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

June 2026 | September 2026 | March 2027

Up to $3,000 for small, single events; up to $8,000 for a series or large single event likely to attract 100+ people.

Supports local organizations hosting free, in-person events that foster community connections and social interaction in Polk County.

--- ## Description The Free Community Events grant program, offered by the Polk County Community Foundation, is designed to strengthen community bonds by supporting organizations that host free, face-to-face social gatherings for local residents. Events must be entirely free to the public and should foster connections, encourage conversations, and bring together neighbors in Polk County, North Carolina (and nearby Landrum, SC). Eligible events can include entertainment, healthy living banquets, children’s programs, or other activities that promote common interests, healthy lifestyles, use of public spaces, and inclusion of diverse community members. The program aims to help residents meet, interact, and build lasting relationships, enhancing the quality of life in the area. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline for 2nd Quarter competitive grants, including Free Community Events - September 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline for 3rd Quarter competitive grants, including Free Community Events - March 2027 (anticipated): Full application deadline for 1st Quarter competitive grants, including Free Community Events *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $3,000 for small, single events - Up to $8,000 for a series of events or a large single event likely to attract 100 or more local people - Most grants must be spent within 12 months of award notification (extensions may be requested) --- ## Eligibility - Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public school systems, and units of government serving Polk County, NC and Landrum, SC. - Regional organizations based outside Polk County or Landrum should contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility. - New organizations or those without a grantmaking history must undergo a committee review. - Events must: - Be entirely free (no admission, sales, or solicitation for contributions) - Be publicized locally (not intended to attract out-of-area visitors) - Promote social interaction among local residents - Not serve as tourism, economic development, information fairs, or primarily promote the applicant organization --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Intent:** Submit a brief form online to confirm organizational and project eligibility. [Letter of Intent Form](https://forms.gle/p9XakFYfJ24Dp4b79) 2. **Full Application:** Eligible organizations will complete and submit the general grant application via the Foundation’s online grants portal. [Grants Portal](https://polkgrants.communityforce.com/Login.aspx) 3. **Consultation:** Applicants are encouraged to contact the Director of Grants for guidance and to review applications before submission. 4. **Deadlines:** Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the anticipated due dates. 5. **Review:** Applications undergo committee review; funding decisions are typically available at least 30 days before the proposed event date. --- ## Additional Information - Events may not include sales, fundraising, or recognition of sponsors. - All events must be publicized in local Polk County and Landrum media only. - Organizations with overdue final grant reports are ineligible until reporting is complete. - Grant funds cannot be used for expenses already incurred, political activities, or scholarships/monetary awards to be given by the applicant organization. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Competitive Grants](https://www.polkccf.org/competitive-grants) - [Applications & Deadlines](https://www.polkccf.org/applications) - [2026 Grant Guidelines & Funds PDF](https://www.polkccf.org/s/2026_GrantGuidelines.pdf) - [Contact the Foundation](https://www.polkccf.org/contact-the-foundation) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Address | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------| | Director of Grants: Noah Wood | [grants@polkccf.org](mailto:grants@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 x226 | 255 South Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782 | | General Inquiries | [foundation@polkccf.org](mailto:foundation@polkccf.org) | 828-859-5314 | | Office hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 am–4:00 pm; Fri 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Free Community Events

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