CNX Foundation – Community Grant Program (2026)
Local Community Investments Supporting Tangible, Impactful, and Local Initiatives in Appalachia
CNX Foundation invests in urban and rural communities within the Appalachian Basin facing socio-economic challenges. The Foundation’s giving is rooted in a “Tangible, Impactful, and Local” approach, with a focus on measurable investments that respond to true community needs and create lasting benefit in the region.
Organization: CNX Foundation
Support Type: Community grants / philanthropic investment
Geographic Focus: Appalachian Basin communities in CNX’s operational footprint, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia
Application Window: October 1 – November 30
Award Timing: First quarter of the following year
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About the Funder
CNX Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CNX, a company with deep roots in the Appalachian region. The Foundation supports local initiatives that strengthen communities, address socio-economic challenges, and create measurable benefits close to CNX’s operational footprint.
CNX describes its community investment philosophy through three core principles: Tangible, Impactful, and Local. Rather than simply donating money, the Foundation seeks to invest in practical solutions, meaningful partnerships, and community-based efforts that address overlooked or persistent regional challenges.
What This Program Supports
CNX Foundation supports initiatives that are:
Tangible
Focused on making a real and measurable difference in the communities served.
Impactful
Designed to meet true community needs and provide immediate and long-lasting benefit to specific programs or populations.
Local
Rooted in CNX’s operational footprint and focused on creating opportunities for growth close to home.
The Foundation prioritizes investments that serve urban and rural communities within the Appalachian Basin facing socio-economic challenges.
Eligible Support Types
Community grants
Local philanthropic investments
Program support for eligible nonprofit and community initiatives
Place-based initiatives serving Appalachian communities
Eligibility & Preferences
CNX Foundation tends to award grants in the same geographic footprint as CNX business operations. CNX operates in:
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Ohio
Virginia
The Foundation also recognizes the need to support underprivileged communities across the broader region it calls home.
Strong-fit requests are likely to:
Serve communities within CNX’s operating footprint
Address socio-economic challenges
Demonstrate measurable community benefit
Reflect local needs and community priorities
Create a clear return for the targeted community
Align with the Foundation’s Tangible, Impactful, and Local philosophy
Ineligible Requests
CNX Foundation does not fund:
Political parties, candidates, or public policy advocates
For-profit activities, businesses, associations, or organizations
Tax-supported entities, including public schools
Fraternal, social, union, hobby, or recreational clubs or organizations
Personnel costs
Sporting events
Scholarship programs
Funding Amounts
CNX Foundation does not publish standard grant award amounts. Funding may vary based on project scope, community need, alignment with Foundation priorities, and available resources.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Window: October 1 – November 30
📅 Review Period: December – January
📅 Award Timing: First quarter of the following year
📅 Customary Grant Use Period: Grants are typically used within one year
Important Current-Page Note: CNX Foundation’s website indicates that in 2025 it transitioned away from accepting individual grant application submissions and moved toward a more direct approach to grantmaking. Organizations should review the current CNX Foundation page before preparing an application to confirm whether an open application process is available.
Application / Request Process
CNX Foundation’s website directs organizations to monitor the Foundation page for updates. When an application process is available, grants are reviewed during the open application period from October 1 through November 30.
Applicants should be prepared to explain:
The community need being addressed
The specific population or geography served
How the request aligns with Tangible, Impactful, and Local priorities
Expected outcomes and measurable community benefit
How the investment will support underprivileged or socio-economically challenged communities in the Appalachian Basin
Apply / Learn More
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
Serve Appalachian Basin communities in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, or Virginia
Address socio-economic challenges in urban or rural communities
Can demonstrate clear, measurable community impact
Have a locally rooted project or program
Are aligned with CNX Foundation’s Tangible, Impactful, and Local giving philosophy
Can monitor the Foundation page for current application availability
CNX Foundation is best suited for place-based organizations working to meet real community needs and create long-term positive outcomes in Appalachia.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual review window, if open application process is available
Application Window: October 1 – November 30
Review Period: December – January
Expected Award Timing: First quarter of the following year
Best Suited For: Appalachian Basin nonprofits and community initiatives addressing socio-economic challenges
Support Type: Community grants / philanthropic investment
Geographic Focus: CNX operational footprint in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia
Important Note: Check the CNX Foundation page before applying, as the Foundation has indicated a shift away from individual grant application submissions.
