Eligibility

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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.

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

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• Avery

• Buncombe

• Burke

• Caldwell

• Cherokee

• Clay

• Graham

• Haywood

• Henderson

• Jackson

• Macon

• Madison

• McDowell

• Mitchell

• Polk

• Swain

• Transylvania

• Watauga

• Yancey

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Focus Areas:

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• Child and Youth Development

• Environmental Education/Preservation

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

What We Fund:

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• Capital Campaigns/Major Rebuilding/Land Purchase (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)

 

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

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We Do Not Fund:

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• Operational Expenses (salaries, utilities, etc.)

• 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 

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How to Apply

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

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The application is a 2-step online 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.

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Deadlines for Applying

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• First Round deadline is DECEMBER 15.  Meeting will be held in February.

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

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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 closed.

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