A powerful partnership between two of West Virginia's leading universities is transforming communities across the state, one grant at a time. The West Virginia Grant Resource Centers, a joint initiative between WVU and Marshall University, has achieved an inspiring milestone that demonstrates what's possible when institutions unite for the common good.

Since opening their doors on January 1, 2023, the Centers have helped West Virginia communities, nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations secure an impressive $51,539,807 through 124 successful grant awards. This isn't just about numbers on a page—these funds are revitalizing towns, launching businesses, and creating real opportunities for West Virginians to thrive in their own communities.

The impact extends far beyond the dollar signs. These grants have directly created or sustained 270 jobs across the Mountain State, providing stability and hope for families while strengthening local economies. Each award represents a dream realized, whether it's a nonprofit expanding its services, a small business growing its operations, or a community building essential infrastructure.

Perhaps even more exciting is the Centers' commitment to empowering West Virginians with knowledge and skills that will serve them for years to come. Through 105 training events, the Centers have upskilled more than 3,444 individuals, offering everything from biweekly webinars to comprehensive Grants 101 Workshops and virtual microcredential courses in grant writing. This investment in human capital ensures that communities will continue benefiting long after individual grants are awarded.

Co-founder Liz Vitullo radiates pride when discussing the initiative's collective impact. She emphasizes that the expertise and technical skills being developed in nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations across West Virginia will "pay dividends for years to come."

The enthusiasm is shared at the highest levels of both institutions. WVU President Michael T. Benson celebrates how this community-level work embodies the land-grant mission of serving the people of West Virginia. Marshall University President Brad D. Smith highlights the extraordinary achievement as proof of what becomes possible when institutions collaborate with shared purpose.

The secret to this success lies in its approach: targeted, regional economic development that focuses on tangible, results-driven projects tailored to each community's unique needs. Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions, the Grant Centers work town by town, community by community, and business by business to identify opportunities and craft competitive proposals.

Supported by the West Virginia Legislature and the Appalachian Regional Commission, this Universities United partnership represents a national model for economic development done right. It demonstrates that investing in people's capacity to compete for resources creates sustainable growth and lasting prosperity.

As West Virginia looks toward the future, the Grant Resource Centers stand as a beacon of what collaboration, dedication, and community focus can achieve—proving that when universities and communities work together, everyone wins.