Asheville Merchants Fund
Forecasted
Asheville Merchants Fund supports organizations' economic development, training, and workforce support projects to expand economic opportunity and improve quality of life in Buncombe County.
Funder: Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2029 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $35,000 annually over three years; approximately six to eight awards per cycle
Summary: Supports projects that strengthen economic opportunity and improve quality of life in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Key Information: Applicants must already be established in or serving Buncombe County, and projects must provide direct economic benefit there.
Description
The Asheville Merchants Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), supports projects and programs that improve quality of life in Buncombe County by strengthening the local economy. Funded work must contribute to economic growth, educational advancement, social welfare, or cultural vitality. The Fund supports organizations with the capacity and vision to carry out integrated, multi-faceted efforts.
Priorities include emerging local economies and home-grown businesses, entrepreneurial access to training and capital, and workforce preparation for in-demand jobs—especially living-wage work. The Fund also values flexible or non-traditional training, financial education and asset development, and services such as transportation, literacy, and dependent care that help people participate fully in the workforce.
