Shepherdstown is a place where big ideas often start small—at a kitchen table, in a coffee shop, or through the creative spark of neighbors who want to make our town even better. The Shepherdstown Community Grants Program offers financial and in-kind support for projects that strengthen community life and reflect the spirit, goals, and priorities of our town.

These grants are designed to help residents, nonprofits, and local businesses bring forward projects that enrich life in Shepherdstown—whether through arts and culture, historic preservation, beautification, environmentally-focused efforts, recreation, community events, or other initiatives that benefit the whole town.

_____ What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

Community Grants are intended to support projects that:

• Align with the Town’s priorities, including goals in the current fiscal year budget and the 2025 Comprehensive Plan
• Build or enhance community events, arts programming, historic commemorations, public spaces, environmentally-focused efforts, or beautification efforts
• Offer recreation or wellness opportunities
• Support local organizations or businesses producing community-facing initiatives

Examples may include art exhibits, cultural events, installations, celebrations of local history, small-scale public improvements, environmental clean-up events, trail clearing, and other creative projects that bring people together. Typical Community Grants will be for $2,500 or less, but exceptions will be considered.

_____ Who Can Apply?

The grants are open to:

• Individual Shepherdstown residents
• Town-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or similar standing
• Town-licensed businesses operating within municipal limits
• Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits outside the Town boundaries that propose Town-focused activities or events

Projects located within the Town of Shepherdstown will receive priority consideration.


_____ Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete grant application that includes:

• A clear description of the proposed project or initiative
• A full budget showing expected costs and any matching funds or in-kind contributions
• Information on the applicant’s background, history, or capacity to complete the project
• A full-time/implementation schedule for the project or initiative 

Applicants should also be prepared to give an in-person presentation on the project to the Finance Committee and Town Council.

Projects must be completed within no more than 12 months of receiving a grant award.

_____ When to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year.

The Town may pause or close applications at any time, depending on available funds.

_____ How Applications Are Reviewed

Once submitted, applications go through the following review process:

1. Town staff first review each application for completeness and eligibility
2. Eligible applications are evaluated by the Town Council Finance Committee, using criteria such as:
   1. Applicant qualifications and past experience
   2. Alignment with Town priorities and community benefit
   3. Timeline and feasibility
   4. Whether the project takes place within town limits
   5. Availability of matching funds or contributions
3. The Finance Committee submits recommendations to the Town Council, which makes final funding decisions by vote

Matching funds are not required, but applications with matching resources—either financial or in-kind—will receive priority.

Applicants can expect a response within six weeks of submitting a complete application.

_____ How to Apply

To apply for a Shepherdstown Community Grant:

1. Download or pick up the official grant application form 
2. Complete all required sections
3. Submit your application to Town Hall in-person, by mail, or via email:

Karl Musser
Shepherdstown Town Hall
104 North King Street | (mail: P.O. Box 248)
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
304-702-2305
kmusser@shepherdstown.gov

— Town staff are available to answer questions and help guide applicants through the process.