Opportunity Grants
The Community Foundation offers Opportunity Grants of up to $7,000 to help organizations implement projects that will improve their services by:
- Expanding to reach a new or under-served segment of the population
- Addressing a timely community need or opportunity not being addressed by other agencies
- Developing a creative pilot program
- Building the internal capacity of an organization to be more self-sufficient or efficient
- Purchasing equipment that provides immediate and substantial impact.
Deadline to Apply
- Spring Cycle - February 1 for projects that begin after June 1
- Fall Cycle - August 1 for projects that begin after December 1
Eligibility
Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code and public agencies 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, Yancey. Organizations may submit only one Opportunity
Grant application per 12-month period.
Areas of Support
Opportunity Grants are provided for organizations that are:
- Assisting People in Need –- Creating enduring change by reaching the underserved and disadvantaged through early intervention, strengthening individuals and families by meeting basic needs, and helping people facing challenges become more self-sufficient.
- Building Community and Economic Vitality - Providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged people, improving affordable housing, encouraging civic engagement and community improvements, fostering awareness and integration of diverse populations.
- Improving Educational Opportunities - Supporting creative, sustainable approaches to improve learning in the public schools and the community.
- Promoting Quality Health - Extending access to health services, supporting mental health or substance abuse services, and encouraging health and wellness programs.
- Advancing the Arts - Expanding and improving artistic, cultural and heritage offerings at the community level, assisting museums and cultural institutions toward lasting growth and expanded services to the community.
- Enhancing Our Natural Environment - Addressing challenges to our environment through education and initiatives that benefit the quality and sustainability of natural resources.
Funding Restrictions
The Foundation does not make Opportunity Grants, except in rare cases, for: ongoing operating expenses; capital campaigns including feasibility studies and architectural designs; upgrades of current computer equipment; or recreational equipment. The Foundation will not award Opportunity Grants for: support of technology requests to public agencies; festivals or one-time events; scholarships or funding to individuals; activities taking place before grant decisions are made; sectarian religious activities; political purposes; lobbying or legal actions; veteran affairs; endowment; deficit funding or debt retirement. The Foundation does not make grants, except in rare cases, to: private schools and clubs, EMS or fire departments or organized sports programs.
Recent Opportunity Grants
How To Apply
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