People in Need Grants
Grant Guidelines
The Community Foundation offers People in Need Grants up to $20,000 for outstanding projects that promise significant impact for economically disadvantaged people in our mountain communities. Grants are funded in part by the Janirve Legacy Fund and CFWNC affiliate funds and fundholders.
Who May Apply
- Organizations whose mission or programs focus on serving economically disadvantaged people
- Organizations that are financially sustainable
- Tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities are eligible to apply for these grants
- Organizations must be located in or serving one or more of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey
- Organizations that have not received a People in Need (Janirve Legacy Fund) grant the previous year
People in Need Objectives
- Tackling a timely community need or opportunity not being addressed by other agencies
- Broadening to reach a new or under-served segment of the population
- Replicating or expanding model or proven programs
- Increasing cooperation and coordination among program providers
- Building the internal capacity of an organization to be more self-sufficient or efficient
- Purchasing equipment that provides immediate and substantial impact
What We Do Not Fund
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general operating expenses (except for specific costs including staffing directly related to the proposed project)
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capital support
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recreational programs and equipment such as playgrounds
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private schools and clubs
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festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers
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scholarships or direct support of individuals including one-time emergency assistance
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activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made
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sectarian religious purposes
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partisan purposes
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endowment, deficit funding or debt retirement
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state or national organizations, unless funding is sought for a portion of the program that directly benefits WNC, and local people assume leadership
How to Apply for a People in Need Grant
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Review People in Need Guidelines.
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Submit a People in Need Letter of Intent by 5 pm on August 1. The Letter of Intent is an online process and are for projects beginning after December 1.
Begin the online process.
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Organizations will be contacted In mid August if they are selected to submit a full application. Applications are due by September 6 for a funding decision in November.
Additional Information
Contact Virginia Dollar by email, phone (828) 254-4960.