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To apply for a grant, use the GRANT APPLICATION form below or request it from the WVBA treasurer. Please submit your application to the WVBA treasurer by December 31 for consideration in the same year. Grant funding can be used for various purposes, including:
Buying beekeeping equipment for local associations.
Creating honey bee-friendly habitats.
Supporting honey bee education or research projects.
Collaborating on honey bee-related initiatives with other agencies.
Distributing miticides or other items for bee health.
Providing additional funding for the spring conference.
You can seek grants for individuals, beekeeping associations, community groups, or non-profit organizations. However, grants typically won't be awarded for personal beekeeping supplies or commercial ventures.
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The grant committee consists of five members appointed annually by the WVBA president, with the WVBA treasurer serving as the chair. The treasurer's vote is only used in the event of a tie.
Applications can be submitted by clubs or individual members. Each club may submit one application, and individual member applications are not accepted. Please send your grant applications to the treasurer for review by December 31. The committee then assesses submissions and makes decisions through a majority vote. The treasurer and committee members may submit grant applications but are not allowed to vote on their own submissions. In case of disputes in grant allocation, the WVBA executive committee steps in for resolution.
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Grants will be granted based on the priority ranking approved by the grant committee members and available funding, up to a maximum of $3,000 annually. Each grant award is limited to a maximum of $1,000. Winners will be announced on or around January 31, and funds will be disbursed at that time. All grant recipients must submit a follow-up report to the WVBA treasurer within one year of receiving the award, and any unused funds must be returned to the WVBA at that time. Winners are not eligible to apply for grants in two consecutive years following their winning application, except for the new Spring Conference Committee.
The annual continuation and budget of this program will be determined during the November WVBA Board of Directors meeting, based on the financial stability of the WVBA and the program's success.
For any questions regarding this program, please contact the WVBA Treasurer.
Annual Grant Program
Speaker’s Reimbursement Program
Each club has been allocated $200 annually for reimbursing speakers, starting from the beginning of the WVBA fiscal year on October 1, 2025. The amount paid to a speaker is determined by each club and can be distributed in smaller amounts multiple times throughout the year or as a single payment, not exceeding $200 annually. These grants are exclusively designated for speaker reimbursement.
To access the grants, submit a completed request voucher to the Treasurer. Vouchers can be found below. Once approved, a check will be issued to the individual club, which is responsible for disbursing the payment to the speaker. Please note that speakers will not receive direct reimbursement from the WVBA.
We strongly encourage all clubs to utilize these funds provided by the WVBA to enhance their educational programs.
Association of the Year
Annually at the Spring Meeting, the Association of the Year Awards is a much-anticipated event, recognizing excellence in both large and small associations.
In the "Large Association" category, defined as having a membership of 50 or more, the prestigious Kees/Mead Award is presented. The first-place winner receives $250, and the second-place winner is awarded $100.
For the "Small Association" category, encompassing memberships fewer than 50, the distinguished John Campbell Award is presented. The first-place winner is granted $250, while the second-place winner receives $100.
To be considered for these awards, please submit the Application Form to the WVBA Secretary at least two weeks before the Spring Meeting. Importantly, there are no restrictions on how frequently an association can earn the first-place award, making it an ongoing opportunity for recognition and celebration.
Beekeeper of the Year
Criteria for the West Virginia Beekeeper of the Year Candidate:
Beekeeping Involvement: Own, manage, or maintain honeybee colonies.
Honeybee Expertise: Possess a solid understanding of honeybee diseases, their diagnosis, and control methods.
Beekeeping Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in honeybee management, including swarm control, honey production, division, and queen rearing.
Active Association Membership: Be an engaged member of both state and local beekeeping associations (Note: Membership in the WVBA is a prerequisite).
Community Engagement: Actively contribute to local beekeeping education and honey promotion efforts.
Spousal Involvement: Encourage the nominee's spouse to participate.
At the Fall Meeting, the association will select the West Virginia Beekeeper of the Year through a ballot vote from nominations submitted by member associations. To be considered, nominations must be submitted in writing to the secretary at least 7 days before the Fall Meeting. The secretary will present the candidates to the Association, and only WVBA members are eligible to vote. The Beekeeper of the Year award will be bestowed during the West Virginia Honey Festival.