West Virginia National Guard Foundation, Inc.

The West Virginia National Guard Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporate entity located in Charleston, West Virginia, that focuses on supporting military veterans and their families through agricultural and conservation-oriented initiatives. Registered in SAM.gov since December 2017, the organization primarily works to provide educational programming, technical assistance, and market access opportunities for veterans interested in agricultural entrepreneurship and sustainable farming practices. The foundation's mission appears centered on empowering military-connected individuals by creating pathways to economic development through agriculture, with a particular emphasis on urban and rural farming opportunities in West Virginia.

The foundation has secured multiple federal grant awards from agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service and National Resources Conservation Service, totaling approximately $890,663 in recent grants. These awards support projects such as the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program and Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants, which aim to help veterans start or expand agricultural operations. Specific initiatives include developing educational programming at locations like the Base Innovations Small Business Center, Patriot Apple Project, and Patriot Guardens Urban Farm, with goals of reaching over 150 individuals through on-farm technical assistance. The organization has also engaged in sub-grant work with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, focusing on conservation practices, mine reclamation efforts, and enhancing agricultural productivity for veterans and beginning farmers. Their projects consistently target food-insecure areas and seek to create new market opportunities through farmers markets, restaurants, and community-supported agriculture, while simultaneously supporting veteran workforce development and sustainable agricultural practices.