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

June 2026 (2nd Quarter) | September 2026 (3rd Quarter) | March 2027 (1st Quarter)

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

Supports planning, research, and learning activities that lay the groundwork for transformative, community-wide benefit initiatives in Polk County.

--- ## Description These grants are designed to fund planning, research, and learning activities that enable organizations to prepare for major, breakthrough initiatives with the potential for long-term, community-wide benefits in Polk County, North Carolina. Supported activities may include developing models and pilot concepts, conducting studies and research, providing seed money, plan development, attending conferences, or other learning opportunities for organizational staff and board members. The ultimate goal is to help organizations explore and prepare for projects that can significantly improve the quality of life in the region. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: 2nd Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated) - September 2026: 3rd Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated) - March 2027: 1st Quarter competitive grant application deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from under $1,000 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on project scope. - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of award notification, though longer periods may be requested in the application. - Funding is competitive and determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors based on the merits and potential impact of the proposal. --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, and units of government serving Polk County, NC and the surrounding area (including Landrum, SC) are eligible. - Regional organizations outside Polk County or Landrum should contact the Foundation for guidance on eligibility. - Organizations new to the Foundation or without a grantmaking history should contact the Foundation before applying; a committee review may be required. - Projects must demonstrate potential for “game-changing” or breakthrough benefits for the community, with a focus on planning, research, or learning activities. - Grants are not awarded for ongoing programs, operations, maintenance, renovations, or incremental improvements. --- ## Application Process - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online to confirm eligibility and project alignment with grant criteria: [Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) - Eligible organizations may submit a single online application to be considered for all available competitive grants in a given cycle via the [Grants Portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx). - Review the [Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) for detailed instructions and requirements. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Grants, Noah Wood, to discuss project ideas and request feedback on draft applications well ahead of the deadline. - All required materials (including detailed budgets and, if requested, bylaws or financials) must be submitted by the stated deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Grant funds cannot be used for fundraising activities, political or lobbying efforts, scholarships/monetary awards to be given by the applicant organization, or expenses already incurred. - Organizations with overdue grant reports are ineligible for new funding until reports are submitted. - The Foundation’s review process is rigorous and may involve follow-up requests for additional information. --- ## External Links - [Polk County Community Foundation Competitive Grants Page](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications & Deadlines](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [Grant Guidelines & Funds for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF)](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Info | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | | Director of Grants (Noah Wood) | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | | Phone | 828-859-5314 | | Address | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 |

Bradley Planning and Studies for Breakthrough Benefits

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