Wheeling Heritage Awards $7,680 in Partnership Grants to Support Community Projects
WHEELING, W.Va. – August 20, 2026 –Wheeling Heritage has awarded eight Partnership Grants totaling $7,680 to support community-driven projects. The partnership grant program provides funding to projects that align with its mission of being a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling through historic preservation, community development and the arts.
“Wheeling Heritage is honored to support so many incredible Wheeling organizations through this grant program,” says Ellery McGregor, director of programming. “It is truly inspiring to see the innovative projects that apply each round! Supporting efforts like this is at the very heart of our mission, and we are proud to be consistently investing in the people and organizations that help make Wheeling such a strong and vibrant community.”
The Partnership Grant recipients are:
Writers Association of Northern Appalachia Conference – Writers Association of Northern Appalachia: The conference will be held at Wheeling Park and Esoterica and will bring writers and literary enthusiasts together to celebrate the stories, history and creative community of Northern Appalachia while highlighting Wheeling as a destination for arts and culture.
My Wheeling: Building Independence Through Community Exploration – Adria DiLorenzo: The project will connect students with autism in Ritchie Elementary School’s third- through fifth-grades with Wheeling landmarks, historic sites, parks and community spaces. The students will use a “My Wheeling Passport” to explore and document their experiences while learning about Wheeling’s history and building independence.
Chroma Sonic: Rites of Improvisation – Mindi Yarbrough: The three-night performance series will be held at Towngate Theatre and bring together local musicians and visual artists for collaborative performances featuring improvisational music and live painting, along with opportunities for audience interaction.
Celebrate Youth Festival – Youth Services System: Held annually for the past 19 years before the start of each school year at Wheeling Park, the free, family-friendly festival provides children and families with access to park amenities, lunch, school supplies and resources from more than 60 community organizations.
Wheeling Roots: Heritage, Gardening & Community Education at Edelman Garden – The Seeing Hand Association: During the summer of 2027 at Edelman Garden on Wheeling Island, the project will expand educational programming focused on gardening, local heritage, accessibility and environmental sustainability through tours, demonstrations, workshops and community activities, while celebrating the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our community.
Celebrate South Wheeling – Ritchietown Renaissance Inc.: As part of the Ritchie Elementary School 100th anniversary celebration, the project will highlight the significant history of South Wheeling through historic photographs, displays, presentations and activities focused on the neighborhood and its historic district, including its industrial, commercial and residential history.
The Meadow Supper – Midge’s Kitchen/Spore Print Press: Melissa Rebholz (Midge’s Kitchen) and Hannah Hedrick (Spore Print Press) will present a dinner and performance art experience at Grow Ohio Valley’s Meadow on Grandview Street, bringing approximately 40 guests together for a community meal featuring locally grown food and a performance designed to spark conversation about community, local food and Wheeling.
The Urban Collective Public-Facing Signage – The Urban Collective: The Urban Collective will install new professional signage at its downtown Wheeling location to improve the visibility and appearance of its community-centered event and creative space. The project will help make the venue more welcoming and identifiable to patrons, artists, vendors and community members while supporting downtown revitalization.
The next Wheeling Heritage Partnership Grant application cycle will open Oct. 1. More information about Wheeling Heritage’s grant programs and applications is available at wheelingheritage.org/grants.
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
