[Polk County Community Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org)

June 2026 | September 2026 | March 2027

Typical awards range from under $1,000 to tens of thousands of dollars per project; most grants must be spent within 12 months.

Supports local organizations in hiring AmeriCorps members or similar federally funded service positions to build nonprofit capacity and community impact.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, offered by the Polk County Community Foundation, is designed to help local nonprofit organizations hire AmeriCorps members or other federally funded service positions with similar goals. The program is part of the Foundation’s broader capacity-building efforts, aiming to strengthen the efficiency, expertise, and long-term impact of local nonprofits. Grants are awarded through a competitive and unrestricted process, with funding intended to support organizations in bringing on national-service or service-program personnel to enhance organizational capacity and advance community benefit. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: 2nd Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) - September 2026: 3rd Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: 1st Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards typically range from under $1,000 for small projects to tens of thousands of dollars for larger initiatives. - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of the award notification, though longer periods may be requested in the application. - Funding is competitive and may vary each cycle based on available resources and project scope. --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, and units of government serving Polk County, NC and the surrounding area (including Landrum, SC). - Regional organizations outside Polk County or Landrum should contact the Foundation for eligibility guidance. - Organizations new to the Foundation are encouraged to contact the Foundation early to discuss eligibility and may be subject to a committee review process. - The grant is specifically for organizations seeking to hire AmeriCorps members or other federally funded service positions to strengthen their capacity. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to confirm eligibility and project alignment with Foundation criteria. The LOI form can be completed online via the [Applications page](https://www.polkccf.org/applications). - Eligible applicants may then submit a full application through the Foundation’s online grants portal. One application covers consideration for all competitive grants in the cycle. - The application requires detailed project descriptions, budgets, and may require supporting documents (e.g., bylaws, IRS Form 990). - Deadlines are strict; incomplete or late applications will not be considered. - Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Noah Wood, Director of Grants, for guidance and to review applications in advance of deadlines. --- ## Additional Information - Grant funds cannot be used for fundraising, political activities, or expenses already incurred (except in certain emergency reimbursement situations). - Organizations with overdue final grant reports are ineligible for new funding. - The Foundation provides intense review of applications and may request additional documentation as needed. - All applications must be submitted electronically by the specified deadlines. --- ## External Links - [Polk County Community Foundation Home](https://www.polkccf.org) - [Competitive Grants Program Details](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications & Deadlines](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [2026 Grant Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------| | Noah Wood, Director of Grants | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 x226 | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | General Foundation Contact | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | | | [Contact Form](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) | | | |

AmeriCorps & Other Service Program Positions

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