top of page

Application Guidelines

Eligibility

The organization must be a charitable non-profit organization that is recognized by the IRS as a 501 ( c ) 3 public charity.  A copy of the IRS determination letter is a requirement.

Projects serving one or more of these Western North Carolina counties:

  • Avery

  • Buncombe

  • Burke

  • Caldwell

  • Cherokee

  • Clay

  • Graham

  • Haywood

  • Henderson

  • Jackson

  • Macon

  • Madison

  • McDowell

  • Mitchell

  • Polk

  • Swain

  • Transylvania

  • Watauga

  • Yancey

Focus Areas:
  • Child and Youth Development

  • Environmental Education and Preservation

*****A detailed description of each funding area is available on the application.*****

What We Fund:

  • Capital Campaigns/Major Rebuilding (Requests up to $200,000)

  • Minor Construction and Renovation Material Expenses (Requests up to $100,000)

  • Program Supplies or Equipment (Requests up to $50,000)

  • Non-Tangible Support (Requests up to $25,000)

 

*****We generally fund tangible items and materials to support the funding areas above.*****

What We Will Not Fund:

  • Renovation to rented/leased spaces

  • Political lobbying/campaigns

  • Website development, advertising/marketing, memberships

  • Consumables or one-time-usage items (i.e. clothing, marketing items, water bottles, etc.)

  • Loans or loan payoffs/deficit financing 

How to Apply

Our application process is online only through our grant portal. Mailed or emailed applications will not be considered. 

The application is a 2-step process. A Letter of Interest (LOI) is the first step in our online application process.  Once reviewed, applicants will be notified about submitting a full proposal via email. A full proposal must be submitted by the dates outlined below to be considered for funding.

Deadlines for Applying

  • First Quarter deadline is DECEMBER 12.  Meeting will be held in February.

  • Second Quarter deadline is APRIL 10.  Meeting will be held in June.

A full proposal must be submitted in the online system by these dates.  If submitted after the April deadline, your proposal will not be considered for funding and will be deleted.

Children Playing

2026 Application is Closed.

bottom of page