The West Virginia Grant Resource Centers assist communities and other eligible applicants in developing competitive grant applications.
With a center in both Huntington and Morgantown, we serve all 55 counties with special consideration given to the distressed counties identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission to increase equity across the state.
Our focus is on the pre-award process to help eligible applicants identify funding opportunities, put together competitive proposals, and submit complete application packages.
The West Virginia Grant Resource Centers assist communities and other eligible applicants in developing competitive grant applications.
With a center in both Huntington and Morgantown, we serve all 55 counties with special consideration given to the distressed counties identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission to increase equity across the state.
Our focus is on the pre-award process to help eligible applicants identify funding opportunities, put together competitive proposals, and submit complete application packages.
Sara Payne Scarbro, Associate Vice President for Government Relations at Marshall University, is the project’s Principal Investigator (PI) and oversees all administrative, fiscal, and process related activities for this funding. Sara brings expertise in the development and strengthening of Marshall’s relationships with communities and organizations across the state, and she has experience leading federal projects. She is an expert communicator who has been recognized by her peers for her public excellent relations and leadership skills. Honors include West Virginia Public Relations Practitioner of the Year Award in 2010; 40 under 40 Generation Next young professionals award 2013; West Virginia Young Guns in 2022; and a graduate of the highly competitive ARC’s Appalachian Leadership Institution in 2022. As a lifelong West Virginia, Sara has spent most of her career in public service at the state and federal levels. She brings intense passion for her home state and its people. She is married to her college sweetheart Derek, and they have one daughter.
Dr. Liz Vitullo, is co-managing this statewide effort, she holds a dual role at West Virginia University serving as the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives at the John Chamber’s College of Business and Economics and the Assistant Vice President of Economic Innovation. Liz brings experience in economic development, grant writing, higher education, and community outreach. She supports special projects and initiatives for the University and is well positioned to connect WVU resources into this effort.
She is passionate about education and serves as the Coordinator of the Healthcare MBA program. Prior to her current role, Vitullo managed the portfolio of graduate programs in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, launching its nationally ranked online MBA beginning which led to the creation of subsequent nationally ranked online master’s programs and other specialized programs for national guardsmen and corporate offerings. She was part of the inaugural cohort of IDEA fellows at WVU and served as the Dean of the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurship.
Vitullo received her PhD and MBA from WVU and her undergraduate and MS degree from the University of Toronto. She has served as an adjunct faculty in entrepreneurship, marketing and management and has published in several areas. She lives in Morgantown with her husband, two daughters and son.
Co-Director of the Grant Centers (WVU)
Priscila Santos serves as the Director of the West Virginia Grant Resource Centers – WVU Office and collaborates with the leadership team to provide administrative and organizational oversight of projects, staff, and activities, manage a diverse portfolio of grant applications, and provide grant writing, proposal development, and other technical assistance services to applicants. Priscila brings expertise in grant writing, economic development, policy analysis, project management, and proposal development.
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Priscila is also a Research Scholar with Startup West Virginia — an office focused on operationalizing WVU’s mission, advancing prosperity, and supporting economic transformation in West Virginia. As a Research Scholar, Priscila formulates and writes grant proposals and prepares application packages for funding opportunities provided by private foundations and federal agencies such as the Economic Development Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other funding agencies, analyzes and interprets data to inform research, proposals, and publications, including for the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research, and builds capacity and provides bandwidth for entities across the state to launch and advance transformational economic development initiatives.
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Together with the Startup West Virginia team, Priscila has helped to raise millions of dollars to fund economic development projects in the state. Priscila has also authored and co-authored several publications focused on workforce barriers and economic development issues in West Virginia. Before joining Startup West Virginia, Priscila was a Research Scholar with West Virginia Forward and was responsible for carrying out policy analysis in collaboration with state, business, and university experts and advancing community and economic development projects based on a shared blueprint of nonpartisan, data-driven recommendations.
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Prior to her work at West Virginia Forward, Priscila was a Legislative Analyst and Committee Clerk for the West Virginia Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Priscila graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Shawnee State University and a master’s degree in Political Science from Marshall University.
Emily Brammer was born in Huntington, West Virginia, where she later attended Marshall University. Interested in the power of storytelling, Emily earned her degrees in Communication Studies (MA), English (BA), and History (BA). While pursuing her education, she gained experience writing about cultural and historical sites across Appalachia and teaching others to use their voice about what they find important. Emily worked as a technical writer, adjunct professor, and grant writer before joining the West Virginia Grant Resource Center. Now, she uses the skills she has learned from her education and experience to help communities, organizations, and individuals in West Virginia develop their own grant-writing capabilities.
Jessica Shaw is a Grant/ Technical Writer with the WV Grant Resource Center. Jessica resides in South Carolina, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in business administration. Prior to her role with the Grant Resource Center, Jessica was a consultant with a private agribusiness consulting firm for 10 years. She specialized in writing grants and business plans for small and mid-sized farmers, nonprofit organizations, and local and state government entities with a focus on the local food marketing and infrastructure. Jessica is excited to bring her expertise from this field to communities across West Virginia.
Tabitha Surface is a native West Virginian and former 4-H Agent. She is passionate about making a difference in Appalachia. With years of delivering and managing grant-funded programs, along with writing them, she understands the grant process from conception to delivery. She also understands the importance of storytelling and brings with her a background in creative writing to weave together the dream of a brighter, better Appalachia with the realities of delivering robust programming. She looks forward to collaborating with partners to bring their visions into focus and into funding.
Brittany Chaber is a Grant/Technical Writer for the WV Grant Resource Centers based in Fayetteville, WV. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her master’s degree in special education from Marshall University. Before her role with the WV Grant Resource Centers, she was the Executive Director of the Piney Creek Watershed Association, where she was responsible for managing multiple grant projects, writing grant proposals, promoting the organization, and managing partnerships. Brittany enjoys participating in her local community and is excited to build grant writing capacity in communities across West Virginia. She volunteers for the New River Alliance of Climbers and Fayette Trail Coalition. In her free time, you’ll likely find her trail running with her dogs, T and Scout. Â
Lexi Browning is a native West Virginian and the Public Relations Coordinator with the WV Grant Resource Centers based in Charleston. She earned her M.A. in Visual Communication: Photojournalism from Ohio University and her B.A. in Online Journalism from Marshall University. Over the last decade, Lexi’s passion for storytelling led her to work in various capacities in journalism, marketing, and communications, gaining experience in copywriting, photography, email marketing, podcast scripting and production, and project management. She is excited to be at the Grant Centers and working among like-minded individuals who are committed to empowering and equipping West Virginians with the tools they need to bring their resilient visions to life. Lexi spends her free time listening to podcasts, reading, bird-watching, and hanging out with her cat.
Technical/Grant Writer (Broadband Workforce Development)
Devon McDaniel is a Grant/Technical Writer- Broadband Workforce at the WV Grant Resource Centers based in Fairmont, WV. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, concentrating on Family and Youth Intervention, Human Services, and Disability Studies at West Virginia University. She then obtained her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. Before joining the WV Grant Resource Centers, she worked at various nonprofits in West Virginia, focusing on building partnerships, capacity building, and grant writing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, CJ. She also loves baking, especially sourdough. She is excited to be part of the team at the WV Grant Resource Centers.
Technical/Grant Writer (WVU)
Moriah Taft is a native West Virginian and a project manager who’s passionate about problem solving. She’s had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, from energy and FBI initiatives to innovative startups. Before she made the jump into project management, she worked in an engineering biometrics lab, which gave her a solid technical foundation that she still leans on today. Her background in Intelligence Analysis, shaped by her studies at American Military University, has helped her approach projects with a strategic mindset always focused on both the big picture and the fine details.
In her current role with the West Virginia Grant Resource Center, Moriah focuses on supporting the grant writing process in any capacity required, ensuring that all needs are effectively met. She specializes in developing and managing project budgets for proposals. Known for her attention to detail and analytical mindset, she brings a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to every project she works on. When she’s not immersed in a project, you’ll likely find her exploring new technologies and interests, spending time with her pets, or working on artistic projects.
Katie Cartwright is a Technical/Grant Writer with the WV Grant Resource Centers. She earned her M.A. in Communication and her B.A. in Strategic Communication from Morehead State University. Prior to her role with the WV Grant Resource Centers, Katie was a Disaster Recovery Planner at Gateway Area Development District focusing on developing grant applications and providing grant project administration for local government entities for projects related to hazard mitigation. In her free time she enjoys reading, going on nature walks, and spending time with her family, friends, and cats.
Laura Tolley is passionate about helping organizations promote their missions and secure the necessary funding to grow and sustain their programs. Prior to stepping into her role as Grant Writer Fellow for the WV Grant Resource Centers, she served as Marketing & Development Director for YWCA Charleston and Donor Relations Officer for Mountaineer Food Bank. Laura enjoys connecting with clients and learning how to best meet their grant application needs. She holds a B.S. in Communications with a minor in Spanish from West Virginia State University. She has served as the pianist for Highlawn Baptist Church for five years. In her free time, Laura enjoys traveling, Broadway musicals and chicken and waffles. She currently resides in Fraziers Bottom with her husband, stepdaughter and their two dogs.
Dylan Cunningham is a Research Data Analyst for Data Driven WV who leverages Natural Language Processing to identify funding opportunities for projects and initiatives throughout West Virginia. Dylan graduated from WVU in the spring of 2024 with a B.S. in Computer Science with an Area of Emphasis in Cybersecurity. During his time as an undergraduate, he worked as a Lewis Fellow through Data Driven WV contributing to projects including the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, discrete event simulation and predictive analytics initiatives for local emergency services, and cybersecurity threat detection in the finance sector. Â Following graduation, he worked for the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WCTSI) developing funding recommendations systems to connect WVU healthcare investigators with federal funding opportunities before returning to DDWV and the Grant Resource Center his experience to causes throughout the state at large. In his free time Dylan is an avid trail runner and enjoys listening to music and podcasts, kickboxing, and weightlifting.
Katelyn Merlin, originally from Whitney Point, New York, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Leadership and a Master of Health Administration at West Virginia University, with minors in Health Data Analytics and Addiction Studies. She has gained experience through internships in leadership, nonprofit operations, and insurance data, as well as through leadership roles on campus in Residence Life and Student Government. Passionate about health equity and community impact, Katelyn plans to pursue a career in healthcare administration with a focus on improving patient care and strengthening community mental health and addiction resources.
Katie McIntyre is a grant writing and communications intern with the Grant Center, where she assists with developing proposals, crafting outreach materials, and supporting community engagement efforts. She is currently pursuing a degree in Professional Writing with a minor in Public Relations at Marshall University. Katie is passionate about using language to build trust and foster meaningful connections between organizations and the public. With a strong interest in ethical communication and storytelling, she plans to build a career as a public relations specialist, helping mission-driven organizations share their work effectively and authentically.
Damilola is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and a volunteer intern with the Grant Resource Center. She is passionate about supporting clients in accessing funding, navigating community resources, and overcoming barriers to assistance. They are currently pursuing a degree in social work, with a focus on community engagement and advocacy. Passionate about social justice and equitable access, Damilola is committed to empowering underserved populations and building stronger, more inclusive support systems. They aim to build a career in community services, helping individuals and communities thrive.
Jennifer Verdugo is a Technical/Grant Writer with the WV Grant Resource Center. She holds a teaching degree and has over three years of experience in grant writing, with her work focused on securing funding for social service programs. Concentrating on grant support in the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia, she has developed competitive proposals for nonprofits, municipalities, and community-based organizations to support initiatives that strengthen communities and address critical needs. Jennifer brings her background in education and her dedication to community service to help expand resources and opportunities across the state.
Advisory Group that has been established specifically for this project, a mix of representatives of key partners, community stakeholders, and subject matter experts on workforce and economic development in the state. The Advisory Group consists of approximately 11 partners representing all regions in the state. We pulled experts from various fields, such as industry, higher education, community, philanthropy, government and service fields. The Advisory Group helps to implement the Grants Centers, establish standard operating procedures, create operational protocols and develop sustainability measures. In addition, the statewide Advisory Group elevates equity in the evaluation of services provided and it is through this lens the development of a structure of assessing the priority of eligible applicants. Also the Advisory Group is responsible for the participation in, and review of progress, outcomes, and outputs. The Grant Centers will host one monthly virtual meeting with the 11-member advisory group to review projects, plan upcoming events, and troubleshoot regularly to strengthen the entire project’s operations. The Advisory Group brainstorms, develops, and implements sustainability measures.
What is the focus of the WV Grant Resource Centers?
Through a full partnership between Marshall University and West Virginia University, the WV Grant Resource Centers will assist communities and other eligible applicants in developing competitive grant applications. The focus is on the pre-award process to help applicants identify funding opportunities, put together competitive proposals, and submit complete application packages.
Is there costs associated with requested services?
No, all services provided by the WV Grant Resource Centers is 100% free
What grant technical assistance does the WV Grant Resource Centers offer?
The WV Grant Resource Centers will provided tailored technical assistance depending on the needs of the applicant. Some examples of technical assistance can be found on our intake form
How are request for assistance considered and what criteria needs to be met?
When reviewing the applications, the co directors will consider the following; The type of application, the type of assistance being requested, the application deadline, the impact of the project as it relates to economic development, infrastructure, and workforce investment and prior assistance.
How are request for assistance captured and when will I receive notice of assistance for the Centers?
Request for assistance can be submitted via our website by completing our application form. All requests will be reviewed in our weekly staff meeting. We ask that you give is 7-10 business days to respond to your request.
Who does the WV Grant Resource Center serve and how does my organization qualify?
The WV Grant Resource Centers will serve the entire state. Any entity in West Virginia with the aim of fulfilling economic satisfaction is eligible for technical assistance.
What types of grant proposals do you assist with?
The WV Grant Resource Centers assist with both government and foundation grants.
Can you guarantee that my organization will receive grant funding?
There is no guarantee you will receive grant funding by working with our team. However, you will be guaranteed a solid foundation for your initiative that can be built upon for future funding opportunities.
What should my organization have ready before requesting assistance?
While there is no set requirement, our team would like to see that you have a project concept as well as a funder. Further details can be found on our application form.
West Virginia Grant Resource Centers will:
- Build the state's proposal development and grant writing capacity.
- Develop state fact sheets on business climate and economic development to use in building grant narratives.
- Host workshops for communities to grow their independent application preparation and grant writing skills.
- Offer grant writing certification so more professionals can obtain this skill.
- Forge relationships with funding agencies and foundations.
- Leverage expertise at the universities to build more competitive grant proposals.
- Capture more private and federal funds for the state.
- Provide state leaders with an annual report on outcomes.