Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

How to Apply for an Opportunity Grant

1. Access Community Foundation Staff Assistance

The staff of The Community Foundation is available and eager to assist you as you develop your proposal. For general information, please contact Virginia Dollar by email or by phone: (828) 254-4960.

Beth Maczka is also available via phone or email to provide personalized assistance to organizations.

2. Submit an Opportunity Grant Application

You may request an application form be mailed to you or you may access the forms by clicking the following links:

Opportunity Grant Application

CFWNC Grant Application Cover Page (required by all applicants)

CFWNC Grant Application Instructions (review to ensure you have submitted all required attachments for your grant application.)

CFWNC Sample Project Budget

Grantseekers must submit a completed application to the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the date of the deadline. Refer to "CFWNC Grant Application Instructions" for details on submitting a complete application. Applications may also be mailed to the Foundation’s post office box but must be received in the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on the deadline. Faxed and/or emailed applications are not accepted as official submission. Your organization will receive notification of the receipt of your application within two weeks following the application deadline. If you do not receive a notification, please contact Virginia Dollar at the Foundation.

3. Participate in the Review Process

Applications are screened for completeness, clarity and compliance with eligibility requirements, and are acknowledged in writing. Proposals are then considered according to their match with the Foundation’s priorities, the availability of funds for the stated purposes, the applicants’ capabilities, and the potential benefits to the community. Staff may request a phone conversation or site visit during the review period. Grant proposals are evaluated by a review committee, approved by the CFWNC Board, and funding decisions are announced within four months of the application date.