-term vision, WVFF was founded with a singular mission: empowering West Virginians to prevent substance use disorder, support recovery, and save lives.
To date, WVFF has awarded 171 projects statewide and reinvested nearly $40 million throughout all six regions of West Virginia. Those investments have supported prevention, treatment, recovery, workforce development, youth services, diversion efforts, recovery housing, and community-based solutions designed to create lasting change.
“Three years ago, this Foundation was created out of one of the darkest chapters in our state’s history,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of WVFF. “What we have built together since then is rooted in hope, accountability, and the belief that West Virginia deserves lasting solutions. Every investment represents people, families, and communities fighting for a better future, and we are proud to stand beside them in that work.”
WVFF has deployed funding through major grant cycles as well as its Direct Funding Model, each serving a distinct purpose within the Foundation’s overall approach to statewide impact.
● The Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) program was designed for rapid, community-informed stabilization efforts and awarded nearly $17 million across 94 projects.
● The Momentum Initiative Grant (MIG) program focused on long-term impact and sustainable solutions, resulting in nearly $18 million awarded across 76 projects.
● Through its Direct Funding Model, WVFF approved a $1 million strategic investment in Jacob’s Ladder, a nationally recognized residential recovery program located in Aurora, West Virginia known for its long-term,
outcomes-based therapeutic model.
Under the leadership of its volunteer Board of Directors and Expert Panelists, WVFF has also earned national attention for its innovative and transparent grantmaking structure, emphasis on measurable outcomes, and commitment to ensuring opioid settlement funds are invested responsibly for future generations.
“While we recognize there is still much work ahead, this milestone is a reminder of what is possible when people come together with purpose,” said Greg Duckworth, Chairman of the Board for WVFF. “We have seen communities step forward with innovative ideas, compassion, and determination. WVFF is honored to help support that work and remain
committed to building a healthier future for West Virginia.”
As WVFF enters its fourth year, the Foundation remains focused on long-term, outcomes-driven investments that strengthen communities and guide future solutions throughout West Virginia. That work includes the launch of the West Virginia Wayfinder, a statewide needs assessment led by the West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute in partnership with the Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs and Data Driven WV to help identify gaps in services and inform future funding decisions.
Earlier this month, WVFF also released a Request for Applications (RFA) for its next funding opportunity, the Community Catalyst Grant (CCG), a $9.87 million investment designed to reduce substance use, strengthen public safety responses, and improve
rehabilitation and prevention systems in West Virginia. Applications will open at midnight on June 1, 2026.
For more information about WVFF, visit wvfirst.org.
